This simple, real-food whipped goat cheese dip has become my go-to appetizer for pretty much everything. Nothing beats the combination of creamy, tangy goat cheese, sweet honey, figs, and crunchy walnuts! And the best part? It takes just 10 minutes and 5 ingredients.
Why This Recipe Works
- Easy - Just like my easy guacamole recipe, this dip requires 5 simple ingredients and just 10 minutes.
- Customizable - You can use the goat cheese and yogurt base and customize the toppings with whatever you have on hand.
- Yogurt makes it lighter - I use Greek yogurt in addition to goat cheese to make it lighter and easier to whip.
- Naturally sweet - Dried figs and honey are all you need to add natural sweetness to this dip.
- Lactose-intolerant friendly - While goat cheese does contain lactose, it's commonly tolerated by people with a milk sensitivity. You can easily use almond milk yogurt instead of cow's milk yogurt to appeal more to those with lactose intolerance.
This simple, real-food whipped goat cheese dip is perfect as an appetizer, or even a little afternoon snack. You can easily whip up half the recipe and use as a dip for veggies, crackers, and apples, or bring it to your next gathering. Either way, you have an easy appetizer that feels fancy but is incredibly simple to make.
Okay, but let's talk goat cheese for a second... I love, love, love goat cheese. The creaminess, the tanginess and the fact that it's often easier to tolerate/digest (compared to cow's milk cheese) for those with a lactose sensitivity, it has my heart.
So, if you feel the same way about goat cheese as I do, then be sure to check out my butternut squash kale salad, peach and goat cheese salad, and my personal favorite, Brussels sprouts with goat cheese, where you'll also find me piling on the goat cheese.
Ingredient Notes
- Goat cheese - While there are different types of goat cheese available, make sure to use chèvre (which comes in a log and is probably what you think of when you think of "goat cheese").
- Dried figs - Unsweetened, dried figs are recommended. The only ingredient should be figs (or maybe figs and water).
- Honey - Use good quality, raw honey (just make sure it can easily be drizzled and isn't crystallized).
- Greek yogurt - Use unsweetened, plain Greek yogurt. You can also use non-dairy Greek yogurt to limit dairy, if needed.
A complete list of ingredients can be found in the recipe card below. The above are some specific notes to help with selecting ingredients.
Variations for Whipped Goat Cheese Dip
- To make nut-free - Skip the walnuts and use toasted pumpkin seeds instead.
- Use different dried fruit - Swap figs for dried cranberries, apricots, or dates.
- Add fresh herbs - A sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary on top is delicious.
- Add bacon - For a salty-sweet dip, cook up some extra-crispy bacon and sprinkle some on top.
- Make it spicy - Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Use different nuts - Pecans or pistachios work great.
- For a dairy-free version - This won't work as a true substitution, but you could try my dairy-free ranch dressing as a dip alternative.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Add room-temp goat cheese and Greek yogurt to a medium-sized mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer, beat on medium speed for 1-2 minutes, or until light and fluffy.
- Evenly spread whipped goat cheese onto a small plate or small serving platter.
- Top with sliced dried figs and chopped walnuts.
- Lastly, drizzle with honey. Serve and enjoy!
⭐Sara's top tip: Allow the goat cheese to sit at room temperature for a minimum of 30 minutes. It won't whip up the same if straight from the fridge (in fact, it might be too hard to whip into a creamy texture).
Additional Tips and Notes
- Toast your walnuts - This adds so much flavor. Just toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 4-5 minutes, or until fragrant (stir frequently so they don't burn). You can also try toasted walnuts on my superfood kale salad.
- Serve on a plate or small platter - Having a thinner layer of dip makes it easier to get a good balance of dip and toppings in every bite.
- Serve at room temperature - This dip is best served at room temperature. If you've made it ahead and refrigerated it, let it sit out for 20-30 minutes before serving.
What to Serve with Whipped Goat Cheese Dip
There are lots of ways to enjoy this dip! More so than you probably think. Serve alongside any of the following:
- Crackers (Simple Mills are my favorite) or pita chips
- Oven toasted sourdough bread (or bread of choice)
- Pretzels
- Apple slices
- Raw veggies, such as bell peppers, carrots, and cucumbers
- Spread over some cooked chicken breasts
- Add a dollop to the top of crispy air-fried smashed potatoes
Or, use it as a spread! You can also skip the topping and use the whipped goat cheese/yogurt mix as a spread for sandwiches, burgers, wraps or add a dollop to grain bowls or salads.
Recipe FAQs
Plain goat cheese works best since you will add your toppings and honey, but feel free to experiment with flavored goat cheese if you'd like.
Crackers, toasted baguette slices, pita chips, or sliced veggies like cucumbers and bell peppers all work great. Sliced apples are another great choice.
The key to ultra-creamy whipped goat cheese is letting the cheese soften first. Cold goat cheese won't whip properly and can turn grainy. I recommend letting it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before mixing.
Making Ahead
Spread the goat cheese and yogurt mixture onto your serving plate, cover, and refrigerate. Store the chopped walnuts and figs in an airtight container at room temperature. About 30 minutes before serving, remove the goat cheese from the fridge to bring to room temperature. Then top with the walnuts and figs and drizzle with honey.
Storing
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: I don't recommend freezing this dip as the texture changes when thawed.
More Appetizer Recipes You'll Love
If you make this recipe, please let me know what you think! I would so appreciate you leaving a star rating and/or comment below. And don't forget to share a photo on Instagram or Facebook and mention @CleanPlateMama!
Eat Clean.Be Well!
-Sara
Whipped Goat Cheese
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Equipment
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 electric hand mixer
Ingredients
- 8 oz. goat cheese, room temperature
- ¼ cup plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt
- ½ cup chopped dried figs
- ½ cup chopped raw walnuts
- 2 tbsp. honey
Instructions
- Add the room temperature goat cheese and Greek yogurt to a medium-sized mixing bowl. Using a hand-held mixer, beat on medium speed for 1-2 minutes, or until light and fluffy (the longer you mix, the fluffier it will get).
- Evenly spread goat cheese mixture onto a small plate or serving platter. Sprinkle chopped figs and walnuts on top. Lastly, drizzle with the honey.
- Serve with your favorite crackers, toasted baguette, raw veggies and/or apples. Enjoy!
Notes
- Allow goat cheese to sit at room temperature for a minimum of 30 minutes before whipping. It won't whip up the same if straight from the fridge (in fact, it might be too hard to whip into a creamy texture).
- Use a plate or small platter to serve as opposed to a bowl. Having a thinner layer of dip makes it easier to get a good balance of dip and toppings in every bite.
- This dip is best served at room temperature. If you've made it ahead and refrigerated it, let it sit out for 20-30 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
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Nikki says
I may or may not have licked the plate when this was gone. I love goat cheese and this was so good. Perfect for an appetizer for a party.
Sara Ecklin says
Haha... licking the plate is always appropriate!
Sara says
Love the simplicity and how it feels like an elevated appetizer but is so easy to make!