These little rounds of tangy goat cheese rolled in toasted pumpkin seeds will disappear from your platter in minutes.
That’s the thing about a good appetizer—it shouldn’t require much effort, but it should make people reach for seconds before they’ve even finished their first.
This recipe simple enough for a weeknight but looks impressive enough for dinner parties.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This pumpkin seed appetizer comes together in about 15 minutes with just a handful of ingredients. No baking required, no complicated techniques—just slice, roll, and serve.
The texture contrast is what makes this recipe work. Smooth, creamy cheese gives way to a satisfying crunch with every bite.
The pumpkin seeds add an earthy flavor that feels right at home in fall but honestly works year-round.
You can make these ahead of time and keep them in the fridge until your guests arrive. They’re also easy to customize—swap the honey for hot honey if you want some heat, or add fresh herbs to the pumpkin seed coating for extra flavor.
Ingredients
- 8 oz goat cheese log, cold
- 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
- 2 tablespoons honey, plus more for drizzling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh thyme leaves (optional)
- Crackers or crostini, for serving
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Instructions
Toast the pumpkin seeds. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and add the pumpkin seeds. Toast for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they’re golden and fragrant. Transfer to a plate and let them cool completely.
Prepare the coating. Once the seeds are cool, roughly chop them—you want some texture, not a fine powder. Mix them in a shallow bowl with the olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh thyme if using.
Slice the goat cheese. Cut the cold goat cheese log into 1/2-inch rounds. Cold cheese is easier to work with and won’t fall apart.
Coat the cheese. Gently press each cheese round into the pumpkin seed mixture, coating all sides. Use your fingers to press the seeds onto the cheese so they stick well.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Arrange and serve. Place the coated cheese rounds on a serving platter. Drizzle with honey right before serving. Serve with your favorite crackers or crostini.
Make-ahead tip: You can prepare these up to 4 hours in advance. Keep them covered in the refrigerator and drizzle with honey just before serving.
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Pumpkin Seed-Crusted Goat Cheese Appetizer
These creamy goat cheese rounds are coated in crunchy toasted pumpkin seeds and drizzled with golden honey. It’s an easy appetizer combines tangy, nutty, and sweet flavors in every bite!
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 pieces (serves 4-6) 1x
Ingredients
- 8 oz goat cheese log, cold
- 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
- 2 tablespoons honey, plus more for drizzling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh thyme leaves (optional)
- Crackers or crostini, for serving
Instructions
- Toast the pumpkin seeds. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and add the pumpkin seeds. Toast for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they’re golden and fragrant. Transfer to a plate and let them cool completely.
- Prepare the coating. Once the seeds are cool, roughly chop them—you want some texture, not a fine powder. Mix them in a shallow bowl with the olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh thyme if using.
- Slice the goat cheese. Cut the cold goat cheese log into 1/2-inch rounds. Cold cheese is easier to work with and won’t fall apart.
- Coat the cheese. Gently press each cheese round into the pumpkin seed mixture, coating all sides. Use your fingers to press the seeds onto the cheese so they stick well.
- Arrange and serve. Place the coated cheese rounds on a serving platter. Drizzle with honey right before serving. Serve with your favorite crackers or crostini.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
