Why You’ll Love This Recipe
With just five simple ingredients, this appetizer is incredibly easy to prepare yet looks and tastes impressive. The combination of warm, creamy goat cheese with fruity apricot jam and the crunch of pistachios creates a delightful balance of flavors and textures. It’s perfect for entertaining or a quick, elegant snack.
ingredients
- 300g (10 oz) goat cheese log, sliced into ½ inch rounds
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ cup apricot jam or preserves
- ¼ cup chopped salted pistachios, divided
- Optional: fresh thyme for garnish
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place goat cheese rounds on a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes until soft and slightly golden.
- Remove from oven and spoon apricot jam over each round.
- Sprinkle with half the chopped pistachios and return to oven for 2–3 minutes.
- Garnish with remaining pistachios and fresh thyme if using. Serve warm.
Servings and timing
- Yield: 6 servings
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 12 minutes
- Total time: 17 minutes
Variations
- Substitute apricot jam with fig jam or hot pepper jelly for a different flavor twist.
- Use toasted almonds or walnuts instead of pistachios for a nutty variation.
- Add a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze before serving for extra sweetness or tang.
- Serve with crostini, crackers, or crusty bread for dipping.
storage/reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a warm oven for a few minutes before serving. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent cheese from becoming too runny.
FAQs
Can I use goat cheese crumbles instead of a log?
Using a log works best for even slices, but you can crumble and bake goat cheese balls as an alternative.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the rounds and refrigerate until ready to bake.
What type of apricot jam works best?
Choose a high-quality apricot jam or preserves with a good balance of sweetness and tartness.
Can I use a different nut instead of pistachios?
Yes, chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans work well too.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it contains no meat or animal-derived gelatin.
Can I use dairy-free cheese?
You can try a plant-based cheese, but texture and flavor will differ.
Can I add herbs or spices?
Fresh thyme is recommended, but rosemary or basil would also pair nicely.
How do I prevent the cheese from spreading too much?
Use a small, oven-safe dish that keeps cheese rounds close together.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, just serve with gluten-free crackers or bread.
How should I serve this appetizer?
Serve warm with crostini, crackers, or sliced baguette for dipping.
Conclusion
This Creamy Apricot Goat Cheese Bake is an elegant yet simple appetizer that impresses with its combination of creamy, sweet, and crunchy elements. Ready in under 20 minutes and made with only five ingredients, it’s a perfect choice for entertaining or a special snack. The balance of flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to make again and again.
Print
Creamy Apricot Goat Cheese Bake (Only 5 Ingredients!)
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
An elegant and simple appetizer featuring creamy baked goat cheese rounds topped with sweet apricot jam and crunchy salted pistachios, made with only five ingredients.
Ingredients
300g (10 oz) goat cheese log, sliced into ½ inch rounds
1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
½ cup apricot jam or preserves
¼ cup chopped salted pistachios, divided
Optional: fresh thyme for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place goat cheese rounds on a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes until soft and slightly golden.
- Remove from oven and spoon apricot jam over each round.
- Sprinkle with half the chopped pistachios and return to oven for 2–3 minutes.
- Garnish with remaining pistachios and fresh thyme if using. Serve warm.
Notes
Substitute apricot jam with fig jam or hot pepper jelly for different flavor.
Use toasted almonds or walnuts instead of pistachios for nutty variation.
Add a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze before serving for extra sweetness or tang.
Serve with crostini, crackers, or crusty bread for dipping.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheat gently in a warm oven; avoid microwave to prevent cheese from becoming runny.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 2 rounds)
- Calories: Approx. 180-220 kcal
- Sugar: Approx. 8-10g
- Sodium: Approx. 150-200mg
- Fat: Approx. 14-16g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 7-9g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 5-7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 10-12g
- Fiber: Approx. 1g
- Protein: Approx. 6-8g
- Cholesterol: Approx. 25-30mg
