Name: Apricots with Goat Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 12 dried apricots; 4 oz 113g goat cheese; 2 tablespoons honey (optional); Black pepper; Fresh thyme sprigs (optional garnish)

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Dried apricots filled with creamy goat cheese, a touch of honey, and black pepper. This easy appetizer is simple, a little fancy, and seriously good.

Apricots stuffed with goat cheese and sprinkled with herbs sit on a plate, accompanied by a fork and fresh thyme nearby.

As someone who loves charcuterie boards, these apricots with goat cheese have become my favorite recipe to add something new or unexpected to the spread. Dried apricots act as little envelopes for tangy goat cheese, with honey and black pepper giving each bite a extra depth.

What keeps me coming back to this combination is how the textures work together. The apricots have this chewy, almost candy-like consistency that contrasts the smooth, creamy cheese. The sweetness from the fruit and honey is balanced by the goat cheese's tang, and the black pepper adds a sharpness that really brings it all together.

I reach for this recipe whenever I'm putting together a charcuterie board and want something that isn't just another slice of salami or chunk of cheese. They also work great for parties where you need finger foods that people can easily grab or when you want something light and easy to eat.

The whole process takes maybe 10 minutes once you get into a rhythm of cutting and stuffing. No oven, no stovetop, just assembly.

I discovered this combination by accident when I was putting together a cheese board and realized that I was out of fresh grapes. I had dried apricots sitting in my pantry and decided to see if they could work. It was so much better than anything I could have planned. Now, I make them intentionally and they might just be my new favorite fruit for charcuterie boards.

Ingredients

Bowl of dried apricots, a small bowl of cheese, honey dipper in a jar, and fresh thyme on marble surface—perfect for serving apricot with goat cheese.

Dried apricots – These apricots bring a natural sweetness and chewy texture. I've tried using fresh apricots, but dried ones hold up better when paired with goat cheese, giving a concentrated fruit flavor that balances the tangy cheese.

Goat cheese – The creamy, tangy base for this dish. I prefer using soft, fresh goat cheese for its smooth texture and mild flavor. It complements the apricots without overwhelming them.

Honey – Adds a touch of sweetness to enhance the apricots' natural flavor. I often drizzle a little honey for extra sweetness, but you can skip this if you prefer a more savory bite.

Black pepper – Adds a subtle kick to balance the sweetness of the apricots and the creaminess of the goat cheese.

See the recipe card for exact quantities.

Step-by-step Instructions

Dried apricots stuffed with creamy goat cheese, topped with herbs and cracked black pepper, arranged beautifully on a plate.

These goat cheese stuffed apricots are a simple, make-ahead appetizer or snack. The creamy cheese pairs well with the chewy texture and natural sweetness of dried apricots, while the honey, pepper, and thyme round out the flavor.

Prepare the Apricots

Hands arranging dried apricots on a plate, with a bowl of more dried apricots nearby on a marble surface—perfect for pairing with apricot with goat cheese as an elegant appetizer.

Lay out the dried apricots on a cutting board. If they’re not already halved, slice them lengthwise halfway through, being careful not to cut all the way. This way they can be opened up like a little pocket. If they feel too firm, you can soften them slightly by soaking them in warm water for 5 to 10 minutes, then pat them dry.

Add the Goat Cheese

Hands spreading creamy goat cheese onto dried apricots on a plate, creating a delicious apricot with goat cheese appetizer. A bowl of apricots and cheese sits nearby, ready to serve.

A plate of dried apricots stuffed with creamy goat cheese, next to a bowl of cheese and a bowl of dried apricots. Enjoy this delightful apricot with goat cheese pairing for a sweet and savory treat.

Spoon about 1 teaspoon of goat cheese into the center of each apricot. Gently press the cheese in so it fills the opening but doesn’t spill out. If the cheese is cold, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to make spreading easier.

Drizzle with Honey (Optional)

Hand drizzling honey over apricot with goat cheese on a plate, with more stuffed dried apricots and extra goat cheese nearby.

If you like a sweeter bite, drizzle about ½ teaspoon of honey over each apricot. This adds contrast to the tangy cheese and chewy fruit.

Garnish with Thyme (Optional)

Hands garnishing apricot with goat cheese bites on a plate, surrounded by fresh herbs and ingredients.

Top each apricot with a small sprig of fresh thyme. This adds a light herbal note and makes the dish look more finished.

Add Freshly Ground Black Pepper

A hand grinds pepper over a plate of apricot with goat cheese and dried herbs, creating a flavorful blend.

Sprinkle a little freshly ground black pepper over the top of each apricot. A few turns of the grinder is enough to balance the sweet and tangy flavors.

Serve

Apricot halves with goat cheese, herbs, and honey on a plate, accompanied by a honey dipper and fresh thyme nearby.

Arrange the stuffed apricots on a plate or platter. These are best served at room temperature and hold up well as finger food for parties or part of a cheese board.

Storage

Store the stuffed apricots in a single layer in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If you need to stack them, place parchment or wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. Let them sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving so the cheese softens and the apricots are easier to bite into. Avoid freezing, as it can change the texture of both the cheese and the dried fruit.

Top Tips for Apricots with Goat Cheese

Soften the dried apricots if needed: If the apricots feel too firm or leathery, soak them in warm water for 5 to 10 minutes, then pat dry. This makes them easier to fill and nicer to bite into.

Soften the goat cheese: Let the goat cheese sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before stuffing to make it easier to work with.

Go easy on the toppings: A light drizzle of honey and a pinch of black pepper are enough, too much can overpower the balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy.

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