Bursting with the brightness of lemon and the earthiness of thyme, this whipped goat cheese makes for a really quick appetizer that is ridiculously easy to prepare. It is also a fabulously versatile recipe. Swap in a drizzle of honey for the lemon and you get an irresistibly sweet and salty version that feels just right for a dessert course. Substitute some basil for the thyme and your appetizer spread suddenly feels like it has been transported to a beach picnic somewhere along the sun-kissed coast of the Mediterranean. Whipped goat cheese is one of those dishes where you can really choose your own adventure, and whichever route you pick, the result is practically sure to be wonderful.
Served with your favorite crackers or crostini, whipped goat cheese is a simple and satisfying appetizer or snack. But it can also be put to many other delicious uses. Whipped goat cheese is terrific in sandwiches and wraps, and it makes a particularly wonderful addition to the filling in an asparagus omelette.
Ingredients for Whipped Goat Cheese
- soft goat cheese (room temperature)
- fresh thyme
- lemon
- garlic
- heavy whipping cream
- extra virgin olive oil
- freshly ground black pepper
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Place the goat cheese in a medium bowl and add the heavy whipping cream.
Whisk until incorporated and the mixture is creamy.
In a small bowl, combine the chopped thyme, lemon zest, and finely minced or grated garlic. Season with black pepper and mix everything together.
Add half of the thyme mixture to the goat cheese and whisk until it is distributed throughout.
Combine the olive oil with the remaining half of the thyme mixture.
Transfer the whipped goat cheese to a small serving bowl, and then spoon the oil and thyme mixture over the top.
Serve the whipped goat cheese with your favorite crackers or crostini alongside.
Hint: Also called chèvre, good quality fresh goat cheese can vary quite a bit in terms of flavor and the softness of its texture, depending on the particular brand. I suggest experimenting until you find the one that best suits your taste.
Variations
The additions of thyme, lemon zest, and garlic are all entirely optional here, but fresh seasonings really add some delicious depth to whipped goat cheese. And options abound when it comes to the various flavoring possibilities. Here are a few thoughts on making the recipe your own...
- Other Herbs - chopped fresh chives, basil, or dill would be wonderful substitutions for the thyme here
- Less Sharp - if you are put off by the pungency of fresh garlic, simply omit it
- Salty and Sweet - add a drizzle of honey along with the heavy whipping cream when you are whisking the goat cheese
Equipment
A handheld whisk is a perfectly effective tool for whipping soft goat cheese, as long as the cheese is allowed to come to room temperature first. If you prefer to use an electric mixer or food processor, that will also certainly do the job. But in my humble opinion, it just never seems worth the extra effort and washing up.
Storage
Whipped goat cheese can be kept in the refrigerator (covered) for about a week. It will firm up when chilled, but it does not take long to soften once allowed to sit at room temperature again. If you're in a hurry, giving it a stir will help to encourage the softening along.
Top tip
Take the time to let your goat cheese come to room temperature before you begin. Not only is this imperative for allowing the flavor of the cheese to really come through, but it also helps in achieving a super creamy consistency when you whip it.
📖 Recipe
Whipped Goat Cheese
Ingredients
- 8 ounces soft goat cheese (room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme chopped
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1 clove garlic finely minced or grated
- 2 to 3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
- few grinds freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Place the goat cheese in a medium bowl and add the heavy whipping cream. Whisk until incorporated and the mixture is creamy.
- In a small bowl, combine the thyme, lemon zest, and garlic. Season with black pepper and mix everything together.
- Add half of the thyme mixture to the goat cheese and whisk until it is distributed throughout.
- Combine the olive oil with the remaining half of the thyme mixture.
- Transfer the whipped goat cheese to a small serving bowl. Spoon the olive oil and thyme mixture over the top.
- Serve the whipped goat cheese with your favorite crackers or crostini alongside.
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