Learn how to make the BEST Whipped Goat Cheese! This sumptuous goat cheese appetizer is quick and easy to make, super creamy, and totally irresistible ... perfect for parties and snacks!
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Ginnie's Take
I know there are a lot of goat cheese haters out there, but personally, I'll look for ANY excuse to enjoy this flavorful cheese! It's perfection paired with crackers, but it's also an ideal for topping everything from salad to pizza, and it can stand alone in recipes like these savory Cheese Truffles, too. Are you a fan, as well? Then you have to try this wonderful Whipped Goat Cheese recipe ... it's absolutely mouthwatering!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Amazing Flavor + Texture - Whipping goat cheese truly transforms it, making it spreadable and giving it a silky, lighter-than-air texture. And the flavor is rich, tangy, and oh so delicious!
- Super Easy to Make - You only need a few minutes and a few simple ingredients to prepare this delightful dip, and you're pretty much guaranteed to fall in love after just one bite!
- Perfect for Parties + Snacks - Paired with bread, crackers, or veggies, it makes the best afternoon snack or party appetizer that no one will be able to resist. Best of all, it's incredibly easy to make!
Jump to:
Ingredients
This tasty appetizer uses basic ingredients that you can find in most grocery stores. Here's what you'll need:
- Goat Cheese - For this spreadable dip, you'll need a fresh goats cheese (also called chèvre) with no rind. The soft goat cheese logs you can find in most grocery stores work perfectly.
- Cream Cheese - A little cream cheese adds richness and body to the dip, and it helps smooth out the goat cheese, which often has a grainy texture. I recommend using full fat cheese for the tastiest results and best texture.
- Lemon - Fresh lemon brightens the flavors of the heavy cheese. Look for a large, juicy lemon ... you'll use both the juice and the zest.
- Thyme - A teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves pairs perfectly with the lemon, adding brightness and another layer of fresh flavor.
- Garlic - Minced fresh garlic adds a wonderful pop of flavor that complements the lemon and thyme.
- Salt + Pepper - A little seasoning is all that's needed. I recommend using kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper.
This recipe is naturally vegetarian, nut free, and gluten free!
You'll Also Need
To prepare this recipe, you'll need a stand mixer or a food processor. I used a food processor for these photos, but I'd recommend using a stand mixer (or even a hand mixer), if you have one, as it will incorporate more air into the dip. A zester also comes in handy ... this microplane zester is one of my favorite (and most used) kitchen tools!
How to Make Whipped Goat Cheese
This addictive goat cheese dip couldn't be easier to prepare! You'll find a detailed recipe card below, but here's an overview of the steps:
- Combine ingredients. Start by adding the goat cheese, cream cheese, lemon juice and zest, garlic, salt, and pepper to your mixing bowl or food processor. Tip: To Make the ingredients easier to mix, let both cheeses sit at room temperature for about 15 to 30 minutes before starting.
- Mix, then whip. Mix the ingredients together until they are totally smooth and no small chunks of cheese remain. Once mixed, continue whipping the ingredients together for another two to three minutes (this adds air and creates a lighter texture). Tip: If you are using a stand mixer, start on low, then gradually increase the speed as the ingredients come together.
- Add thyme. Taste the dip and add more salt and pepper, if needed. Then mix in the thyme just until blended throughout.
- Serve. Transfer the spread to a serving bowl, then enjoy with crackers, bread, veggies, and more.
And that's all there is to it ... your homemade Whipped Goat Cheese Dip is ready to eat! Wasn't that simple?
Tip: I used my food processor for these photos, but I'd recommend using a stand mixer, if you have one. Using a mixer will incorporate more air into the dip, giving it more body and a lighter texture.
Variations
This recipe is perfect as-is, but here are a few ideas to try if you enjoy experimenting:
- Herbs - Other bright herbs such as fresh basil, rosemary, or even oregano could be substituted for the thyme.
