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
- 2–3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon fig preserves (optional)
- 1/2 cup oil packed sun-dried tomatoes (sliced)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Transfer whipped cheese to a serving vessel, creating an elegant swirl with the back of a spoon.
- Generously spoon marinated olives and infused oil over the cheese, allowing the vibrant mixture to cascade down the sides.
- Garnish with freshly chopped herbs for a burst of color and aromatic complexity.
- Serve immediately alongside rustic bread or crisp crackers, enabling guests to enjoy the harmonious blend of tangy and sweet flavors.
- 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