Easy 5-Ingredient Fig Jam Dip

Looking for an easy appetizer that’ll work for both casual get-togethers and fancier dinner parties? After years of bringing the same old cheese and crackers to every gathering, I finally discovered that homemade fig jam dip is the answer I’ve been searching for. It’s especially perfect when you need something quick that still feels special and homemade.

This fig jam dip hits all the right notes: it’s creamy and sweet with just the right amount of tanginess, takes less than 10 minutes to throw together, and can be made ahead of time – which is always a win in my book.

What Kind of Fig Jam Should I Use?

Regular fig jam is the classic choice for this dip, but don’t be afraid to experiment with different varieties. Traditional fig jam has a sweet, honey-like taste that pairs perfectly with cheese, while spicy fig jam (made with chilis) adds an exciting kick that can really wake up your taste buds. When shopping, look for fig jam that’s thick and spreadable – you want it to hold its shape when dolloped on top of the dip. If you can’t find fig jam at your regular grocery store, check specialty food shops or even the international aisle, where you might discover interesting variations like Mediterranean-style fig preserves.

Options for Substitutions

This dip recipe is pretty flexible and you can make several swaps based on what you have in your pantry:

• Cream cheese/goat cheese: You can use either cream cheese or goat cheese as your base – they both work great! For a lighter version, try Neufchâtel cheese, which has less fat but similar texture to cream cheese.
• Heavy cream: Half-and-half can work in place of heavy cream, though the dip might be slightly less rich. Greek yogurt is another option that adds a nice tangy flavor.
• Fig jam: If you can’t find fig jam, try apricot preserves or even honey mixed with some chopped dried figs. Date spread can also work well here.
• Dried cranberries: Feel free to swap these with chopped dried cherries, raisins, or even dried blueberries for a different fruity note.
• Pecans: Any nuts will work here – try walnuts, almonds, or pistachios. For nut allergies, you can use roasted pumpkin seeds or just skip them altogether.
• Balsamic glaze: If you don’t have balsamic glaze, you can reduce regular balsamic vinegar by simmering it until thick, or use honey with a splash of regular balsamic vinegar.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making

The biggest challenge when making fig jam dip is working with cold cream cheese, which can leave you with unwanted lumps – always let your cream cheese come to room temperature for at least an hour before mixing. Another common mistake is over-whipping the cream cheese and heavy cream mixture, which can make your dip too loose; instead, mix just until smooth and well-combined, usually about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. To prevent your dip from becoming too sweet, start with a smaller amount of fig jam and balsamic glaze, then taste and adjust – you can always add more, but you can’t take it away. For the best texture and flavor development, make this dip at least 2 hours before serving, and keep it covered in the fridge to allow the flavors to meld together properly.

What to Serve With Fig Jam Dip?

This creamy fig dip pairs perfectly with a variety of dippers that let its sweet and tangy flavors shine. A platter of crispy crackers like water crackers or wheat thins works great, but don’t stop there – try adding some sliced baguette or pita chips for different textures. Fresh fruit like sliced apples and pears complement the fig and cream cheese flavors beautifully, while also adding a nice crunch. For a complete appetizer spread, serve this dip alongside some prosciutto, a handful of marcona almonds, and maybe even some fresh figs when they’re in season.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: This fig jam dip stays good in the fridge for up to 5 days when kept in an airtight container. The flavors actually get better after a day or two as they meld together! Just make sure to cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming on top.

Make Ahead: You can prep this dip up to 24 hours before serving – just hold off on adding the pecans until right before serving to keep them crunchy. Take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before serving to let it soften up a bit, making it easier to scoop.

Leftovers: If you have any dip left (which rarely happens at my house!), store it in the fridge and use it as a spread for sandwiches or bagels. Just give it a quick stir before using, as the cream might separate a little bit after sitting.

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	0 minutes
Total Time	10-15 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 1100-1300
• Protein: 10-15 g
• Fat: 90-100 g
• Carbohydrates: 80-90 g

Ingredients

• 8 oz goat cheese or cream cheese
• 1/2 cup whipping cream
• 1 to 2 tbsp balsamic reduction
• 1/2 cup fig preserves (classic or chili-infused)
• 1/4 cup sweetened dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup pecans, roughly chopped
• Coarse sea salt

Step 1: Whip the Cheese and Cream

• 8 oz goat cheese or cream cheese
• 1/2 cup whipping cream

In a tall jar or bowl using a beater or a whip attachment, whip the goat cheese or cream cheese together with the whipping cream until the mixture is silky smooth and fluffy.

Step 2: Incorporate Balsamic Reduction

• 1 to 2 tbsp balsamic reduction
• whipped cheese mixture from Step 1

Stir the balsamic reduction into the whipped cheese mixture until well combined.

I find that using the amount on the higher end (2 tbsp) really bumps up the flavor, so feel free to adjust to taste.

Step 3: Spread the Cheese Mixture

• cheese and balsamic mixture from Step 2

Spread the whipped cheese and balsamic mixture onto your serving dish in an even layer, creating a smooth base for the toppings.

Step 4: Spread the Fig Preserves

• 1/2 cup fig preserves (classic or chili-infused)

Give the fig preserves a good stir until smooth, then gently spread them over the surface of the cheese mixture.

Step 5: Top with Cranberries, Pecans, and Salt

• 1/4 cup sweetened dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup pecans, roughly chopped
• coarse sea salt

Sprinkle the sweetened dried cranberries and the roughly chopped pecans evenly over the top.

Finish with a pinch of coarse sea salt.

To make this even more special, sometimes I toast the pecans lightly before adding them for an extra nutty crunch.