This blog post may contain affiliate links from which I earn a small commission.

Two Thanksgivings ago, all of Corey’s family was in town and we decided to go rogue and swap prime rib for turkey – a decision of wisdom. And the sides that accumulated made it the best Thanksgiving meal EVER! 

One of the dishes I threw together was this Goat Cheese and Fig Dip with Prosciutto and the most perfect Holiday Honeycrisp Salad. Still a duo I make for just about every holiday party – crowd pleasers and perfect pairings with any main course!

This Goat Cheese and Fig Jam Bake is the kind of appetizer that instantly elevates any gathering—effortless to make, but full of sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy goodness. Softened goat cheese and cream cheese whip together into the dreamiest base, studded with savory prosciutto and finished with a glossy layer of rich fig jam. After a quick bake, everything becomes warm, melty, and irresistible. A sprinkle of toasted pistachios adds the perfect pop of texture and color. Serve it with Simple Mills crackers, crisp apple slices, or alongside a holiday prime rib dinner for a truly crowd-pleasing dish. It’s simple, elegant, and guaranteed to be the appetizer everyone asks you for. This is one you’ll want to make all season long!

Why You Will Love This Recipe:

• Sweet, savory, and creamy in every bite – The tangy goat cheese, salty prosciutto, and rich fig jam create the perfect balanced flavor combo.
• Elevated but incredibly simple – It looks fancy enough for holidays and parties, but comes together with minimal prep and everyday ingredients.
• Crowd-pleasing appetizer – Warm, bubbly, and comforting—this dip disappears fast at gatherings.
• Gluten-free friendly – Naturally gluten-free and perfect with Simple Mills crackers or your favorite GF baguette.
• Make-ahead friendly – You can prep the cheese mixture and toppings ahead of time, then bake right before serving.
• Texture perfection – Creamy base, jammy top, and the perfect crunch from toasted pistachios.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz goat cheese, softened
  Use a plain goat cheese log. Softening it at room temperature for 20–30 minutes helps it whip smoothly and blend evenly with the cream cheese.
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  Full-fat cream cheese works best for richness and structure. Make sure it’s fully softened so it incorporates without lumps.
• ½ tablespoon honey
  Just a touch of sweetness to enhance the tangy goat cheese. Use a mild honey so it doesn’t overpower the fig flavor.
• 6 oz prosciutto
  Thinly sliced, high-quality prosciutto adds salty, savory contrast. You can crisp it for texture or leave it soft for a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth bite depending on your presentation.
• 10 oz fig jam
  Use a thick, spreadable fig jam or fig preserves. The deeper the caramelized fig flavor, the better—it balances the tangy, creamy base beautifully.
• 3 tablespoons chopped pistachios
  Lightly toast the pistachios for extra crunch and flavor. Chop them finely or roughly depending on the texture you want for topping.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
   Lightly grease a small baking dish—an 8×8, small casserole dish, or even a deep pie plate all work well.
2. Cream the cheeses:
   In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add the softened goat cheese, softened cream cheese, and honey.
   Beat on medium speed for about 3 minutes, or until the mixture becomes light, creamy, and fluffy. Scrape down the sides halfway through to ensure everything blends evenly.
3. Prepare the pistachios:
   While the cheeses are mixing, place the pistachios in a food processor. Pulse a few times until finely chopped (or leave some slightly larger for extra crunch). Transfer to a small bowl and set aside.
4. Chop the fresh prosciutto:
   Add the prosciutto slices to the food processor and pulse until the pieces are small and evenly chopped into smaller pieces. This helps them fold smoothly into the cheese mixture and ensures salty bites throughout.
5. Combine the mixture:
   Add the chopped prosciutto to the creamed cheese mixture. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold it in until evenly distributed.
   Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
6. Add the fig jam:
   Gently dollop the fig jam over the cheese mixture. Use the back of a spoon or offset spatula to spread it into a thin, even layer, being careful not to disturb the cheese base underneath.
7. Bake:
   Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling and the jam looks glossy and hot.
8. Cool and finish:
   Remove from the oven and allow the dip to cool for 10 minutes—this helps it set slightly and prevents the pistachios from sinking in.
   Sprinkle the chopped pistachios generously over the top for crunch and color.
9. Serve:
   Serve warm with your favorite Simple Mills crackers, toasted baguette slices, or crisp apple slices. It’s also delicious paired with charcuterie or served as a holiday appetizer!

