Goat Cheese, Apricot and Pistachio Squares

July 23, 2014 1 Comment

One of my favorite easy appetizers is taking a buttered crostini, spreading goat cheese on it and then finishing with a big dollop of fig jam. They are so simple and quick for a party! I was inspired to do a sweeter version that could also even be a dessert, this time using apricot preserves since I had it on hand. It was a sweet crust topped with the savory goat cheese, fruity preserves and salty pistachios. Oh my goodness was it a winning combination! I prepared the simple crust first.

The crust for the goat cheese, apricot and pistachio squares all ready to bake.
The crust dough for the goat cheese, apricot and pistachio squares was just stirred together in a bowl, then pressed out into my greased 8 x 8 baking pan!
I LOVE the color of pistachios!
The pistachios gave this dish the perfect salty crunch. I just roughly chopped enough to get a half cup of them. I also quickly stirred together my goat cheese and apricot preserves together in a bowl.
The golden crust for the goat cheese, apricot and pistachio squares.
The golden crust baked on its own first before I added the rest of the ingredients for the goat cheese, apricot and pistachio squares. Then I let it cool.
The goat cheese mixture spread all over the crust. You can see the pretty bits of apricot!
Once the crust cooled, I spread that luscious goat cheese mixture all over the crust. I loved seeing the pretty bits of apricot!
The fully assembled goat cheese, apricot and pistachio squares.
The pistachios went on top last. That was all there was to assembling these easy goat cheese, apricot and pistachio squares! I got it back into the oven for another few minutes to let it all meld together. Then I let them cool before chilling them in the refrigerator overnight.

The next day the goat cheese, apricot and pistachio squares were ready to cut and serve! I loved that they were make ahead. Oh my goodness, when I finally tried one it had something for all of the different taste buds. There were so many flavors and textures working in perfect harmony. They also had all of the Mediterranean goodness that I know and love from my Nana Jeanie! Hope you all enjoy them. xoxo

Goat Cheese, Apricot and Pistachio Squares
Goat Cheese, Apricot and Pistachio Squares
0 from 0 votes
Goat Cheese, Apricot and Pistachio Squares
Print
Goat Cheese, Apricot and Pistachio Squares
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
25 mins
Total Time
35 mins
 
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Servings: 12 small squares
Author: Jeanie and Lulu's Kitchen
Ingredients
For the crust
  • 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cake flour
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 stick butter melted
For the filling
  • 1/2 pound spreadable goat cheese
  • 3 tablespoons apricot preserves
  • 1/2 cup shelled pistachios roughly chopped
Instructions
  1. Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees and lightly spray an 8 x 8 baking dish with cooking spray. In a bowl combine the two flours, powdered sugar, vanilla and melted butter. Just stir them together until you have a very soft dough.
  2. Transfer the dough into the prepared baking dish and press it out into an even bottom crust. Put the crust in the oven and let it bake until slightly golden, about 20 minutes.
  3. While the crust bakes, stir together the goat cheese and apricot preserves in a bowl. Shell and roughly chop the pistachios and set them aside separately.
  4. The crust should be golden and done at this point, take it out and let it cool for 5 minutes. Keep the oven on. Then evenly spread the goat cheese and apricot preserve mixture over the crust with an offset spatula. Sprinkle the pistachios evenly over the very top for some great crunch.
  5. Put the pan back into the oven and let everything meld together for just 5 minutes. Then take the pan out and let it cool for 10-20 minutes. Once it is cool, cover it and let it chill in the refrigerator overnight to set.
  6. The next day the goat cheese, apricot and pistachio squares are ready to just cut and serve! These are super simple and so incredible.

SaveSave

1 thought on “Goat Cheese, Apricot and Pistachio Squares”

Comments are closed.