Description
This elegant appetizer features creamy baked goat cheese topped with sweet, deeply caramelized onions and a luscious fig jam base. It’s a perfect crowd-pleaser that combines tangy, sweet, and savory flavors, ideal for serving with crackers or toasted bread at gatherings or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese and Jam
- 8 oz goat cheese (log form)
- 1/2 cup fig jam
Caramelized Onions
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
Garnish
- Fresh thyme leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get ready for baking the goat cheese.
- Caramelize Onions: In a skillet over medium-low heat, add olive oil, butter, thinly sliced onions, salt, and sugar if using. Cook slowly for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become deeply golden and caramelized. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Spread the fig jam evenly on the bottom of a small baking dish, creating a sweet base for the goat cheese.
- Add Goat Cheese: Place the goat cheese log on top of the fig jam and gently spread it to partially cover the jam, allowing some fig flavor to peek through.
- Top with Onions: Spoon the caramelized onions over the goat cheese, distributing them evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes until the goat cheese is warmed through and the topping is bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh thyme leaves if desired. Serve warm with crackers or toasted bread.
Notes
- Cooking onions slowly over low heat is key to developing rich caramelized flavor.
- The optional sugar in the onions enhances caramelization but can be omitted for less sweetness.
- Fig jam adds a sweet contrast that pairs beautifully with the tangy goat cheese.
- Fresh thyme adds an herbal note that complements the richness.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