Perfect Pairings:

• Simple Mills crackers – Their sturdiness and subtle flavor make them perfect for scooping up warm, melty dip.
• Gluten-free baguette slices – Lightly toasted for extra crunch and structure.
• Fresh apple or pear slices – Their crisp sweetness pairs beautifully with the creamy, salty, and jammy flavors.
• Prosciutto or salami slices – For a charcuterie-style spread with extra savory notes.
• Prime rib – This dip is a stunning appetizer to serve before a prime rib dinner. The richness of the meat pairs beautifully with the tangy goat cheese and sweet fig jam.
• Sparkling wine or prosecco – The bubbles cut through the richness and complement the sweet, fruity jam.
• Light salads or veggie trays – Add freshness to your appetizer table with cucumbers, carrots, or mixed greens.
• Roasted nuts – Almonds or candied pecans bring a satisfying crunch to round out the spread.
• Balsamic Glaze – Top with a balsamic glaze to add a layer to the flavors. 

Storage Tips:

• Refrigerate leftovers:
  Allow the dip to cool completely, then cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating:
  Warm leftovers in a 300°F oven for about 10–15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions in 20–30 second intervals, stirring occasionally.
• Make-ahead option:
  Assemble the cheese mixture and prosciutto in the baking dish, but wait to add the fig jam and pistachios. Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then top with jam and bake when ready.
• Freezing (not recommended):
  Because of the soft cheeses, this dip doesn’t freeze well—the texture becomes grainy after thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or after refrigeration only.

Check out the recipe card below to make this delicious appetizer, fig and goat cheese dip, perfect for all your holiday parties!

No ratings yet

Creamy Goat Cheese and Fig Jam Dip | with Prosciutto

Print Recipe

Prep Time:20 minutes mins

Cook Time:23 minutes mins

Ingredients

• 8 oz goat cheese softened
• 8 oz cream cheese softened
• ½ tablespoon honey
• 6 oz prosciutto
• 10 oz fig jam
• 3 tablespoons chopped pistachios

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F.
• Lightly grease a small baking dish—an 8×8, small casserole dish, or even a deep pie plate all work well.
• In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add the softened goat cheese, softened cream cheese, and honey.
• Beat on medium speed for about 3 minutes, or until the mixture becomes light, creamy, and fluffy. Scrape down the sides halfway through to ensure everything blends evenly.
• While the cheeses are mixing, place the pistachios in a food processor. Pulse a few times until finely chopped (or leave some slightly larger for extra crunch). Transfer to a small bowl and set aside.
• Add the prosciutto slices to the food processor and pulse until the pieces are small and evenly chopped into smaller pieces. This helps them fold smoothly into the cheese mixture and ensures salty bites throughout.
• Add the chopped prosciutto to the creamed cheese mixture. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold it in until evenly distributed.
• Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
• Gently dollop the fig jam over the cheese mixture. Use the back of a spoon or offset spatula to spread it into a thin, even layer, being careful not to disturb the cheese base underneath.
• Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling and the jam looks glossy and hot.
• Remove from the oven and allow the dip to cool for 10 minutes—this helps it set slightly and prevents the pistachios from sinking in.
• Sprinkle the chopped pistachios generously over the top for crunch and color.
• Serve warm with your favorite Simple Mills crackers, toasted baguette slices, or crisp apple slices. It’s also delicious paired with charcuterie or served as a holiday appetizer!