Pumpkin Appetizer with Goat Cheese, Pecans and Caramelized Onions

Time: 5 min

Course Appetizer Recipes

Cuisine American

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Servings

Calories 78kcal

Author Lea Ann Brown

Ingredients

5 ounces goat cheese softened
6 ounces canned pureed pumpkin
¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
2 medium onions peeled, sliced and caramelized
1 Tablespoon butter unsalted
1 Tablespoon oil olive or canola will work here
1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
salt & pepper
honey to drizzle
crackers for serving salty date and almond raincoast crisps

Instructions

Peel and slice the onions at least ⅛ inch thick. Heat a large skillet over medium low heat. Add the butter and the oil. Add the onions and sauté until caramelized. 30 - 40 minutes. Stirring often. Be careful not to let them burn. That flavor will transfer to the flavor.
Once the onions are golden in color, move the onions to one side of the skillet and add the vinegar to deglaze the pan. Scrap and stir to combine the flavor from the skillet. Stir the onions into the vinegar. Set aside, let cool and then cut them into smaller pieces.
In a large bowl combine the softened goat cheese with the pumpkin, onions, salt and pepper and pecans. Using the back of a fork, blend well.
Transfer to your favorite appetizer serving bowl and surround by the crackers.
Add a light drizzle of honey. (optional)

Notes

For Maximum flavor: You can serve this right away, but for maximum flavor let this pumpkin appetizer sit overnight in the refrigerator.

Any kind of onion will caramelize. For this recipe I recommend sweet, yellow, or Spanish onions. Their sugar content is higher and they'll caramelize quicker. Using red onions will change the overall color of the spread.

If you're not a fan of goat cheese, you can substitute Cream Cheese. The overall flavor will be milder.

You can substitute walnuts for the pecans.

You can also use Triscuit crackers for this recipe. Or even sliced and toasted baguette.

A touch of green will bring a beautiful accent to this appetizer. Fresh delicate thyme works well here. Chopped chives are an option and Pepita Seeds would bring even a more festive flare.

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