Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAt my last gathering, the moment I unveiled my Honey, Apricot, and Almond Goat Cheese Spread, I was met with wide smiles and eager hands reaching for crackers. This vibrant appetizer flawlessly balances creamy goat cheese with the sweet delights of apricot preserves and crunchy almonds, leaving everyone wanting more. What I love most about this recipe is not just its effortless preparation but how it transforms ordinary moments into celebrations. Perfect for holidays or casual get-togethers, this vegetarian cheese spread is a fantastic crowd-pleaser that elevates any cheese board with its sophisticated flavor profile. Are you ready to impress your guests with a dish that’s both simple and fancy? Let’s dive into the details! Why is this Goat Cheese Spread Unique? Irresistible Flavor Combo: This spread combines the tangy richness of goat cheese with the sweetness of apricot preserves, resulting in a delightful taste that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Effortless Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can create a stunning appetizer that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen. Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Ideal for gatherings, holidays, or even a cozy night in, this dish is sure to impress. Pair it with an assortment of crackers or fresh fruit slices for an elegant touch, much like my Cheese Grape Skewers. Versatile Substitutions: Want to switch it up? This recipe allows for easy ingredient swaps, like using fig preserves or trying a mix of goat and cream cheese, making it adaptable for various tastes. Visually Stunning: The rich colors and textures make it a beautiful centerpiece on any cheese board, promising to entice guests and leave a lasting impression. Goat Cheese Spread with Honey, Apricot, and Almonds Ingredients For the Spread Goat Cheese (8 oz) – The creamy base of this spread provides a tangy richness; you can substitute with cream cheese for a milder taste. Lightly Salted Almonds (⅓ cup) – Adds a delightful crunch and savory contrast; consider honey roasted almonds for extra sweetness or sunflower seeds for a nut-free alternative. Dried Apricots (4-5, chopped) – Brings a hint of sweetness and chewy texture; swap for dried figs to maintain the flavor profile. Fresh Parsley or Basil (2-3 tsp, chopped) – Introduces a burst of freshness; chives can be a milder substitute. For the Topping Apricot Preserves (¼-½ cup) – Acts as a sweet topping base that ties the flavors together; feel free to use fig preserves instead. Honey (for drizzling) – Enhances sweetness and adds a glossy finish; adjust the amount based on your taste preference. For Serving Assorted Crackers – Creates the perfect vehicle for spreading, making it an essential addition. Fresh Sliced Granny Smith Apple – Offers a tartness and crunchy contrast, a delightful alternative to crackers. This Goat Cheese Spread with Honey, Apricot, and Almonds is sure to impress your family and friends! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Goat Cheese Spread with Honey, Apricot, and Almonds Step 1: Soften the Goat Cheese Begin by removing your 8 oz of goat cheese from the refrigerator and letting it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This softening process will make it easier to mix and spread later on. You’ll know it’s ready when it feels creamy to the touch. Step 2: Prepare the Base While the goat cheese softens, take your serving platter and spread approximately ¼ to ½ cup of apricot preserves across the surface. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to create an even layer, allowing the sweet preserves to form a base that complements the goat cheese spread beautifully. Step 3: Crush the Almonds Next, take ⅓ cup of lightly salted almonds and place them in a resealable plastic bag. Use a rolling pin or the bottom of a can to gently crush the almonds into small pieces, taking care not to turn them into dust. You’ll want a mix of coarse and fine pieces for the perfect crunch in your Goat Cheese Spread with Honey, Apricot, and Almonds. Step 4: Mix the Ingredients In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed almonds, 4-5 chopped dried apricots, and 2-3 teaspoons of freshly chopped parsley or basil. Stir the mixture well until all ingredients are evenly distributed. This herbaceous blend will infuse your spread with delightful flavor and texture. Step 5: Coat the Goat Cheese Once your goat cheese is softened, take it and roll it in the almond-apricot-herb mixture. Gently press the mixture onto the cheese, ensuring it adheres well. This will create a beautiful and flavorful coating for your Goat Cheese Spread, enhancing each bite with the crunch and sweetness. Step 6: Assemble the Spread Now, place the coated goat cheese mound directly onto the apricot preserves on your platter. Surround it with an assortment of crackers and slices of fresh Granny Smith apple for an added tart contrast. This presentation not