If you’re looking for an appetizer that’s effortless yet impressive, these Apricot and Goat Cheese Appetizers are the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and creamy. Each bite pairs chewy dried apricots with tangy goat cheese, topped with crunchy walnuts and a drizzle of honey. They’re bite-sized perfection — elegant enough for a dinner party, yet simple enough for a weeknight treat.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Apricot and Goat Cheese Appetizers
These little appetizers are simple, delicious, and always a hit at gatherings.
- Ready in just 5 minutes
- No baking or cooking required
- Naturally sweet, tangy, and nutty
- Perfect for charcuterie boards or holiday parties
- Healthy and gluten-free
- Customizable with herbs or spices
I first served these at a summer cookout, and they disappeared before the main course hit the table. Everyone wanted to know how something so simple could taste so fancy. The truth? Great ingredients and balance — that’s the magic of this appetizer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a handful of wholesome, flavorful ingredients make this a standout snack.
Main Ingredients
- 20 dried apricots – sweet, chewy base that complements the cheese
- 2 oz goat cheese – creamy and tangy for perfect balance
- 20 unsalted walnuts – adds crunch and earthiness
- 1 tbsp honey – ties all flavors together with sweetness
- Fresh thyme (optional) – for a fragrant, herbal garnish
Optional Add-Ons or Substitutes
- Swap walnuts for pecans or pistachios
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper for heat
- Use Delicious Honey Cranberry Butter as a drizzle alternative
- Substitute goat cheese with cream cheese or ricotta for a milder flavor
- Use fig jam instead of honey for a deeper sweetness
- Try with Pistachio Crusted Brie Bites on your holiday platter
Step-by-Step Instructions
Elegant, easy, and ready in minutes — no oven required.
- Lay out apricots flat on a serving platter or tray.
- Spoon or pipe a small dollop of goat cheese onto each apricot. (Jake tip: slightly soften goat cheese for easy spreading.)
- Top with a walnut half, pressing gently into the cheese.
- Drizzle lightly with honey over each appetizer.
- Garnish with fresh thyme leaves if desired. Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.
Quick Reminders:
- Don’t overload the cheese — a small amount goes a long way
- Use good-quality honey for best flavor
- Serve at room temperature for ideal texture
- These can be made up to 2 hours in advance
- Chill briefly before serving if preparing ahead
Expert Tips for Success
Tiny details make these bite-sized beauties shine.
- Use soft, plump dried apricots for the best texture
- Balance each bite — sweet apricot, creamy cheese, and crunchy nut
- Drizzle honey just before serving to keep the nuts crisp
- Add fresh thyme or rosemary for visual appeal and aroma
- For a smoky twist, toast walnuts before assembling
- Pair with Wrapped Mozzarella Bites for a diverse cheese spread
- Serve on a wooden board for rustic, elegant presentation
Serving Suggestions
These appetizers fit beautifully on any entertaining table.
- Perfect addition to a charcuterie or cheese board
- Pair with sparkling water or mocktails for elegant balance
- Serve alongside Baked Sausage and Cheese Mini Wontons for a savory-sweet appetizer mix
- Add fresh fruit like grapes or figs for color
- Make mini skewers with apricot, cheese, and walnut for easy grabbing
Storing and Reheating
No heating required — these are easy to prep and store ahead of time.
How to Store It
- Store assembled bites in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the fridge
- Keep honey separate until just before serving
- Bring to room temperature 10 minutes before serving
How to Reheat It
No reheating needed! Simply plate, drizzle, and serve.
If refrigerated, allow them to soften slightly before enjoying.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving – 1 Appetizer)
- Calories: 42
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 1mg
- Sodium: 11mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 5g
- Calcium: 15mg
- Iron: 0.2mg
- Potassium: 80mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes — assemble without honey and refrigerate. Add honey and herbs just before serving.
Can I use other nuts?
Absolutely! Pecans, pistachios, or almonds all work beautifully.
What kind of goat cheese works best?
Soft, spreadable goat cheese with a mild tang balances the sweetness perfectly.
Final Thoughts
These Apricot and Goat Cheese Appetizers are proof that elegance doesn’t need complexity. With just five ingredients and a few minutes, you’ll have an appetizer that’s sweet, tangy, and perfectly balanced — a true bite-sized delight.
- Use quality ingredients — they shine in simple recipes
- Assemble just before serving for the best texture
- Double the recipe — they disappear fast!
Apricot and Goat Cheese Appetizers
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Lay out dried apricots flat on a serving platter or tray.
- Spoon or pipe a small dollop of goat cheese onto each apricot.
- Top each with a walnut half, pressing gently into the cheese.
- Drizzle lightly with honey over each appetizer.
- Garnish with fresh thyme leaves if desired. Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.
Nutrition
Notes
- Times estimated from method defaults due to missing explicit durations.
