Randy Chandler
Whipped goat cheese is a versatile, easy-to-make appetizer that can be used as a dip or spread. It can be made in under 5 minutes and is perfect for parties, holidays, and gatherings. The creamy, tangy, and sweet flavours of whipped goat cheese pair well with a variety of toppings and bases, such as honey, herbs, crackers, fruits, and vegetables. It can also be used in sandwiches or on toast for a light and creamy addition. To make whipped goat cheese by hand, add the goat cheese to a small bowl and use a spoon to whip it until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency. This method is simple and effective, making it a convenient option for those without access to a food processor or mixer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time | 5 minutes |
| Ingredients | Goat cheese, cream cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, honey, herbs |
| Tools | Food processor, blender, stand mixer, hand mixer, bowl, spoon |
| Texture | Light, creamy, fluffy, spreadable |
| Taste | Tangy, sweet, savory |
| Temperature | Room temperature, warm |
| Toppings | Pistachios, chives, prosciutto, bacon, pesto, crackers, bread, veggies, fruit |
| Storage | Refrigerate in an airtight container for 1-2 days |
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What You'll Learn
Using a hand mixer
Turn on the hand mixer to a low setting and begin to blend the ingredients. Gradually increase the speed to 3 or medium-high, and continue mixing until the cheese becomes smooth and creamy. If the mixture is too thick or dry, you can add milk a tablespoon at a time to adjust the consistency. The goal is to achieve a light, fluffy, and spreadable texture.
Once you are happy with the consistency, transfer the whipped goat cheese to a serving bowl or dish. You can then add toppings or mix-ins of your choice. Some popular options include a drizzle of honey, fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or basil, and a sprinkle of black pepper. You can also add chopped nuts like pistachios, crushed walnuts, or pecans for a crunchy texture.
Keep in mind that while a hand mixer is convenient, it may not always produce the same level of smoothness as a food processor. Additionally, if you plan to add mix-ins, a hand mixer might not incorporate them as effectively. However, it is still a great option to create delicious whipped goat cheese at home.
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Blending with honey
To make whipped goat cheese with honey, you can use a hand mixer, a stand mixer, a food processor, or a blender. You can also whip the cheese by hand.
Hand Mixer
Let the goat cheese sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes. Place the goat cheese, cream cheese, and honey in a medium bowl. Use a hand mixer to combine the ingredients, starting at a low speed and gradually increasing to high. Beat until light and smooth.
Stand Mixer
Place the goat cheese in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Beat the cheese on low, gradually increasing the speed to 3, until smooth.
Food Processor or Blender
Place the goat cheese in the bowl of a food processor or blender. Add a little heavy cream or milk to thin out the consistency, if desired. Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
By Hand
In a small bowl, use a spoon to add goat cheese and whip by hand until silky smooth.
Serving
Transfer the whipped goat cheese to a small bowl, shallow dish, or jar. Drizzle honey around the exterior of the bowl and spiral it in. You can also drizzle extra honey on top of the cheese. Sprinkle with herbs, rosemary, and fresh cracked pepper, and serve with crackers, crostini, fruits, veggies, bagels, sandwiches, wraps, or bread.
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Adding herbs and spices
When it comes to herbs and spices, you can experiment with different combinations depending on your preference and how you plan to serve the whipped goat cheese. For example, if you're serving it with Italian dishes, you might want to add basil and oregano, or tarragon if you're pairing it with berries. Heartier herbs like rosemary will also add depth to your whipped goat cheese, making it a great complement to rich, winter dishes. You can also add spices like cinnamon and ginger, especially if you're making cranberry goat cheese.
If you're looking for a more savory flavor profile, consider adding garlic, red pepper flakes, and black pepper to your whipped goat cheese. You can also include parsley, thyme, chives, or sage. For a sweeter take, you can add honey to the mixture—regular honey will do the trick, but whipped honey can make it even lighter and fluffier, while hot honey will give it a subtle kick. You can also try maple syrup for a hint of fall flavor.
If you're serving the whipped goat cheese as a dip, you can sprinkle on some Everything Bagel Seasoning, Oregano Seasoning, Lemon Pepper Seasoning, or Ranch Seasoning. For some added crunch and flavor, top it with crushed walnuts, pecans, or pistachios. You can also add protein like prosciutto or bacon.
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Storing and serving
Whipped goat cheese is an easy-to-make appetizer that can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. It is best to store it in an airtight container. When ready to serve, remove the dip from the refrigerator and let it rest at room temperature for 15 minutes to achieve the best texture. You can also give it a good stir to loosen it up before serving.
The dip can be served with a variety of dippers such as crackers, bread, crostini, pita chips, pretzels, carrot sticks, celery sticks, and fruits like apples, pears, and grapes. You can also serve it with toasted baguette slices, which can be prepared by brushing sliced bread with olive oil and baking it in the oven at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, followed by broiling on high for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
For a more elegant presentation, transfer the whipped goat cheese to a serving bowl and top it with a drizzle of honey, a sprinkle of herbs such as parsley, thyme, rosemary, chives, oregano, or basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. You can also add toppings like chopped walnuts, pecans, pistachios, pomegranate seeds, or crispy bacon bits for a crunchy texture. If you want to add some spice, use hot honey instead of regular honey.
Whipped goat cheese can also be used as a sandwich spread or a topping for toast. It pairs well with fresh veggies, fruits, and crackers, making it a perfect light meal for warm summer nights.
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What to serve it with
Whipped goat cheese is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas on what to serve it with:
Crackers, Bread, and Chips
Whipped goat cheese pairs well with crackers, such as pita chips or everything bagel-seasoned pretzels. For a more indulgent option, try spreading it on toasted sourdough, French baguette, or crostini. You can even brush the crostini with garlic and herbs before adding the cheese. If you're looking for a lighter option, serve it with rice crackers or celery and carrot sticks.
Fruits and Vegetables
The tangy and creamy whipped goat cheese also goes well with fresh fruits and vegetables. Try serving it with summer tomatoes, rainbow carrots, or even strawberries and blackberries. For a more indulgent option, drizzle honey over the cheese and fruit. You can also toss the fruit with balsamic vinegar and salt before serving, as in a strawberry crostini recipe.
Meat and Charcuterie
If you're looking for a heartier option, serve the whipped goat cheese with sliced meats like salami or prosciutto. You can also add crispy bacon bits and green onions for a savory, crunchy element.
As a Dip
Whipped goat cheese makes an excellent dip for veggies, chips, or crackers. You can also use it as a spread on sandwiches or toast. For a more indulgent option, try spreading it on a holiday crescent roll.
Drinks
A glass of cold white wine pairs well with the whipped goat cheese, especially on a warm summer night.
With its tangy and creamy flavor profile, whipped goat cheese is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. These suggestions provide a range of options to suit different tastes and occasions, from light meals to appetizers and snacks.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to use a log of soft goat cheese, also known as chevre, for making whipped goat cheese by hand. Avoid using aged goat cheeses or any solid or sliced cheeses.
You can add a variety of ingredients to enhance the flavor of your whipped goat cheese. Some popular options include cream cheese, honey, olive oil, salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme, chives, oregano, parsley, basil, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes.
You can store whipped goat cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. If you need to store it for longer, you can freeze it for 2-3 months. However, freezing may affect the texture, so it is recommended to process it again in a food processor to restore its creamy consistency.
