Pistachio-Crusted Goat Cheese Bites with Fig Honey Glaze Recipe

Introduction

Pistachio-Crusted Goat Cheese Bites with Fig Honey Glaze are a delightful appetizer combining creamy goat cheese, crunchy nuts, and a sweet, tangy glaze. Perfect for entertaining or a special snack, these bites offer a beautiful balance of textures and flavors.

Ingredients

• 200g goat cheese (soft, log-style)
• ¼ cup crushed pistachios
• 1 tbsp chopped chives or parsley (optional)
• Fresh thyme (for garnish)
• Baguette, sliced and toasted (for serving)
• Crackers or crostini (for serving)
• 3 tbsp fig preserves
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp balsamic vinegar (optional, for depth)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, mash the goat cheese until smooth and pliable.
2. Step 2: Using damp hands, roll the cheese into 10–12 small balls.
3. Step 3: Mix crushed pistachios with the chopped chives or parsley if using, then roll each cheese ball in the mixture until fully coated.
4. Step 4: Chill the coated cheese bites in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes to firm up.
5. Step 5: While chilling, toast baguette slices in the oven until golden and crisp.
6. Step 6: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine fig preserves, honey, and balsamic vinegar if using. Stir gently until the mixture is smooth and slightly runny—avoid boiling.
7. Step 7: Spoon the warm fig honey glaze over each chilled goat cheese bite and garnish with a small sprig of fresh thyme.
8. Step 8: Serve immediately with toasted baguette slices, crackers, or crostini for a delicious appetizer.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder nutty flavor, substitute pistachios with finely chopped walnuts or pecans.
• Add a pinch of black pepper or red chili flakes to the cheese for a subtle spicy kick.
• If fresh herbs aren’t available, dried herbs can be used but reduce the quantity to avoid overpowering.
• Serve with a variety of crackers or toasted nuts for added texture contrast.
• Make the glaze ahead and gently reheat before serving for convenience.

Storage

Store any leftover cheese bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The pistachio coating may soften over time. Keep the fig honey glaze separately in a small jar and gently warm it before drizzling when ready to serve.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use another type of cheese instead of goat cheese?

Yes, cream cheese or ricotta can be used as a milder alternative, but the texture and tanginess will differ slightly from goat cheese.

Is it necessary to chill the cheese bites before serving?

Chilling helps the cheese balls firm up and the coating to set, making them easier to handle and eat. It also enhances the overall texture.

Pistachio-Crusted Goat Cheese Bites with Fig Honey Glaze Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 83 reviews

These Pistachio-Crusted Goat Cheese Bites with Fig Honey Glaze are a perfect blend of creamy goat cheese, crunchy pistachios, and a sweet, tangy glaze. Ideal for elegant appetizers, these bite-sized treats offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors, complemented by toasted baguette slices or crackers.

• Author: Sana
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese Balls

• 200g goat cheese (soft, log-style)
• ¼ cup crushed pistachios
• 1 tbsp chopped chives or parsley (optional)
• Fresh thyme (for garnish)

For Serving

• Baguette, sliced and toasted
• Crackers or crostini

Fig-Honey Glaze

• 3 tbsp fig preserves
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp balsamic vinegar (optional, for depth)

Instructions

1. Prepare Goat Cheese Balls: In a bowl, mash the goat cheese until it is smooth and pliable, making it easier to shape.
2. Shape Cheese Balls: Using damp hands, roll the goat cheese mixture into 10 to 12 small, even balls for consistent serving sizes.
3. Coat with Pistachios and Herbs: Mix the crushed pistachios with chopped chives or parsley (if using), then roll each goat cheese ball in the mixture until completely coated.
4. Chill to Firm Up: Place the coated cheese bites in the refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes to firm up and help them hold their shape.
5. Toast Bread: While the cheese bites chill, toast the baguette slices in the oven until they turn a golden brown and crisp.
6. Make Fig-Honey Glaze: In a small saucepan over low heat, gently warm the fig preserves, honey, and balsamic vinegar (if using). Stir continuously until the glaze is smooth and slightly runny, ensuring it doesn’t boil.
7. Assemble and Serve: Spoon the warm fig honey glaze over each chilled goat cheese bite. Garnish each with a tiny sprig of fresh thyme for added aroma and visual appeal. Serve immediately alongside toasted baguette slices or crackers.

Notes

• Use damp hands to shape the goat cheese balls to prevent sticking.
• Chilling the cheese balls helps them firm and hold their shape better during serving.
• The balsamic vinegar in the glaze is optional but adds a nice depth of flavor.
• These bites are best served fresh but can be prepared a few hours in advance and kept chilled until serving.
• For a vegan version, substitute goat cheese with a plant-based soft cheese alternative.

Keywords: goat cheese bites, pistachio crusted appetizers, fig honey glaze, party appetizers, Mediterranean appetizers