only looks stunning but offers delightful pairing options for dipping. Step 7: Drizzle with Honey To finish off your Goat Cheese Spread with Honey, Apricot, and Almonds, take some honey and drizzle it generously over the top of the cheese. This touches of sweetness adds a glossy finish and enhances the overall flavor profile, making it irresistibly inviting for your guests. Expert Tips for Goat Cheese Spread Perfectly Softened Cheese: Ensure that your goat cheese is at room temperature before starting. This makes it easier to mix and prevents lumps in your Goat Cheese Spread with Honey, Apricot, and Almonds. Avoiding Almond Dust: When crushing almonds, use a sturdy bag along with a rolling pin to create a coarse mixture. This will maintain the ideal crunch without turning them into dust. Herb Alternatives: If you don’t have parsley or basil, try using fresh chives for a milder flavor. This small swap can subtly change the flavor profile without overwhelming the spread. Presentation Matters: Make sure to create a beautiful presentation by arranging your crackers and apple slices artfully around the spread. Eye-catching platters make for more inviting gatherings! Prep Ahead: You can prepare the goat cheese and almond mixture in advance, but assemble everything just before serving to keep the almonds crunchy and the spread fresh. Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to try different preserves! Fig preserves or even a spicy jalapeño addition can give your goat cheese spread a unique twist and excite the taste buds! How to Store and Freeze Goat Cheese Spread with Honey, Apricot, and Almonds Room Temperature: Serve the spread fresh for the best flavor and texture. It’s best enjoyed immediately after preparation; however, it can sit out for up to 2 hours during gatherings. Fridge: Store any leftovers covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld beautifully, though the almonds may lose some crunch. Freezer: Freezing is not recommended for this goat cheese spread, as the texture of goat cheese may change, making it grainy upon thawing. Reheating: This spread is best served cold or at room temperature, but if you prefer a warm version, gently heat the prepared spread in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, taking care not to overheat. Make Ahead Options These Honey, Apricot, and Almond Goat Cheese Spread are perfect for meal prep, saving you valuable time on busy days! You can mix the almond-apricot-herb coating up to 3 days in advance, keeping it in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness and prevent the almonds from losing their crunch. The goat cheese itself can also be rolled in the mixture and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before serving. To serve, simply place the cheese on the apricot preserves and drizzle with honey just before your guests arrive for optimal flavor and presentation. This smart prep reduces stress and allows you to enjoy effortless entertaining! Goat Cheese Spread with Honey, Apricot, and Almond Variations Feel free to make this delicious spread your own with these easy and enticing variations! Nut-Free: Swap almonds for crunchy sunflower seeds for a delightful nut-free option that maintains great texture. Spice It Up: Incorporate crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a surprising kick that perfectly contrasts the sweet elements. Creamy Twist: For a milder taste, blend half goat cheese with half cream cheese. This balance creates an even creamier spread while keeping the flavors intact. Fruity Alternative: Replace dried apricots with dried cranberries or figs. This gives a lovely tartness or deeper sweetness to the spread. Herb Variety: Use fresh chives instead of parsley or basil for a subtle onion flavor that complements the cheese beautifully. Sweet Swap: Try fig preserves instead of apricot for a different but equally delightful fruity base. The fig’s depth pairs beautifully with the cheese. Extra Crunch: Add in some crushed pistachios for an unexpected crunch and a splash of color, making your platter visually appealing. Cheese Blend: Incorporate a bit of feta cheese along with the goat cheese for tanginess and a richer flavor experience. Don’t forget that these variations make this Goat Cheese Spread with Honey, Apricot, and Almonds truly versatile! Whether you’re preparing for a casual get-together or a festive holiday feast, you can easily adapt the spread to cater to different palates and dietary needs. Enjoy it alongside enticing pairings like my Crispy Broccoli Cheese Rounds or serve it with classic accompaniments like crackers and fresh fruit. What to Serve with Honey, Apricot, and Almond Goat Cheese Spread Imagine a delightful gathering where flavors dance in perfect harmony, complementing every bite of your luscious spread. Crunchy Crackers: A diverse selection of crackers offers various textures, enhancing every scoop of the goat cheese spread and ensuring a satisfying crunch with each bite. Fresh Veggies: