Honey Whipped Goat Cheese with Marinated Olives Recipe

Dreamy Honey Whipped Goat Cheese with Marinated Olives Recipe

Creamy honey whipped goat cheese brings a delightful twist to classic appetizers that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Soft cheese blends seamlessly with sweet golden nectar, creating a luxurious spread.

Mediterranean flavors mingle beautifully in this simple yet sophisticated dish.

Marinated olives add a salty, vibrant counterpoint to the smooth, airy cheese mixture.

Crisp crackers or warm bread provide the perfect canvas for this elegant starter.

Guests will be impressed by the sophisticated combination of textures and flavors.

You can whip up this showstopping appetizer in just minutes, making it ideal for spontaneous gatherings or elegant entertaining.

Ingredients For Whipped Goat Cheese

Marinating Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: Provides a smooth and rich base for the marinade.
  • Balsamic Vinegar: Adds a tangy and sweet depth to the marinade.
  • Fig Preserves: Brings a sweet and fruity complexity to the mixture.
  • Garlic, Shallots: Offer aromatic and sharp flavor notes.
  • Lemon Zest: Provides a bright and citrusy freshness.
  • Basil, Thyme: Contribute herbaceous and earthy undertones.
  • Chili Flakes: Adds a subtle heat and spicy kick.
Olive Mixture:
  • Olives: The main component of the marinated mixture.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Introduces a concentrated and rich tomato flavor.
Cheese Base:
  • Goat Cheese: Serves as the primary creamy and tangy cheese.
  • Cream Cheese: Enhances the smoothness and richness of the mixture.
  • Honey: Provides natural sweetness and balances the cheese's tanginess.
  • Salt: Helps to enhance and balance the overall flavor profile.
Serving Accompaniments:
  • Fresh Herbs, Bread/Crackers: Offer additional texture and serving options.

How To Make Honey Whipped Cheese

How To Make Honey Whipped Cheese

Step 1: Craft Vibrant Olive Marinade

Gather all marinade ingredients and whisk them together in a mixing bowl:
  • Olive oil
  • Balsamic vinegar
  • Fig preserves
  • Minced garlic
  • Chopped shallots
  • Lemon zest
  • Fresh basil
  • Thyme
  • Chili flakes

Add olives and sun-dried tomatoes, tossing gently to ensure complete coating.

Allow the mixture to rest and absorb flavors for 30 minutes or refrigerate up to 5 days.

Step 2: Whip Luxurious Goat Cheese Spread

Combine goat cheese, cream cheese, honey, and a pinch of salt in a food processor.

Pulse until the mixture transforms into a smooth, silky consistency.

The cheese blend can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Step 3: Assemble and Serve

Transfer the whipped goat cheese into a serving bowl.

Generously spoon marinated olives and their flavorful oil over the top.

Accompany with fresh herbs, crusty bread, or crisp crackers.

Step 4: Prepare in Advance

Marinated olives can be prepared up to 5 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.

Goat cheese mixture remains fresh for 3 days.

Remember to bring both components to room temperature before serving for optimal flavor and texture.

Tips For Perfect Whipped Cheese

  • Marinate olives longer for deeper, more complex taste profiles that complement the creamy goat cheese.
  • Ensure room temperature ingredients for ultra-silky, lump-free whipped cheese that spreads effortlessly.
  • Sprinkle fresh chopped herbs like basil or thyme just before serving to elevate the dish's aromatic freshness.
  • Keep marinated olives and whipped goat cheese separately in sealed containers to maintain optimal texture and prevent flavor mixing.
  • Pair with crispy toasted baguette slices or artisan crackers for the perfect textural contrast and elegant presentation.

Flavor Twists For Whipped Goat Cheese

  • Vegan Herbed Spread: Replace goat and cream cheese with blended cashews, nutritional yeast, and plant-based yogurt for a dairy-free alternative.
  • Mediterranean Olive Variation: Swap fig preserves with pomegranate molasses and add fresh mint for an intense Mediterranean flavor profile.
  • Spicy Herb Cheese Dip: Increase chili flakes, incorporate roasted red peppers, and mix in smoked paprika for a bolder, spicier version.
  • Low-Carb Olive Appetizer: Skip bread/crackers, serve with cucumber slices or celery sticks for a lighter, keto-friendly option.

Pairing Suggestions For Goat Cheese

  • Mediterranean Mezze Platter: Arrange the whipped goat cheese as a centerpiece surrounded by crispy pita chips, cucumber slices, and colorful vegetable sticks for a stunning appetizer spread.
  • Rustic Bruschetta Station: Spread the creamy goat cheese on toasted artisan bread, then top with the marinated olives and sun-dried tomatoes for a sophisticated Italian-inspired bite.
  • Elegant Charcuterie Companion: Pair the whipped cheese and marinated olives alongside cured meats, prosciutto, and a selection of hard and soft cheeses for a stunning charcuterie board that will impress guests.
  • Weekend Brunch Highlight: Serve as a luxurious dip with warm, freshly baked bread, garnished with extra herbs and a drizzle of additional honey for a weekend brunch showstopper.

