Coconut Free Endive Cups with Goat Cheese and Walnuts
These elegant little bites are proof that an impressive appetizer doesn't have to be complicated. Crisp Belgian endive leaves act as natural cups, cradling a creamy, lemony goat cheese filling that comes together in minutes with just olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Thin apple slices add a sweet, juicy crunch on top, while roughly chopped dry-roasted walnuts bring a satisfying nuttiness that ties everything together. A drizzle of raw honey and olive oil finishes each cup with a glossy, sweet-savory gloss, and a scatter of fresh thyme takes the whole platter to another level. Many store-bought appetizers and dips sneak in coconut-derived oils or thickeners, but every ingredient here is straightforward and easy to verify at a glance. This is the kind of no-fuss, no-cook recipe that looks like you spent way more effort than you actually did — perfect for entertaining or a light starter any night of the week.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 2 heads belgian endive (about 10–12 oz total)
- 4 oz fresh goat cheese, at room temperature
For the filling
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper, freshly ground
For the topping
- ½ cup dry-roasted walnuts, roughly chopped
- 1 small apple, cored and thinly sliced
- 2 tsp raw honey
- 1–2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
For serving
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Trim the base of each endive head and separate the leaves, selecting the 12 largest, most cup-shaped leaves. Rinse and pat dry, then arrange them in a single layer on a serving platter.
- 2
In a small bowl, combine the goat cheese, 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and spreadable.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!