Colorful vegetable sticks like carrots and celery provide a crisp, refreshing contrast to the creamy spread, making for a light and healthy pairing. Savory Crostini: Toasted baguette slices serve as an elegant base, perfect for piling on your goat cheese spread and creating an irresistible bite. Charcuterie Meats: Thinly sliced prosciutto or salami introduce a savory note that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of apricots, adding depth to your appetizer table. Fruit Medley: A mix of fresh fruits, such as grapes, pears, or figs, brings a burst of sweetness that complements the honey and almond flavors delightfully. Chilled White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a fruity Moscato pairs wonderfully, balancing the richness of the goat cheese while enhancing the spread’s vibrant flavors. Dessert Pairing: Consider serving with chocolate-dipped strawberries or mini cheesecakes for a sweet finish that ties your meal together beautifully. These desserts echo the sweetness found in your goat cheese spread while offering a touch of decadence. Goat Cheese Spread with Honey, Apricot, and Almonds Recipe FAQs What kind of goat cheese should I use for this spread? I recommend using soft, creamy goat cheese for the best texture and flavor. However, if you prefer a milder taste, you can substitute cream cheese. Just keep in mind that this will slightly alter the overall flavor of the Goat Cheese Spread with Honey, Apricot, and Almonds. How should I store any leftovers from this spread? After your gathering, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. While the flavors will meld beautifully, do note that the almonds may lose some of their crunch over time. I often enjoy spreading it on toast for a quick snack! Can I freeze the Goat Cheese Spread with Honey, Apricot, and Almonds? Freezing is not recommended for this spread. The texture of goat cheese can change when frozen, resulting in a grainy consistency upon thawing. If you want to prepare it in advance, I suggest making the ingredients but assembling and serving fresh instead. What if I can’t find dried apricots? No worries! You can easily substitute dried apricots with dried figs or even cranberries. Both alternatives will maintain the spread’s sweetness and texture, allowing you to customize it based on what you have on hand. How can I tell if my dried fruits are ripe for the best flavor? When selecting dried fruits like apricots or figs, look for ones that are plump and moist rather than excessively dry or hard. Avoid any with dark spots all over, as they can indicate spoilage. The best fruits will have a luscious, chewy texture that enhances the Goat Cheese Spread with Honey, Apricot, and Almonds. What allergies should I consider with this recipe? This goat cheese spread contains dairy and nuts, so it may not be suitable for those with lactose intolerance or nut allergies. If needed, you can make a nut-free version by swapping almonds with salted sunflower seeds and using a lactose-free cream cheese instead of goat cheese for those who may have dietary restrictions. Delicious Goat Cheese Spread with Honey, Apricot, and Almonds A vibrant appetizer that perfectly combines creamy goat cheese with sweet honey, apricot, and crunchy almonds, making it an irresistible crowd-pleaser. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 30 minutes mins Servings: 8 servingsCourse: AppetizersCuisine: VegetarianCalories: 150 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Spread8 oz Goat Cheese Can substitute with cream cheese for a milder taste.⅓ cup Lightly Salted Almonds Consider honey roasted almonds for extra sweetness.4-5 Dried Apricots, chopped Can substitute with dried figs.2-3 tsp Fresh Parsley or Basil, chopped Chives can be a milder substitute.For the Topping¼-½ cup Apricot Preserves Feel free to use fig preserves instead.Honey For drizzling, adjust based on taste preference.For ServingAssorted CrackersFresh Sliced Granny Smith Apple Offers a tart contrast. Equipment Mixing bowlSpatulaPlastic BagRolling Pinserving platter Method InstructionsSoften the Goat Cheese: Let the goat cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes until creamy.Prepare the Base: Spread apricot preserves on a serving platter.Crush the Almonds: Place the almonds in a bag and crush them into small pieces.Mix the Ingredients: Combine crushed almonds, chopped apricots, and chopped parsley or basil in a bowl.Coat the Goat Cheese: Roll the softened goat cheese in the almond-apricot-herb mixture.Assemble the Spread: Place the coated goat cheese on the apricot preserves and surround with crackers and apple slices.Drizzle with Honey: Drizzle honey over the cheese before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 5gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 180mgFiber: 1gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 1mg NotesFor the best flavor, use room temperature goat cheese and serve fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!