What are some more ideas for topping combos?

Fig jam is another great topping that I tested. Microwave it for 10-15 seconds, until thinned out and drizzle over the top. You could try some of these interesting variations too (although I haven't tested them yet): - Apricot and Almond: Use finely diced dried apricots and chopped toasted almonds. A little lemon zest can add a hint of citrus. - Fig and Walnut: Top with chopped dried figs (or fig jam--this stuff is like crack) and toasted walnuts for a sweet and nutty combination. Add a drizzle of balsamic reduction for extra depth. - Pear and Pecan : Thinly slice fresh pears and add some chopped toasted pecans. A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the flavors.

Can I use the food processor instead of beaters?

I tested making this dip with a food processor and it just got runny instead of lighter and fluffier. I do not recommend using it if you can avoid it. The hand mixer or stand mixer is the way to go.

Can I make this ahead of time?

From my experience with testing, I'd say try to make it within a few hours of when you want to serve it. It loses some of the "lift" as it sits and the toppings can get soggy on top, so leave those off until the last minute.

How long do leftovers last in the fridge?

This is safe to eat for another 3-5 days if stored in the fridge. However, it will be a little soggy over time with the toppings on top.

Honey Whipped Goat Cheese Dip (4 Ways)

Name: Honey Whipped Goat Cheese Dip (4 Ways)
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 8 ounces plain goat cheese, room temperature; 2 ounces cream cheese, room temperature; 3 tablespoons honey; Toppings of choice (pick from options below); Serving suggestions: toasted baguette slices, assorted crackers, pretzels, or crisp apple slices; 1/4 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped (sub: fresh pomegranate seeds); 1/2 – 1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary leaves (sub: minced thyme leaves); 1 tablespoon chopped roasted pistachios (sub: chopped toasted pecans); 2 slices of bacon, cooked and finely chopped (2 heaping tablespoons); 1-2 teaspoons minced chives; A good drizzle of hot honey; 1/4 cup finely diced strawberries (4-5 strawberries); 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (half of one lemon); 1/2 – 1 teaspoon minced fresh mint leaves; 1-2 tablespoons sliced almonds, toasted; 1/4 cup finely diced fresh peaches (about 1/2 small peach); 1/2 – 1 teaspoon ribboned or minced fresh basil leaves; 1-2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted (optional); A drizzle of balsamic reduction

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Honey Whipped Goat Cheese Dip (4 Ways)

Honey Whipped Goat Cheese is a fast, easy, and show stopping appetizer. Create the basic creamy dip with just 3 ingredients and then choose your own topping adventure with our 4 unique ideas.

Yield: 8-10 servings (about 3 tablespoons per serving) 1x

Prep: 10 minutesTotal: 10 minutes

Units:

Scale:

Ingredients

Basic Recipe:

8 ounces plain goat cheese, room temperature
2 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
3 tablespoons honey
Toppings of choice (pick from options below)
Serving suggestions: toasted baguette slices, assorted crackers, pretzels, or crisp apple slices

Toppings 1: Holiday Delight

1/4 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped (sub: fresh pomegranate seeds)
1/2 – 1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary leaves (sub: minced thyme leaves)
1 tablespoon chopped roasted pistachios (sub: chopped toasted pecans)

Toppings 2: Sweet and Savory

2 slices of bacon, cooked and finely chopped (2 heaping tablespoons)
1–2 teaspoons minced chives
A good drizzle of hot honey

Toppings 3: Spring Fling

1/4 cup finely diced strawberries (4-5 strawberries)
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (half of one lemon)
1/2 – 1 teaspoon minced fresh mint leaves
1–2 tablespoons sliced almonds, toasted

Topping 4: Summer Fun

1/4 cup finely diced fresh peaches (about 1/2 small peach)
1/2 – 1 teaspoon ribboned or minced fresh basil leaves
1–2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted (optional)
A drizzle of balsamic reduction

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Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients: Ensure the goat cheese and cream cheese are at room temperature for easier blending. Prepare the ingredients for your toppings of choice. Set them aside.
Blend the Basic Mixture: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the goat cheese, cream cheese, and honey. Using a hand mixer on medium speed until they are light and creamy, about 1-2 minutes. Scrape down the sides with a spatula at least once while mixing. (Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment.)
Transfer to a Serving Dish: Scoop the whipped goat cheese mixture onto a small plate or shallow serving platter and smooth the top with a spatula. (Set aside in the refrigerator until ready to serve.)
Add the Toppings: Sprinkle your toppings of choice evenly over the top of the whipped goat cheese.
Serve: Serve with toasted baguette slices, assorted crackers, pretzels, or crisp apple slices.

Notes/Tips

Make Ahead Option: Simply whip together the goat cheese, cream cheese, and honey and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. (Do not add the toppings until right before serving.) It will last up to 5 days.
The food processor didn’t work well to mix this dip from my test. It make the dip too liquidy, rather than fluffy. The beaters work far better!
It’s essential that the cheeses are at room temperature so they blend together well.
How to Toast Nuts: For some of the variations, we call for toasted nuts. This is not essential but it definitely kicks up the flavor significantly. You can either place raw nuts on a rimmed baking sheet and bake at 350°F or place in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and just starting to turn golden (watch closely so they don’t burn!). Your nose will know when they are done.
Fig jam is another great topping I tested. Microwave it for 10-15 seconds, until thinned out and drizzle over the top.

Method: No Cook

Find it online: https://thrivinghomeblog.com/honey-whipped-goat-cheese-dip-4-ways/