One bite of this goat cheese appetizer and your taste buds will be in heaven! It’s sweet, savory, and you will not want to stop eating it. This is why I recommend serving to guests. Otherwise you might just end up eating the whole thing yourself (no one will judge you).
I made this once for a wine tasting party, and it was the first thing that disappeared. Everyone (and I mean everyone) was raving about it and asking for the recipe! So I had to make it again to share with you.
The combination of creamy and savory goat cheese paired with sweet apricot preserves, lightly salted and crunchy almonds, hints of fresh herbs, and a drizzle of honey creates the perfect balance of flavors.
Bonus: it’s incredibly easy to make! You can have this ready to go in 15 minutes. Be sure to read through all my tips below to make putting this appetizer together a breeze.
Why You’ll Love This Goat Cheese Appetizer
- A beautiful balance of sweet, savory, and creamy flavors
- Quick and easy – comes together in minutes
- Elegant for entertaining, simple to prepare
- Minimal ingredients with maximum flavor
- Perfect for gatherings and holidays
Ingredients
Goat cheese log: Creamy and tangy, the base of the dish. This recipe calls for a 10 ounce log, but I’ve seen anywhere from 8 to 12 ounces in stores. Any of these sizes will work.
Apricot preserves: Adds sweetness and a glossy base
Lightly salted almonds: Gives a satisfying crunch and hint of saltiness
Dried apricots: Enhances the fruity flavor profile without adding much more sweetness (the preserves and honey are sweet enough!)
Fresh herbs: Brighten and balance the richness
Honey: Brings everything together with a light sweetness
How to Make Honey-Drizzled Goat Cheese with Apricots and Salted Almonds
Prep ingredients: Chop the dried apricots into small pieces and finely chop the herbs.
Crush almonds: Roughly crush the almonds in a zip-top bag using a mallet or heavy glass.
Mix toppings: Combine the almonds, apricots, and herbs.
Prepare the base: Spread the apricot preserves onto a serving platter and place the goat cheese log on top. You want just enough preserves to extend past the size of the goat cheese log.
Coat the cheese: Press the mixture onto the goat cheese, covering the top and sides.
Drizzle and serve: Finish with a drizzle of honey and serve immediately with crackers and sliced apples.
Tip: You can prepare about 30 minutes ahead of entertaining by loosely covering and storing in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Any longer though, and you’ll want to wait to add the almond mixture and honey so the almonds don’t lose their crunchiness.
How to Serve
This appetizer is best served fresh, when the goat cheese is slightly softened but still firm and the flavors are at their peak.
Serving ideas:
- Crackers or pita chips
- Mini toasts (usually found in the deli section)
- Crostini or toasted baguette slices
- Sliced apples (slice these right before serving, so they don’t start to brown)
Wine & Beverage Pairings
Sauvignon Blanc is the gold standard wine to serve alongside fresh goat cheese. Since it has higher acidity and citrusy, herbal notes, it will help cut through the creamy, sticky texture of the cheese. The result is that your mouth will feel cleansed and refreshed after every sip, making the next bite just as vibrant and flavorful as the first!
For a sweeter drink, sparkling Moscato will enhance the fruit flavors while the bubbles will refresh your palate. Dry rosé is an excellent choice for summer entertaining, offering a light berry contrast that doesn’t overpower the dish.
For alternative pairings, a lavender or elderflower lemonade provides a sophisticated, floral note. Sparkling apple or pear juice work beautifully. Iced hibiscus or peach tea provide tannins similar to wine.
If you prefer beer, a Belgian-style wheat beer (witbier) or Hefeweizen have citrus and spice notes that pair perfectly with the tangy cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of nut?
Yes — walnuts or pecans would work in place of almonds.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can chop the apricots and herbs ahead of time, and crush the almonds in advance. Assemble just before serving for the best presentation and results.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
You can skip them or use a small amount (about half a teaspoon) of dried herbs, though fresh gives the best flavor.
Goat Cheese Apricot Spread
Equipment
- serving platter
Ingredients
- 5 dried apricots (chopped)
- 2 Tbsp fresh basil or parsley (finely chopped)
- ¼ cup almonds (lightly salted and roughly crushed)
- ⅓ cup apricot preserves
- 10 oz goat cheese log (chilled)
- 1 Tbsp honey (for drizzling)
For serving:
- crackers, mini toasts, or bagel chips
- apple slices
Instructions
- Chop the dried apricots and finely chop the fresh herbs (basil or parsley).
- Place the salted almonds in a zip-top bag. Using a meat mallet or bottom of a heavy glass, gently crush them until they are roughly chopped.
- Add the chopped apricots and herbs to the crushed almonds, zip the bag, and toss until well combined.
- On a medium serving platter, spread the apricot reserves into an even layer that is a bit larger than the size of the cheese log. Place goat cheese log directly on top of the preserves.
- Using your hands, gently press the almond mixture onto the top and sides of the goat cheese until it is evenly coated.
- Drizzle the honey over the top of the log. Serve immediately with a side of crackers and freshly sliced apples.
Notes
Prep Tip:
- If the goat cheese is too soft to handle, pop it in the freezer for 5-10 minutes before coating to firm it up.
Make ahead:
- You can prepare the almond, fruit, and herb mixture up to a day in advance.
- Wait to coat the cheese until ready to serve to keep the almonds crunchy.
To store:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Although it will still taste good, the almonds will lose their crunchiness so this is best eaten immediately.
Did You Make This Recipe?
Let us know in the comments below and share a photo on Facebook or Instagram. Mention or tag @countrygardensandtable!
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