Goat Cheese Spread with Honey, Apricot, and Almonds Recipe

Introduction

This delightful goat cheese spread combines creamy tangy cheese with the sweetness of apricot and honey, crunchy almonds, and fresh herbs. It’s an easy, elegant appetizer perfect for entertaining or a cozy snack.

Ingredients

• 8 oz goat cheese or cream cheese
• ⅓ cup lightly salted almonds
• 4-5 dried apricots, chopped
• 2-3 teaspoons fresh chopped parsley or basil
• ¼ to ½ cup apricot preserves
• Honey for drizzling
• An assortment of crackers (for serving)
• Fresh sliced Granny Smith apple (for serving)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Remove the goat cheese from its packaging and let it soften to room temperature for easier spreading and shaping.
2. Step 2: Spread the apricot preserves evenly on a cheese tray or serving platter to create a flavorful base.
3. Step 3: Place the almonds in a plastic bag or between two paper towels, then crush them gently with a blunt object like a glass bottle to create small pieces.
4. Step 4: Chop the dried apricots finely and mix together with the crushed almonds and fresh chopped parsley or basil in a small bowl.
5. Step 5: Roll the softened goat cheese in the apricot and almond mixture, pressing gently so it coats evenly and sticks well.
6. Step 6: Place the coated goat cheese log on top of the apricot preserves on the serving platter.
7. Step 7: Surround the spread with an assortment of crackers and fresh sliced Granny Smith apple for serving.
8. Step 8: Drizzle generously with honey just before serving to add a touch of sweetness and shine.

Tips & Variations

• If you don’t have apricots, try using fig preserves instead for a deliciously different twist.
• Both honey roasted and lightly salted almonds work beautifully; use whichever you prefer or have on hand.
• Leftover spread tastes wonderful on toasted bagels or flaky croissants with an extra drizzle of honey the next day.

Storage

Store any leftover goat cheese spread covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving again, let it come to room temperature and add a fresh drizzle of honey. It’s best enjoyed fresh but will keep well chilled for short-term storage.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use cream cheese instead of goat cheese?

Yes, cream cheese is a great substitute if you prefer a milder flavor or don’t have goat cheese on hand. The texture will be similar and still create a creamy base for the toppings.

What are good dippers for this cheese spread?

Besides crackers and fresh Granny Smith apple slices, you can also serve it with toasted baguette slices, pita chips, or crunchy vegetable sticks like celery and carrots for variety.

Goat Cheese Spread with Honey, Apricot, and Almonds Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 117 reviews

This delightful Goat Cheese Spread with Honey, Apricot, and Almonds is a quick and easy appetizer that combines creamy goat cheese rolled in a mixture of chopped dried apricots, lightly salted almonds, and fresh herbs. Served atop a bed of apricot preserves and drizzled with honey, it makes a perfect party starter alongside crackers and fresh fruit like Granny Smith apples.

• Author: Dana
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6–8 as an appetizer 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese Spread

• 8 oz goat cheese or cream cheese
• ⅓ cup lightly salted almonds
• 4–5 dried apricots, chopped
• 2–3 tsp fresh chopped parsley or basil
• ¼ – ½ cup apricot preserves
• Honey for drizzling

To Serve With

• An assortment of crackers
• Fresh sliced Granny Smith apple

Instructions

1. Soften the Cheese: Remove the goat cheese from its packaging and let it come to room temperature to make spreading and rolling easier.
2. Prepare the Preserves: Spread the apricot preserves evenly on a cheese tray or serving platter as a flavorful base.
3. Crush the Almonds: Place the lightly salted almonds in a plastic bag or between two paper towels. Use a blunt object, like a glass olive oil bottle, to crush them into small pieces.
4. Mix the Coating: Chop the dried apricots finely and combine them with the crushed almonds and fresh chopped parsley or basil in a bowl.
5. Coat the Cheese: Roll the softened goat cheese log in the apricot, almond, and herb mixture, gently pressing so the mixture adheres well all over the surface.
6. Assemble: Place the coated goat cheese log on top of the apricot preserves on the serving platter. Arrange an assortment of crackers and fresh apple slices around the cheese.
7. Finish and Serve: Drizzle honey generously over the goat cheese spread and serve immediately for a delicious appetizer experience.

Notes

• If you don’t have apricots, substitute fig preserves for a similarly delicious flavor.
• Both honey roasted almonds and lightly salted almonds work wonderfully in this recipe, so use whichever you prefer or have on hand.
• Nutrition facts are estimated and may vary based on the types of crackers or dippers served alongside.
• Leftovers make an excellent topping for toasted bagels or flaky croissants with extra honey the next morning.

Keywords: goat cheese spread, honey apricot spread, appetizer, cheese appetizer, easy party recipe, almond cheese spread, dried apricot cheese, no cook appetizer, holiday appetizer