When somebody texts that they’re coming over in 20 minutes, this goat cheese dip is my secret weapon. It appears to be like like I spent an hour placing collectively an attractive appetizer unfold, however it actually takes 5 minutes and zero cooking.
All you want is a log of creamy goat cheese, raspberry jam, sizzling honey, and a handful of crimson pepper flakes. Unfold, layer, drizzle, finished. It’s the type of recipe that makes individuals ask for the recipe — after which snigger after they learn the way simple it’s.
This no-cook goat cheese dip layers creamy goat cheese, raspberry jam, and a drizzle of sizzling honey for a candy, spicy, tangy appetizer that comes collectively in 5 minutes flat. Unfold it on a plate, pile on the toppings, and serve with crackers or veggies — it’s the best crowd-pleaser in my rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Goat Cheese Dip
- It’s prepared in 5 minutes: No baking, no mixing, no meals processor. Simply unfold, layer, and serve.
- Candy + spicy + tangy in each chew: Raspberry jam brings the candy, sizzling honey brings the warmth, and goat cheese brings the tang.
- It appears to be like spectacular with zero effort: Unfold it on a board or platter, drizzle all the things on high, scatter some herbs — it pictures like a styled appetizer.
- Solely 5 components: Goat cheese, raspberry jam, sizzling honey, crimson pepper flakes, and recent herbs. That’s it.
Ingredient Notes
- Goat cheese: Use a plain 4 oz. log (not pre-crumbled). Let it soften at room temperature for 15–20 minutes so it spreads simply. A tender, spreadable chèvre works greatest — keep away from aged or agency goat cheese.
- Raspberry jam: Any model works — I really like Bonne Maman. Seedless or seeded is private desire; seeded provides a bit of extra texture.
- Scorching honey: Mike’s Scorching Honey or any store-bought sizzling honey works. In the event you don’t have sizzling honey, drizzle common honey and add further crimson pepper flakes.
- Pink pepper flakes: A small quantity goes a good distance. These add seen warmth cues and a bit of further kick on high of the new honey.
- Recent herbs: Basil, thyme, or rosemary all work. Basil pairs particularly nicely with raspberry.
In the event you love goat cheese, my Roasted Pink Pepper Goat Cheese Dip is one other simple favourite.
Ideas for the Finest Goat Cheese Dip
- Soften the cheese first: Chilly goat cheese is crumbly and exhausting to unfold. Let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes, or microwave for 10 seconds if you happen to’re in a rush.
- Use the again of a spoon or offset spatula: Unfold the goat cheese in a fair layer with swoops — this creates ridges for the jam and honey to pool into.
- Layer, don’t combine: The visible influence comes from seeing distinct layers of white cheese, ruby jam, and golden honey.
- Add the new honey proper earlier than serving: Scorching honey thins because it sits, so drizzle it on on the final minute for the most effective texture and presentation.
Variations and Taste Swaps
- Swap the jam: Fig jam, apricot preserves, or pepper jelly all work fantastically.
- Add crunch: High with chopped pistachios, candied walnuts, or toasted pecans for texture distinction.
- Make it savory: Skip the jam and drizzle with pesto or sun-dried tomato unfold for a Mediterranean take.
- Bake it: Need it heat? Switch to a small oven-safe dish and bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes till bubbly.
- Add dried fruit: Dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots add coloration and chew.
What to Serve with Goat Cheese Dip
This goat cheese dip pairs with absolutely anything you’d need to dip or scoop. Listed below are my favorites:
- Wheat Thins or water crackers
- Sliced baguette or crostini
- Recent veggies (cucumber rounds, bell pepper strips, snap peas)
- Pita chips
- Sliced apples or pears
- Pretzels or pretzel crisps
For an even bigger unfold, pair it with my Baked Boursin Dip and Traditional Hummus for a three-dip appetizer board.
- Fridge: Retailer leftovers in an hermetic container for as much as 3 days. The jam will soften into the cheese because it sits — nonetheless tastes nice, simply appears to be like much less layered.
- Make forward: You may unfold the goat cheese on the plate and wrap tightly with plastic wrap as much as 24 hours forward. Add the jam, honey, and garnishes proper earlier than serving.
- Freezing: Not beneficial — the feel modifications as soon as thawed.
You may, however it’ll be a very totally different dip. Goat cheese has a particular tang that pairs completely with the sweetness of the jam and honey. Cream cheese is milder and gained’t provide the identical taste distinction. In the event you’re not a goat cheese fan, strive a whipped feta base as an alternative.
Raspberry jam is my favourite for this goat cheese dip as a result of the tartness performs off the tangy cheese fantastically. Fig jam, apricot preserves, and pepper jelly are additionally nice choices. Any fruit-based jam or preserves will work — simply keep away from something too sugary or artificially flavored.
Goat cheese is decrease in energy and fats than many different cheeses, and it’s simpler to digest for people who find themselves delicate to cow’s milk. This dip makes use of simply 4 oz. of cheese for six servings, so it’s a comparatively mild appetizer — particularly if you happen to’re dipping veggies as an alternative of crackers.
Sure! Unfold the goat cheese in your serving plate, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate for as much as 24 hours. Add the raspberry jam, sizzling honey, crimson pepper flakes, and herbs proper earlier than serving so the layers keep distinct and the honey doesn’t skinny out.
Nope — this can be a fully no-cook recipe. The goat cheese softens at room temperature and will get unfold proper onto a plate. In the event you want a heat, melty dip, you possibly can bake it at 375°F for 15–20 minutes, however it’s scrumptious at room temperature.
- Be happy to double or triple the recipe in case you are serving a crowd.
- Every other fruit jam can be utilized instead of raspberry jam — fig, apricot, and pepper jelly all work nicely.
- In the event you don’t have sizzling honey, use common honey and add a pinch extra crimson pepper flakes.
Energy: 99 kcal, Carbohydrates: 13 g, Protein: 4 g, Fats: 4 g, Fiber: 0.2 g, Sugar: 11 g
Vitamin data is robotically calculated, so ought to solely be used as an approximation.
Images by: The Picket Skillet
