Whipped Goat Cheese with Pistachios & Honey

This recipe may look fancy, but this whipped goat cheese dip comes together in minutes and tastes like a total showstopper! Creamy, tangy, slightly sweet, with just the right hint of salt and crunchy topping that takes it over the top. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or spread for any occasion.

Chef’s Kiss Whipped Goat Cheese Dip

Using only five ingredients, you can create something that’s visually gourmet, tastes incredible, and is prepared in mere moments. Whether you’re entertaining dinner party guests, having a girls’ or guys’ night in, or simply treating yourself to a night in, this dish is ideal for the occasion.

It’s creamy, slightly sweet, slightly salty, with just the right crunch on top, and it pairs well with almost everything. Scoop it up with crostini, dip it in some veggies, pair it with fruit, or slather it on toast. However you serve it, one thing’s for sure: it always disappears fast.

Watch How Easy It Is to Make Whipped Goat Cheese

I’m almost embarrassed by how easy this recipe is, but honestly, that’s the type of recipe *I* like. Sure, I can create intricate recipes, but I also make recipes that are practical and appealing to real people who want to eat them.

Whipped Goat Cheese & Ricotta Spread Ingredients

This recipe is so easy, it’s almost embarrassing. What does matter is the “dryness” of your ricotta. I’ll explain below, and I’ll also share how to properly strain your ricotta if you don’t have the same equipment I use.

• Goat Cheese Log: Make sure this is at room temperature and soft
• Ricotta Cheese: You want a New York Style ricotta. It’s full cream, large curd, and it’s drier, which means it’s not going to weep. Additionally, it has a fantastic taste, and you don’t have to strain or drain it. I LOVE Polly-O New York Style (TLC) Ricotta or BelGioioso Ricotta Platinum *See below if you can’t find these.
• Honey
• Toasted Pistachios
• Sea Salt
• Crackers, veggies, toast, etc, for serving

Chef Lori’s Tips for Making Whipped Goat Cheese

1. ROOM TEMPERATURE: Make sure your goat cheese and ricotta are at room temperature and very soft
2. DRY RICOTTA: If your ricotta is watery, drain it well. See the section below on this.

more dip and spread recipes

How to Whip Goat Cheese

1. In a 4-cup food processor, add the softened goat cheese and ricotta. Put the lid on and process for 15 seconds.
2. Shut it off, remove the lid, and scrape down the sides. Replace the lid and process for an additional 20 seconds, or until the mixture is well combined.
3. Add the sea salt and honey, replace the lid, and process until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl, cover it, and chill for 1 hour.* This step is optional, as you can eat it immediately. I prefer to allow it to firm up slightly before serving.

How to Serve Whipped Goat Cheese & Ricotta

1. Create a swirl pattern on the top of the spread and drizzle in more honey into the wells of the swirl. Garnish with your toasted pistachios.
2. Serve with your favorite crackers, crostini, or flavored artisan crisp crackers. We are OBSESSED with these Fig & Black Sesame Crisps! Check your local Aldi as they had them there for way less!

How to Strain Ricotta

If you cannot find the brand I use, opt for a whole milk brand. You’ll need to strain it and plan, as it’ll take about 8 hours to strain.

You’ll need a cheesecloth, strainer, rubber spatula, and bowl for catching the liquid.

1. Place the strainer over a bowl and line it with cheesecloth.
2. Add the ricotta, use the spatula to gently push & spread it around in an even layer in the cheesecloth.
3. Cover the strainer or bowl with plastic wrap and set it in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours.
4. The next day, discard the liquid and use the remaining ricotta.

Whipped Goat Cheese & Ricotta Swaps

• Goat Cheese: Not a fan of goat cheese, use Feta cheese instead
• Cream Cheese: This or mascarpone can be used in place of ricotta; however, it won’t be the same flavor profile as ricotta
• Nuts: You can omit if you prefer or add toasted walnuts, pecans, or macadamia nuts
• Honey: Agave works, but this will make the mixture much thinner. Alternatively, if you want, try hot honey!

Whipped Goat Cheese FAQs

• What if I forget to soften my cheeses? It will still work, but it will take a bit longer to process to achieve a smooth and creamy texture. Also, you want to use softened cheeses first, as you don’t want to ‘heat’ the cheese up while you’re whipping it. That impacts the texture.
• Can I use the microwave to soften my cheese? No, end of story
• Can I use a mixer instead of a food processor? Yes, but the cheeses HAVE TO BE super soft before whipping them, else you’ll get lumps that will be hard to get out.

What to Pair With Whipped Goat Cheese Spread

• Strawberry Black Pepper Balsamic Jam
• Hickory Maple Bacon
• Artisan Pear & Prosciutto Pizza with a Balsamic Glaze
• Cheesy Asparagus & Salami Puff Pastry
• Artisan Cranberry Pistachio Chocolate Chip Bread

Whipped Goat Cheese with Pistachios & Honey

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This recipe may look fancy, but this whipped goat cheese dip comes together in minutes and tastes like a total showstopper! Creamy, tangy, slightly sweet, with just the right hint of salt and crunchy topping that takes it over the top. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or spread for any occasion.

• Author: Lori
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: ~2 cups
• Category: appetizers, bagel topping, cheese dip, dips, game day, grazing board, nibble board, spreads
• Method: no cook
• Cuisine: appetizers, bagel topping, cheese dip, dips, game day, grazing board, nibble board, spreads

Ingredients

• 10.5 oz log goat cheese, room temperature
• 1/2 cup New York Style Ricotta (whole milk)
• 1/2 – 3/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 3 – 4 Tablespoons honey, plus extra for the drizzle
• 1/3 cup pistachios, toasted and chopped

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Instructions

1.  In a 4-cup food processor, add the softened goat cheese and ricotta. Put the lid on and process for 15 seconds.
2. Shut it off, remove the lid, and scrape down the sides. Replace the lid and process for an additional 20 seconds, or until the mixture is well combined.
3. Add the sea salt and honey, replace the lid, and process until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl, cover it, and chill for 1 hour.* This step is optional, as you can eat it immediately. I prefer to allow it to firm up slightly before serving.
5. To serve, create a swirl pattern on the top of the spread and drizzle in more honey into the wells of the swirl. Garnish with your toasted pistachios.
6. Serve with your favorite crackers, crostini, or flavored artisan crisp crackers.
7. Store in the fridge, covered, for up to 3 days.

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