My favourite goat cheese dip, this one is honey drizzled goat cheese, topped with dried Mission figs and caramelized onions.
I'm a lover of pretty much all things goat cheese, so this time of year, it's a natural that I incorporate it in to our holidays dips, as well.
This dip is simple, but so full of flavour. With a drizzle of honey on the goat cheese for sweetness, to the golden caramelized onions and the plumped dried Mission figs. Once warmed, it is one of the nicest bites of flavour.
This goat cheese dip is perfect for entertaining, as it can be assembled ahead and refrigerated. Then just warm in the oven and serve. It also re-heats really well, if you can't eat it all in one serving.
So if you're still looking for a few special treats for over the holidays, I hope you'll give this one a try.
Cook's Notes for Warm Mission Fig and Caramelized Onion Goat Cheese Dip
You don't need a big dish for this one. The baking dish shown here is about 6 x 9 inches and a couple of inches deep.
Mission Figs are the black dried figs. For Canadians, they can be easily found at Bulk Barn.
I have made this with both a large Spanish onion and a large Sweet (Vidalia) onion. Both are nice, so use either, depending on how you're feeling or what you have on hand.
Top Tip: Don't rush your onions. Keep cooking and stirring until they are soft and golden. I find a splash of water in the pan helps the process along, so the onions don't dry and get dark instead of golden. A teaspoon of sugar near the ends also helps to caramelize the onions really well.
Serve this dip with baguette slices (plain or toasted a bit in a 350F oven until just warm and lightly crispy). Some slices pears are a great addition as well, as the flavours blend really beautifully. Simply add a pear slice to the baguette slice and top with the goat cheese dip.
Warm Mission Fig and Caramelized Onion Goat Cheese Dip
Ingredients
- 16 oz plain goat cheese ((Four 113g logs))
- 1 Tbsp honey
- 1 cup dried Mission figs (sliced)
- 1/4 cup dry sherry (or white wine)
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion (Spanish or Sweet, thinly sliced)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 2 fresh rosemary sprigs
- 1 tsp salt (plus more to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 Tbsp water
- 1 tsp white sugar
- Sliced baguettes and pear slices (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Crumble the goat cheese into an oven safe dish. Drizzle with honey and set aside.
- In a saucepan, combine the figs and sherry (or wine) with enough water to just barely cover the figs. Place over high heat on the stovetop and bring up to a boil. Cover and remove from the heat and let the figs plump while you cook the onions.
- Add the olive oil to a large skillet and heat over medium heat. Add the onions, garlic, rosemary, salt and pepper and cook, stirring often, for about 10 minutes, or until the onions are lightly browned. Add a Tablespoon of water and the tsp of white sugar. Continue cooking, stirring, until onions are caramelized, add a splash more water if needed.
- Drain the plumped figs, discarding the liquid. Add the figs to the caramilized onions. Discard the rosemary sprigs Stir figs and onion to combine and then spoon over the goat cheese. *Can be made ahead to this point and refrigerated.
- Place the dish into the top half of the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, until the edges begin to bubble. (Will take a little longer if made ahead and cold when it went in the oven).
- Remove and serve immediately with sliced baguettes and pear slices, if desired.
Rhonda says
I like dishes that can be prepared in advance. Thank you. I prepared this last night to take to a girlfriend's gathering today. Unfortunately, I started feeling ill and couldn't attend. I'm still not feeling well today and don't want this to go bad. I haven't layered the fig/ onions on top of the cheese yet. I'm wondering if the fig/onion mixture could be frozen.
Jennifer says
Hi Rhonda and I think it should freeze just fine. Hope you're feeling better soon!
Katie says
This is SOOO delicious!!! Served with sliced pears and toasted baguette as you suggested, and it was a wonderful appetizer for our French meal :) Thank you for the recipe!
Jennifer says
So glad you enjoyed it, Katie! It's one of my favourites :) Thanks!
Laura | Tutti Dolci says
This is the perfect holiday appetizer! Hope you had a wonderful Christmas!
Jennifer says
Thanks so much, Laura and yes, we did! Hope you did as well :)
Karen (Back Road Journal) says
I've been asked to bring an appetizer to a party and this sounds terrific. I hope Christmas was everything you wanted it to be.
Jennifer says
Thanks so much, Karen! It was :) Hope yours was, as well!
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
I'm drooling over the sound of this Jennifer! Such a tasty appetizer for the holidays. I'm always looking for something new to serve up too, so this one would fit the bill!
Jennifer says
Thanks Mary Ann!
Ally says
ummm yes please!
Jennifer says
Thanks Ally :)
Tricia | Saving Room for Dessert says
I love the figs combined with the cheese and onions. Sounds like a match made in heaven. We could make a meal out of this dip! It sounds super luscious and flavorful. Merry Christmas Jennifer!
Jennifer says
Thanks so much, Tricia :)
Dawn - Girl Heart Food says
Some of my favourite flavours all together! And so perfect for holiday entertaining! Love it :)
Jennifer says
Thanks so much, Dawn :)
Chris Scheuer says
I love everything about this dip. I know all those flavors and textures together are amazing!
Jennifer says
Thanks Chris!