Back in 2020, we learned the wonders of fig jam when we ordered a takeout pizza from our local upscale pizzeria. They combined salty Italian ham with the unique, nutty, and subtly spicy flavor of fig jam for one delicious pizza. (Here’s our version of that Ham & Jam Pizza.) Ever since, we’ve kept a jar of fig jam on hand and have used it in a variety of recipes. Our latest use of this sweet, rich, and complex flavored preserve is an appetizer.

This quick 15-minute recipe starts with the nutty crunch of pecans. The nuts are combined with some honey and fig jam, then spread over a block of briny feta cheese. A quick stint in the oven rendering the cheese soft enough to spread, and it is done! Served with your choice of cracker, this appetizer is simple, yet elegant. Our 2026 is going to be off to a deliciously sweet & savory start!

Baked Feta with Honey & Fig Jam

Baked Feta with Honey & Fig Jam (adapted from thekitchn.com) Total Time Required: 15 minutes, Prep Time: 5 minutes, Cook Time: 10 minutes, Makes: 6 servings

Ingredients:

• 8-ounce block of feta cheese, drained if packed in brine, and patted dry
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup pecan halves (about 2 ounces), coarsely chopped
• 3 tablespoons honey, divided
• 2 tablespoons fig jam
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme, halved
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes
• crackers, for serving

Directions:

Arrange a rack in the upper third of the oven and heat the oven to 400°F.

Stir the pecans together with 2 tablespoons of the honey, and the fig jam in a small bowl until the nuts are coated.

Stir together the ingredients for the nut mixture.

Place the 8-ounce block of feta cheese in a small oven-safe baking dish and drizzle it with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Pile the nut mixture onto the block of cheese. Scatter the 4 halved thyme sprigs and a pinch of red pepper flakes around the baking dish.

Layer the nut mixture over the block of cheese.

Bake until the feta is warmed and softened, and the nuts are toasted, 9 to 10 minutes.

Bake the feta.

Serve immediately with crackers. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The nuts will soften upon refrigeration.

Serve the cheese & nut mixture on crackers.

This appetizer will start the New Year off right!  ~Linda

Baked Feta with Honey & Fig Jam (adapted from thekitchn.com) Total Time Required: 15 minutes, Prep Time: 5 minutes, Cook Time: 10 minutes, Makes: 6 servings

Ingredients:

• 8-ounce block of feta cheese, drained if packed in brine, and patted dry
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup pecan halves (about 2 ounces), coarsely chopped
• 3 tablespoons honey, divided
• 2 tablespoons fig jam
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme, halved
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes
• crackers, for serving

Directions:

Arrange a rack in the upper third of the oven and heat the oven to 400°F.

Stir the pecans together with 2 tablespoons of the honey, and the fig jam in a small bowl until the nuts are coated. Place the 8-ounce block of feta cheese in a small oven-safe baking dish and drizzle it with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Pile the nut mixture onto the block of cheese. Scatter the 4 halved thyme sprigs and a pinch of red pepper flakes around the baking dish.

Bake until the feta is warmed and softened, and the nuts are toasted, 9 to 10 minutes. Serve immediately with crackers. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The nuts will soften upon refrigeration.