There's something magical about warm, creamy goat cheese straight from the oven. When baked until just bubbling and golden, it turns irresistibly soft. The perfect combination of tangy, sweet, and savory. This baked goat cheese appetizer with honey and thyme is elegant enough for guests, yet simple enough to make on a random Tuesday night.
Why You'll Love This Warm Appetizer
- Simple ingredients, big flavor - You only need goat cheese, honey, thyme, and a handful of pine nuts.
- Elegant but effortless - It looks sophisticated on the table, yet it takes less than 20 minutes from start to finish.
- Perfect for any occasion - Ideal as a warm appetizer before dinner, a shareable starter for a dinner party, or even a cozy lunch with crusty bread and salad.
Fan Of Simple Appetizers?
If you're into simple appetizers like this one, you'll also love my Herbed Cheese Cookies with Parmesan, these Easy Shrimp Cocktail Cups or my Easy Temaki Sushi with Salmon.
Ingredient Notes
Pine nuts - Toasted pine nuts add a buttery crunch that balances the creaminess. You can substitute with chopped walnuts or pistachios if you like.
Goat cheese (chèvre log) - Choose a soft variety that comes as a log with a thin edible rind. Avoid pre-crumbled goat cheese, it won't hold together when baked.
Honey - A light, floral honey pairs beautifully with the tanginess of goat cheese. Warm it slightly if it's crystallized.
Thyme - Fresh thyme gives this dish its earthy, aromatic depth, but dried thyme works too.
Top Tip
Use a log of soft chèvre with rind, bake it just until heated through, and let it rest for a minute before serving. You'll get that gooey, spreadable texture without the mess.
Frequently Asked Questions
Use a log of soft goat cheese (chèvre) with rind, not crumbled or whipped goat cheese. Bake it at moderate heat (375°F) and remove as soon as it's soft in the center but still holds its shape.
Absolutely. Wildflower or lavender honey adds lovely depth, but even clover honey works fine. Avoid overly dark honeys like buckwheat that will overpower the cheese.
It's fantastic with toasted baguette slices, fresh figs, or arugula salad with balsamic glaze.
Baked Goat Cheese
Equipment
- casserole
Ingredients
- 8 oz goat cheese log (chèvre)
- 2 tablespoon honey
- 1½ teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- 2 tablespoon pine nuts
- freshly cracked black pepper (optional)
- baguette, toast or aragula salad (to serve)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C)
- Put the goat cheese in a small casserole, top with honey and thyme.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the cheese is warm and lightly golden around the edges.
- Meanwhile, toast the pine nuts in a small dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, shaking often to prevent burning.
- Remove the cheese from the oven and let rest for 1 minute before serving. Top with toasted pine nuts and a touch of black pepper if desired.
- Serve warm as a vegetarian appetizer with a small side salad, or make it a light lunch by pairing it with slices of toasted baguette.
Video
Notes
- Lunch tip: This recipe makes an excellent lunch if you serve the baked cheese on bread (see video)
- Storage tip: Baked goat cheese is best served fresh, but leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days and gently reheated in a low oven.
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