unusual appetizer recipes

Looking to impress your guests with a truly unique appetizer? These Lavender-Infused Goat Cheese Truffles with Honey-Candied Bacon and Fig Compote are the ultimate showstopper. Blending creamy goat cheese, subtle lavender, crispy honey-candied bacon, and sweet fig compote, these truffles bring together a medley of textures and flavors in every bite. Perfect for parties or gourmet gatherings, this unusual appetizer recipes transforms simple ingredients into a sophisticated appetizer that’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser.

Lavender-Infused Goat Cheese Truffles with Honey-Candied Bacon and Fig Compote

Add a gourmet touch to your appetizers with Lavender-Infused Goat Cheese Truffles topped with Honey-Candied Bacon and Fig Compote. This unusual appetizer combines tangy goat cheese, fragrant lavender, and sweet-savory bacon with fig compote for a memorable flavor experience.

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 24 minutes mins

Course Appetizer

Servings 20 truffles

Ingredients

  

For the goat cheese truffles:

• 200g soft goat cheese, at room temperature
• 30g honey
• 2g dried culinary lavender buds
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 100g pistachios, finely chopped

For the honey-candied bacon:

• 100g thick-cut bacon
• 30g honey
• 15g brown sugar

For the fig compote:

• 150g fresh figs, chopped
• 30g granulated sugar
• 15ml balsamic vinegar
• 1 small cinnamon stick

Instructions

 

Start with the goat cheese truffles:

• In a medium bowl, combine the goat cheese, honey, lavender buds, and lemon zest. Mix thoroughly until well combined and smooth.
• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour to firm up.

While the cheese mixture is chilling, prepare the honey-candied bacon:

• Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a small bowl, mix honey and brown sugar.
• Lay bacon strips on the prepared baking sheet and brush with the honey mixture.
• Bake for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until crispy and caramelized.
• Let cool, then chop finely.

For the fig compote:

• In a small saucepan, combine chopped figs, sugar, balsamic vinegar, and cinnamon stick.
• Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
• Remove cinnamon stick and let cool.

Finish the goat cheese truffles:

• Remove the cheese mixture from the refrigerator.
• Using a small ice cream scoop or spoon, portion out approximately 10g of the mixture for each truffle.
• Roll each portion into a ball, then roll in the chopped pistachios to coat.
• Place on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for another hour to set.

To serve:

• Arrange the truffles on a serving platter.
• Top each truffle with a small amount of fig compote and sprinkle with the candied bacon pieces.
• Let sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

Here are some creative variations for the Lavender-Infused Goat Cheese Truffles with Honey-Candied Bacon and Fig Compote recipe:

1. Herbed Goat Cheese Truffles
   • Replace lavender with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. Mix in 10g of finely chopped herbs into the goat cheese filling.
   • Roll the truffles in finely chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds instead of pistachios.
2. Spicy Maple Bacon Truffles
   • Use a spicy maple syrup instead of regular honey for the candied bacon.
   • Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the goat cheese mixture for a kick.
3. Smoked Paprika Goat Cheese Truffles
   • Incorporate 5g of smoked paprika into the goat cheese filling for a smoky flavor.
   • Roll the truffles in smoked almonds or crushed tortilla chips for added texture.
4. Chocolate-Covered Goat Cheese Truffles
   • Dip the finished goat cheese truffles in melted dark chocolate instead of rolling them in nuts.
   • Drizzle with white chocolate for a decorative touch before serving.
5. Bacon-Wrapped Goat Cheese Bites
   • Instead of forming truffles, wrap small portions of goat cheese in bacon and bake until crispy.
   • Serve with the fig compote on the side for dipping.
6. Cranberry-Infused Goat Cheese Truffles
   • Mix 50g of dried cranberries into the goat cheese filling for a tart contrast.
   • Roll the truffles in crushed pecans or walnuts for added flavor.
7. Savory Blue Cheese Truffles
   • Substitute goat cheese with blue cheese for a bolder flavor.
   • Pair with a balsamic reduction instead of fig compote for drizzling.
8. Pumpkin Spice Goat Cheese Truffles
   • Add 50g of pumpkin puree and 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the goat cheese mixture.
   • Roll in crushed graham crackers or pecans to enhance the fall flavors.
9. Tropical Coconut Goat Cheese Truffles
   • Mix shredded coconut into the goat cheese filling and roll the truffles in toasted coconut flakes.
   • Pair with a mango chutney instead of fig compote for a tropical twist.
10. Roasted Garlic Goat Cheese Truffles
    • Incorporate roasted garlic into the goat cheese filling for an umami-rich flavor.
    • Roll in finely chopped chives or parsley for a fresh finish.

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* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.