10-Minute Cream Cheese And Fig Jam Appetizer

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Finding a crowd-pleasing appetizer for parties and get-togethers can feel like a real puzzle. Between juggling different dietary preferences and trying to avoid spending hours in the kitchen, it’s easy to get stuck in a rut of chips and store-bought dips, especially during busy holiday seasons when time is already tight.

That’s why this cream cheese and fig jam appetizer has become my reliable go-to: it’s quick to put together, needs just a handful of ingredients, and always gets positive reviews from guests. Plus, it’s one of those flexible recipes that works just as well for casual afternoon snacking as it does for fancier evening gatherings.

What Kind of Goat Cheese Should I Use?

For this appetizer, you’ll want to look for plain, soft goat cheese (sometimes labeled as chèvre) that comes in a log or tub form. Fresh goat cheese has a creamy texture that’s perfect for spreading and mixing with cream cheese, while aged varieties would be too firm for this recipe. Most grocery stores carry several brands in the specialty cheese section – any of them will work well here. If you find the flavor of goat cheese too strong, try a milder variety labeled as “mild” or “young,” which tends to have a more subtle taste. Just make sure your goat cheese is at room temperature before mixing, as this will make it much easier to blend smoothly with the cream cheese.

Options for Substitutions

This easy appetizer is super adaptable – here’s how you can switch things up:

• Goat cheese: Not everyone loves goat cheese’s tangy taste. You can use all cream cheese instead, or try mascarpone for a milder, creamy option. Ricotta also works well when drained and mixed with a bit of salt.
• Fig jam: Can’t find fig jam? Try apricot preserves, honey, or even pepper jelly for a spicy kick. Each will give you that sweet contrast that makes this appetizer so good.
• Fresh figs: When fresh figs aren’t in season, you can use dried figs soaked in warm water for 10 minutes, thinly sliced pears, or skip them altogether – the appetizer is still great with just the jam!
• Crackers: Any sturdy cracker works here – water crackers, butter crackers, or even sliced baguette. For a gluten-free option, try rice crackers or cucumber rounds.
• Dried parsley: Feel free to swap this with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives. You could also try a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for garnish.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Preparing

The biggest challenge when making this appetizer is working with cold cheese – letting both the goat cheese and cream cheese come to room temperature for at least 30 minutes will make blending smooth and prevent lumpy spots that can ruin the presentation.

When spreading the cheese mixture, avoid pressing too hard on the crackers as they can break easily – instead, use a butter knife or small spatula to gently spread a thick layer, leaving a small border around the edges.

The fig jam can make crackers soggy if prepared too far in advance, so it’s best to assemble these no more than 2 hours before serving, and if using fresh figs, slice them just before placing on top to prevent browning.

For the perfect balance of flavors, try warming the fig jam slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to make it more spreadable and easier to distribute evenly across the cheese mixture.

What to Serve With Fig and Cheese Appetizers?

These creamy cheese and fig appetizers are perfect for starting off a dinner party or wine night with friends! They pair wonderfully with a glass of crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio, or if you prefer red, try a light Pinot Noir that won’t overpower the delicate fig flavor. To round out your appetizer spread, add some honey-roasted nuts, fresh grape clusters, and maybe some thin slices of prosciutto for a Mediterranean touch. If you’re hosting a larger gathering, consider setting up a small cheese board alongside these bites with some complementary items like olives, dried apricots, and a chunk of honeycomb.

Storage Instructions

Assemble Later: For the best results, you can prepare the cheese mixture up to 2 days ahead and store it separately from the crackers. When you’re ready to serve, just take the cheese out of the fridge about 30 minutes before to let it soften, then assemble your appetizers with the fig jam and fresh figs.

Keep Fresh: If you have any leftover cheese mixture, pop it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The fresh figs should be stored separately in the fridge and used within 2-3 days. Once assembled, these appetizers are best enjoyed right away, as the crackers can get soggy if stored with toppings.

Serving Tip: These appetizers work best when assembled just before serving. If you’re taking them to a party, pack the components separately and put them together at your destination – this way everything stays fresh and crispy!

Preparation Time	5-10 minutes
Cooking Time	0 minutes
Total Time	5-10 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 600-700
• Protein: 20-25 g
• Fat: 35-40 g
• Carbohydrates: 60-70 g

Ingredients

• 1 box crackers
• 8 oz fresh goat cheese
• 2 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup fig preserves
• 3 to 4 ripe figs, sliced thin
• Dried parsley for garnish (optional)

Step 1: Whip the Cheeses

• 8 oz fresh goat cheese
• 2 oz cream cheese, softened

In a medium bowl, combine the fresh goat cheese and softened cream cheese.

Using a hand mixer or a whisk, whip the cheeses together until they are fluffy and well-blended, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture.

Step 2: Assemble the Crackers

• 1 box crackers
• whipped cheese mixture from Step 1
• 1/4 cup fig preserves
• 3 to 4 ripe figs, sliced thin

Arrange the crackers on a serving plate.

Using a small spoon or butter knife, spread about 1/2 tablespoon of the whipped cheese mixture from Step 1 onto each cracker.

Next, add a small dollop of fig preserves over the cheese, then top with a thin slice of fresh fig.

Step 3: Garnish and Serve

• dried parsley for garnish (optional)

Sprinkle the assembled crackers with dried parsley for a pop of color and a hint of herbal flavor, if desired.

Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh, sweet, and tangy bites!

I like to use dried parsley for a bit of extra color, but you could also try fresh herbs for a brighter finish.