Simple Goat Cheese Log with Fig Jam

Here is my favorite goat cheese log recipe, with creamy tangy goat cheese rolled in fresh herbs, and topped with sweet fig jam that pairs perfectly with crackers or crusty bread.

This goat cheese log is my go-to appetizer when we have friends over for dinner. I always make it a few hours ahead so the flavors can blend together. It disappears so fast that I’ve learned to make two logs just in case!

What Kind of Goat Cheese Should I Use?

For this recipe, you’ll want to pick up a plain goat cheese log from your grocery store’s cheese section – most brands will work perfectly fine. Look for one that feels firm but not rock-hard when you gently press it, which means it’s fresh and will spread nicely. If you can only find goat cheese in a tub or container, that works too, just shape it into a log on your serving plate. The tangy flavor of goat cheese pairs beautifully with the sweet fig jam, so don’t worry too much about finding a fancy artisanal brand – even the standard grocery store options will give you great results.

Options for Substitutions

This simple appetizer is pretty forgiving when it comes to swaps:

• Pistachios: No pistachios? Try chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds instead. They’ll give you that same nice crunch and nutty flavor.
• Goat cheese: I’d stick with goat cheese here since it’s really the star of the show, but if you absolutely can’t find it, cream cheese will work in a pinch – though the flavor will be much milder.
• Fig jam: Any fruit preserves work great here! Try apricot jam, cherry preserves, or even orange marmalade. Just pick something with a bit of sweetness to balance the tangy cheese.
• Hot honey: Regular honey mixed with a pinch of red pepper flakes does the trick if you can’t find hot honey. You could also drizzle plain honey and add a tiny sprinkle of cayenne pepper.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

The biggest mistake when making a goat cheese log is using cheese straight from the fridge, which makes it nearly impossible to spread smoothly and often results in cracked, messy presentation – let your goat cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

Another common error is being too heavy-handed with the fig jam, which can overpower the creamy, tangy flavor of the cheese, so start with a thin layer and add more if needed.

Don’t forget to toast your pistachios lightly in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes before chopping them, as this brings out their natural oils and adds a much better crunch to your appetizer.

Finally, drizzle the hot honey sparingly right before serving rather than letting it sit, since the honey can make everything soggy if applied too early.

What to Serve With Goat Cheese Log?

This goat cheese log is perfect for entertaining and pairs beautifully with a variety of crackers – I love using water crackers, baguette slices, or even some crispy pita chips. Fresh fruit like sliced pears, grapes, or figs make great companions since they complement the sweet fig jam and creamy goat cheese so well. Don’t forget to add some cured meats like prosciutto or salami to create a proper charcuterie spread, and maybe throw in some mixed nuts or olives to round out the flavors. A glass of white wine or prosecco is the perfect finishing touch for this appetizer!

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate: Keep your goat cheese log covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. I like to wrap it loosely in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container so it doesn’t pick up any other flavors from the fridge.

Make Ahead: This appetizer is actually perfect for making a day ahead! Assemble everything except the pistachios, then add those crunchy nuts right before serving so they don’t get soggy. Your guests will think you’re so put-together when you pull this beauty out of the fridge.

Serve: Take the goat cheese log out of the fridge about 15-20 minutes before serving to let it soften up a bit. This makes it so much easier to spread on crackers or bread, and the flavors really come alive at room temperature.

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	0-0 minutes
Total Time	10-15 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

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

• Calories: 600-700
• Protein: 15-20 g
• Fat: 45-50 g
• Carbohydrates: 40-50 g

Ingredients

• 1 goat cheese log (about 4 oz, I like Cypress Grove brand)
• Mike’s hot honey (for a sweet and spicy kick)
• 1/4 cup shelled pistachios (halved for better coverage)
• 3-4 tbsp fig preserves (Bonne Maman is a good choice for ease)

Step 1: Chop the Pistachios

• 1/4 cup shelled pistachios

Finely chop 1/4 cup of shelled pistachios into small pieces.

Set aside for garnishing the goat cheese later on.

Step 2: Prepare the Goat Cheese Log

• 1 goat cheese log

Place the goat cheese log on your serving plate.

Ensure it’s centered and ready for toppings.

Step 3: Spread Fig Preserves

• 3–4 tbsp Bonne Maman fig preserves
• goat cheese log (from Step 2)

Evenly spread 3–4 tablespoons of fig preserves over the top of the goat cheese log, ensuring an even layer for a sweet and fruity base.

Step 4: Top with Chopped Pistachios

• chopped pistachios (from Step 1)
• goat cheese log with fig preserves (from Step 3)

Sprinkle the chopped pistachios (from Step 1) over the fig-covered goat cheese, pressing them lightly so they adhere to the preserves.

Step 5: Drizzle with Hot Honey

• Mike’s Hot Honey
• assembled goat cheese log (from Step 4)

Drizzle Mike’s Hot Honey generously over the entire goat cheese log.

I like to add an extra drizzle for a sweet and spicy kick that really elevates the flavors.

Step 6: Serve

Serve the prepared goat cheese log immediately with your favorite crackers or bread.

Enjoy this flavorful and easy appetizer at your next gathering.