This Apricot Almond Goat Cheese Log is a fast and easy goat cheese appetizer that is perfect for your holiday party or gathering!
I love apricots because they remind me of my grandparents.
They always had a bowl of fresh apricots in their kitchen and some dried ones in their pantry.
To this day, when I walk by a pile of fresh apricots in the store, I stop to smell them and it reminds me of being at their house.
So apricot recipes like this Apricot Almond Goat Cheese Log are a nod to them.
This goat cheese appetizer can easily be halved for a smaller portion.
The cheese goes a long way, so balance it with how many other things you are serving.
But leftovers are a good thing and the cheese holds over well!
I love to serve it up with some crackers and crostini bread slices.
You can use any format of almonds that you have. Sliced, slivered, whole – it all works since you are chopping them up anyway.
I do recommend toasting the almonds to enhance their flavor regardless of what type you use.
Tips for Assembling the Goat Cheese Log
You want the goat cheese appetizer to be somewhat soft so it is easy to mix.
It is best to pull it out of the refrigerator for a few minutes to soften. Alternatively, you can microwave it in a bowl for 30 seconds which should make it softer.
After you add the diced apricots, thyme, garlic powder, and salt to the cheese, shape it back into a log.
Don’t forget to season it to taste with salt or thyme as needed and desired.
I do this easily by simply pressing it back into the log shaped package that it came in. But you can also put it in plastic wrap and roll it into a log shape.
Then place the goat cheese log in the freezer for 10 minutes for it to stiffen back up just enough to make it easy to roll. This could also be done in advance by placing it in the refrigerator.
Then all you have to do is roll it in the additional dried apricots and almonds, place it on a plate with the jam, and serve.
Apricot Almond Goat Cheese Log
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup almonds toasted and finely chopped
- 10 ounces goat cheese softened (approximately)
- 1/2 cup dried apricots finely chopped, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup apricot jam
Instructions
- Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Toast your almonds until they are just fragrant, approximately 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Meanwhile, make your cheese mixture by combining the goat cheese, 1/4 cup finely chopped dried apricots, dried thyme, garlic powder, and salt. Season to taste with salt as desired.
- Reshape the cheese into a log by pressing it back into the log shaped package or wrapping inside plastic wrap. Chill in the freezer for 10 minutes.
- While the cheese is chilling, finely chop the almonds and mix them on a plate with the remaining 1/4 cup diced dried apricots.
- When the cheese is holding its shape, remove from the freezer and roll in the almond apricot mixture. Press the mixture onto the cheese to coat, including the ends.
- Spread the apricot jam in a strip on the serving plate and place the goat cheese log on top. Serve with crackers or crostini.
