Description
A creamy and festive whipped goat cheese spread enhanced with sweet dried cranberries, crunchy toasted pecans, and a touch of honey. Perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you want an elegant, no-cook appetizer served with crackers or toasted baguette slices.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz goat cheese, softened
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Toppings
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup pecans, toasted and chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
- Additional honey for drizzling
Serving
- Crackers or toasted baguette slices
Instructions
- Combine cheeses and honey: In a food processor or mixing bowl, combine the softened goat cheese, cream cheese, honey, and salt. Blend or whip until the mixture is smooth and creamy with no lumps.
- Transfer and swirl: Spoon the whipped goat cheese into a serving bowl or plate. Use the back of a spoon to create attractive swirls or peaks on the surface for visual appeal.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle the chopped dried cranberries and toasted pecans evenly over the top of the whipped cheese. Add fresh thyme leaves if using, distributing them gently over the surface.
- Drizzle honey: Lightly drizzle additional honey over the top to add sweetness and a glossy finish.
- Serve immediately: Present the whipped goat cheese spread immediately with crackers or toasted baguette slices. For best texture and flavor, prepare up to a day ahead but add toppings just before serving.
Notes
- You can prepare the whipped cheese mixture up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it, then add toppings just before serving.
- For extra flavor and texture, fold a portion of the cranberries and pecans into the cheese mixture before topping.
- Use gluten-free crackers to make this appetizer suitable for gluten-free diets.
- To toast pecans, heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly browned, about 3-5 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