- Honey - The flavors of this Whipped Chèvre pair wonderfully with honey! Try adding a tablespoon or two along with the other ingredients or serve the finished dip in a shallow bowl and drizzle honey over the top. Hot Honey works really well, too!
- Spicy - To give this recipe a little kick, blend in some crushed red pepper flakes, or for even more flavor, serve it on toasted bread drizzled with honey and sprinkled with pepper flakes (like this Goat Cheese Crostini).
- Roasted Garlic - Instead of fresh garlic, swap in Roasted Garlic for a milder, more earthy flavor.
- No Cream Cheese - The cream cheese adds body to this recipe, so leaving it out will affect the texture. However, you can substitute a tablespoon or two of heavy cream or milk, plain greek yogurt, or sour cream if you're out of cream cheese.
Serving Suggestions
This Whipped Goat Cheese makes the ultimate party snack. I drizzled it with olive oil and served it with homemade Crostini ... perfection, and if you add a glass of wine, you may find yourself transported to the sunny Mediterranean Sea (even if only in your mind)!
There are so many other ways to enjoy this recipe, too! Try one of these easy ideas:
- Pair it will with artisan breads (like slices of baguette or focaccia), crackers (try it with my Herb Parmesan Crackers), pretzels, Pita Chips, or fresh veggies for an easy appetizer.
- Use it to make this irresistible Whipped Goat Cheese Crostini!
- Add a bowl of this creamy spread to your next Cheese Plate.
- Serve it as a sandwich spread or in a wrap. It would be super tasty on the Tomato Avocado Sandwich or this Crunchy Veggie Wrap!
- Spread on a platter, then top with Roasted Vegetables or Grilled Vegetables.
- Add a dollop to a bowl of soup, like this Creamy Tomato Soup, Roasted Pumpkin Soup, or even this Celery Soup.
- Smear on toast or a bagel for a quick breakfast. Enjoy plain or topped with sliced avocado or tomatoes.
- Serve as a dip for french fries!
- Dollop on a bowl of Pesto Pasta, pasta with Fresh Tomato Sauce, or Tomato Basil Pasta.
- Enjoy with fresh or grilled fruit (strawberries or peaches would work well) for a sweet-savory dessert.
Storage
Transfer leftover dip (or dip prepared in advance) to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for about four days. When ready to eat, let sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving, which will allow it to soften a bit.
Related Recipes
Looking for more party friendly appetizers? Try one of these recipes next:
- Herb Cream Cheese Dip - A simple, classic dip that everyone at your table will love.
- Beau Monde Dip - This old school dip is a total crowd pleaser!
- Blue Cheese Stuffed Dates - Beyond easy to make and so delish.
- Mushroom Crostini - This yummy app also features goat cheese!
- Honey Halloumi - The perfect combination of sweet and salty flavors.
- Hummus - This recipe is a total classic that's also super easy to make!
- Baked Ricotta - A snap to throw together and so delicious.
- Caramelized Onion Dip - Tastes even better than the classic soup mix dip.
- Homemade Dill Dip - So fresh tasting and perfect dipping veggies or chips!
- Green Goddess Dressing Dip - A vibrant green appetizer that's loaded with fresh herbs.
P.S. You can find all my dip recipes here!
Whipped Goat Cheese
Ingredients
- 8 ounces (227 grams) goat cheese, softened (see note)
- 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened (see note)
- 1 large lemon, zested and juiced (you'll need 2 tablespoons juice)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
Equipment
- Stand Mixer (or Food Processor)
Instructions
- Add goat cheese, cream cheese, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, salt, and pepper to a stand mixer bowl (or food processor).
- Mix the ingredients together until they are totally smooth and no small chunks of cheese remain. Once mixed, continue whipping the ingredients together for another two to three minutes (this adds air and creates a lighter texture).
- Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed. Then mix in thyme just until blended throughout.
- Serve dip immediately with bread, crackers, or fresh veggies, or refrigerate until ready to eat. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
