Baked Goat Cheese Appetizer with Dried Figs and Caramelized Onions
This baked goat cheese appetizer combines creamy goat cheese with sweet dried figs, caramelized onions, garlic, rosemary, and toasted pine nuts for an irresistible sweet-and-savory appetizer. Since it uses dried figs, you can enjoy it year-round for everything from holiday entertaining to casual dinner parties. Serve warm with toasted baguette slices, crisp apples, pears, or your favorite crackers.
Servings: 10
Calories: 177kcal
Ingredients
- 1 pound goat cheese
- 10 dried Mission figs sliced and then rough chopped
- ¼ cup dry sherry
- 2 Tbsps olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion thinly sliced
- 6 garlic cloves crushed
- 2 rosemary sprigs plus extra for garnish
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- 2 Tbsps pinenuts toasted
For Dipping:
- One sliced toasted baguette, or pear slices, or fuji apple slices, or all of these!
Instructions
- Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Crumble the goat cheese into a small oven-safe baking dish and set aside.1 pound goat cheese
- Plump the figs. In a small saucepan, combine the dried figs, sherry, and enough water to barely cover the figs. Bring just to a simmer over medium-high heat, then cover, remove from the heat, and let the figs soften while you prepare the onions.10 dried Mission figs, ¼ cup dry sherry
- Caramelize the onions. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook for about 2 minutes until they begin to soften. Stir in the crushed garlic, rosemary sprigs, kosher salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes, or until the onions are soft and nicely caramelized.2 Tbsps olive oil, 1 large yellow onion, 6 garlic cloves, 2 rosemary sprigs, 1 tsp kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper
- Finish the topping. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the softened figs to the skillet, leaving the soaking liquid behind. Stir the figs into the onion mixture until well combined.
- Assemble and bake. Spoon the warm fig and onion mixture evenly over the goat cheese and sprinkle with the toasted pine nuts. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the goat cheese is hot and the edges are bubbling.2 Tbsps pinenuts
- Serve. Garnish with additional fresh rosemary, if desired, and serve immediately with toasted baguette slices, pear slices, apple slices, crackers, or a combination of your favorites.One sliced toasted baguette, or pear slices, or fuji apple slices, or all of these!
Notes
- Use dried Mission figs for the richest flavor and chewy texture. They make this recipe easy to enjoy any time of year.
- Don't rush the onions. Taking the time to caramelize them develops their natural sweetness and creates the best flavor.
- Toast the pine nuts before adding them for extra crunch and a deeper, nuttier flavor.
- Make ahead: Prepare the fig and onion topping up to 2 days in advance. Refrigerate, then spoon over the goat cheese and bake just before serving.
- Try it beyond appetizers. Leftovers are delicious served over grilled pork chops, pork tenderloin, steak, roasted chicken, or even baked potatoes.
Nutrition
Serving: 10g | Calories: 177kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 21mg | Sodium: 401mg | Potassium: 95mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 476IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 84mg | Iron: 1mg