Creamy honey whipped goat cheese dip made with greek yogurt and topped with a drizzle of hot honey, dried figs, cranberries and fresh thyme. It’s an easy yet elegant holiday appetizer!
If you’re looking for a an easy, yet elegant appetizer, this honey whipped goat cheese dip will not disappoint. The combination of the tangy goat cheese and sweet and spicy toppings create a unique and delicious flavor profile. Perfect for dipping or spreading on a warm baguette, gourmet crackers, sweet potato crostini or any veggies you’d like. You can use less yogurt if you do want it thicker to substitute cream cheese. Regardless this honey whipped goat cheese dip will be you’re new go-to appetizer this holiday season!
Ingredients For Honey Whipped Goat Cheese Dip
This recipe comes together quickly and with just a few simple ingredients. I like the sweet and spicy combination of hot honey, walnuts, dried figs and cranberries but feel free to get creative!
- Goat cheese – plain goat cheese works best in this recipe. If you can find a honey goat cheese, feel free to use that and omit the honey or adjust the amount to taste.
- Greek yogurt – adds a little extra tangy and gut-friendly probiotics. Make sure to use thick greek yogurt. You can also reduce the amount to two tablespoons or substitute 1/4 cup of cream cheese for a more spreadable texture.
- Honey – honey adds a touch of sweetness to the tangy goat cheese. For topping I recommend hot honey, but you can easily make your own with honey and cayenne. See recipe notes for details.
- Dried fruit – this recipe calls for dried figs and cranberries for an extra flavor and sweetness. Plus, they make for pretty presentation. That being said, feel free to swap these out for what you have on hand or enjoy — chopped dates, fresh pomegranate, or dried apricots would be lovely.
- Walnuts – chopped walnuts add a welcomed crunch and a boost of omega-3s. Pecans, almonds, pistachios or hazelnuts would all be a fine substitution. Feel free to toast the nuts for extra flavor.
- Fresh thyme – the subtle addition of thyme adds a depth of savory flavor to the dip. Fresh herbs always elevate a dish in presentation and flavor, highly recommend not skipping this.
- Bread for serving – feel free to serve the dip with whatever you like. Some ideas include torn or sliced warm french or sourdough baguette, gourmet crackers, pita bread, sweet potato crostini, roasted cauliflower or apple slices.
Nutrition Benefits of Goat Cheese
Aside form its unique taste, goat cheese has numerous nutrition benefits. Goat cheese provides healthy fats, protein and vitamins and minerals like calcium, phosphorus, copper, vitamin A, B vitamins and some iron. calcium. It’s also easier for many people to digest than cow’s milk cheeses. Goat milk has less lactose and a slightly different protein structure than cow’s milk. These difference can make a huge difference in how you tolerate goat cheese and milk cheese vs. those from a cow. Studies have also shown that goat dairy is more satiating than cow dairy.
Plus, goat farms tend to be smaller and more ethical than big dairy operations. Ideally, you want to buy organic goat cheese but some bigger brands are doing it right when it comes to producing quality goat cheese.
How to serve this whipped goat cheese dip
This honey whipped goat cheese pairs wonderfully with a warm chunk of bread but the options are endless! Here’s some ideas!
- A dip for spread for warm sourdough or french baguette, soft pita bread, or crackers.
- Serve with sweet potato crostini, roasted cauliflower, or fruit like apple or pear slices
Can Whipped Goat Cheese Be Made In Advance?
Yes, absolutely! This honey whipped goat cheese dip can be made a day or two in advance. Whip together the goat cheese, Greek yogurt, and honey and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I recommend keeping the toppings and dip separate until ready to serve.
MORE Holiday Recipes:
If you make this honey whipped goat cheese dip be sure to leave a comment and rate the recipe below. I’d love to hear from you, and it encourages others to make the recipe too.
PrintHoney Whipped Goat Cheese Dip
Creamy honey whipped goat cheese dip made with greek yogurt and topped with a drizzle of hot honey, dried figs, cranberries and fresh thyme. It’s an easy yet elegant holiday appetizer!
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
For the Dip:
8–10 oz plain goat cheese
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (sub cream cheese)
1-2 tablespoons honey
For Topping:
1/3 cup chopped walnuts
1-2 dried mission or turkish figs, diced
2-3 tbsp dried cranberries
2 tablespoons hot honey (see notes)
Fresh thyme
For serving:
Baguette, torn into pieces or sliced
Crackers, pita bread, veggies, etc.
Instructions
In a food processor, add the goat cheese, Greek yogurt/cream cheese and honey and blend until smooth and creamy. Spoon into a large shallow bowl and use your spoon to swirl and spread it around.
Preheat the oven to 300F. Place the bread chunks on a sheet pan. Bake for about 5-10 minutes, until warm.
If making the hot honey, heat a small saucepan over medium low heat, add the honey and cayenne. Warm for about 2-3 minutes. If using the microwave, combine ingredients in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 15-30 seconds or until honey is slightly bubbling.
Top the whipped goat cheese dip with chopped walnuts, figs and cranberries. Drizzle on the hot honey and sprinkle with fresh torn thyme. Serve immediately with warm bread chunks or other crackers, bread or veggies. Enjoy!
Notes
To make hot honey: simply add 2 tablespoons honey to a microwave safe dish or a small sauce pan. Add ½ teaspoon cayenne. Warm for 30 seconds in the microwave or 2-3 minutes on the stove. Let cool before using. You can double or triple the recipe and keep in the pantry for other uses.
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