Storage Tips For Whipped Goat Cheese

  • Store marinated olives in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring they remain submerged in the marinade to maintain flavor and freshness.
  • Transfer the marinated olives to a freezer-safe container, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
  • Remove the whipped goat cheese from the refrigerator 30 minutes before serving to allow it to come to room temperature. Gently stir to restore creamy consistency.
  • If the cheese or olives seem dry, drizzle with a little extra olive oil and let sit for 10 minutes to refresh the texture and taste.

FAQs

  • What ingredients give the marinated olives their unique flavor?

The olive oil, balsamic vinegar, fig preserves, garlic, shallots, lemon zest, basil, thyme, and chili flakes create a complex and vibrant marinade that infuses the olives with rich, tangy, and slightly sweet notes.

  • How do I achieve the perfect whipped goat cheese texture?

Use a food processor to combine goat cheese, cream cheese, honey, and salt. Pulse until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain for a silky, spreadable consistency.

  • Can I customize the marinated olives to my taste?

Absolutely! You can adjust the herbs and spices in the marinade. Try adding different dried herbs, experimenting with red pepper flakes for heat, or including other aromatics like rosemary or oregano to suit your preferences.

Why Honey Whipped Goat Cheese Impresses

Why Honey Whipped Goat Cheese Impresses
  • Burst with Flavor: Combines tangy goat cheese, sweet honey, and zesty marinated olives for a taste explosion that will delight your palate.
  • Prep like a Pro: Simple step-by-step process allows even novice cooks to create a gourmet-style appetizer with minimal kitchen skills.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Make components ahead of time and store in the refrigerator, perfect for spontaneous entertaining or quick snacking moments.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Adaptable dish works beautifully as an appetizer, party snack, or elegant starter that impresses guests with minimal effort.
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Honey Whipped Goat Cheese with Marinated Olives Recipe

Honey Whipped Goat Cheese with Marinated Olives Recipe


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4.8 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Honey whipped goat cheese with marinated olives blends Mediterranean charm and creamy elegance. Silky cheese drizzled with golden honey pairs perfectly with zesty, herb-infused olives, inviting you to savor each luxurious bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups mixed olives (pitted)
  • 1 log (10 ounces) goat cheese
  • 4 ounces cream cheese

Herbs and Seasonings:

  • 1/4 cup basil (chopped)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped thyme
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 2 cloves garlic (sliced)
  • 1 shallot (chopped)
  • chili flakes
  • sea salt

Liquid and Additional Ingredients:

  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 23 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon fig preserves (optional)
  • 1/2 cup oil packed sun-dried tomatoes (sliced)

Instructions

  1. Craft a zesty marinade by whisking together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, fig preserves, minced garlic, diced shallots, lemon zest, chopped basil, thyme, and chili flakes in a mixing bowl.
  2. Gently fold olives and sun-dried tomatoes into the marinade, ensuring thorough coating. Allow mixture to infuse flavors for 30 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate up to 5 days.
  3. In a food processor, blend goat cheese, cream cheese, honey, and a pinch of salt until achieving a silky, whipped consistency. Aim for smooth, creamy texture without overmixing.
  4. Transfer whipped cheese to a serving vessel, creating an elegant swirl with the back of a spoon.
  5. Generously spoon marinated olives and infused oil over the cheese, allowing the vibrant mixture to cascade down the sides.
  6. Garnish with freshly chopped herbs for a burst of color and aromatic complexity.
  7. Serve immediately alongside rustic bread or crisp crackers, enabling guests to enjoy the harmonious blend of tangy and sweet flavors.
  8. For optimal taste, remove cheese from refrigerator 30 minutes before serving to reach room temperature, which enhances its creamy texture and flavor profile.

Notes

  • Adjust honey amount based on personal sweetness preference, creating a balanced flavor profile that complements the tangy goat cheese.
  • Try different herb combinations like rosemary or oregano to customize the marinated olive mix and add unique depth.
  • Use room temperature ingredients for smoother blending and creamier texture when whipping the goat cheese mixture.
  • Store marinated olives in an airtight container to maximize flavor infusion and extend refrigeration time up to a week.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 322 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 372 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg
Natalie Brooks

Natalie Brooks

Co-Founder & Content Strategist

Expertise

  • Vegan and plant-based recipe creation
  • Meal planning and nutritional analysis
  • Storytelling through blog content, video, and social media

Education

eCornell

  • Program: Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate
  • Focus: Whole-food, plant-based cooking, with a foundation in nutritional science and sustainable eating habits.

Natalie brings the vibrant, plant-powered side to Culinary Duo. After earning her Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell, she combined her love for fresh ingredients with a passion for storytelling, aiming to make healthy cooking simple and satisfying.
Her kitchen motto: good food doesn’t need a fancy label, it just needs fresh ideas and a little creativity. Outside of writing and recipe testing, Natalie’s happiest in her garden, exploring farmers’ markets, or mixing global flavors into new kitchen experiments.

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