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.
Servings: 8 servings (about 3 tablespoons per serving)
Calories: 124kcal
Ingredients
Basic Recipe:
- 8 ounces plain goat cheese room temperature
- 2 ounces cream cheese room temperature
- 3 tablespoons honey
- Serving suggestions: toasted baguette slices, assorted crackers, pretzels, or crisp apple slices
Toppings of choice - pick from options below:
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 about 2 heaping tablespoons
- 1-2 teaspoons minced chives
- A good drizzle of hot honey
Toppings 3: Spring Fling
- 1/4 cup finely diced strawberries about 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
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.
Video
Notes
- How far ahead can I make this? 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. It's not bad if you make it a day ahead, but it just isn't quite as good.
- How to Store: Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. 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.
Nutrition
Serving: 3tablespoons of the basic recipe (no toppings) | Calories: 124kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 127mg | Fiber: 0.02g | Sugar: 7g