Creamy Whipped Goat Cheese Dip 

whipped goat cheese dip in a serving dish topped with dates, rosemary, and shallots

Get ready—this easy Whipped Goat Cheese Dip recipe is so irresistibly delicious, that it’s bound to be the star of your next gathering. Creamy, tangy goat cheese is perfectly whipped and topped with caramelized shallots, crispy rosemary, smoky almonds, and sweet, chewy dates. This delicious dip is everything you want in an appetizer—savory, slightly sweet, and indulgent with a hint of crunch. 

whipped goat cheese dip in a black serving bowl

Why You’ll Love This Whipped Goat Cheese Appetizer

This whipped goat cheese dip is a crowd-pleaser for so many occasions. It’s elegant enough for holiday dinners and cocktail parties, yet simple enough for a weekend dinner with friends. This recipe is also incredibly versatile, serving as a beautiful appetizer, a delicious spread for toast, or even a unique dip for fruit like apple or pear slices. Despite its simplicity, this easy appetizer is both easy and impressive, requiring just a few ingredients and prep time while delivering big on flavor and presentation. 

For a healthier option, skip the usual bacon topping and opt for smoked almonds instead like I do. They provide the same satisfying crunch and smoky flavor but with far less saturated fat, making this dip a lighter choice without sacrificing taste. The best part is, you can prep the dip base ahead of time and serve it on a cheese platter with crostini, crackers, or even apple slices for a fresh, seasonal touch.

Ingredient Notes

recipe ingredients on a counter

For the Whipped Goat Cheese

  • Plain Goat Cheese: Use high-quality goat cheese for the strong, tangy flavor and the creamiest texture. Let it come to room temperature for easy blending.
  • Greek Yogurt: Adds creaminess while keeping the dip light and protein-packed.
  • Honey or Hot Honey: A touch of sweetness balances the goat cheese’s tang. Use hot honey for a hint of heat.
  • Olive Oil: A drizzle of good-quality olive oil elevates the dip’s flavor and richness.
  • Salt and Pepper

For the Topping

  • Shallots: Caramelized shallots add depth and natural sweetness. If you’re short on time, crispy store-bought onion pieces are a great shortcut.
  • Rosemary: Frying the rosemary brings out its earthy aroma and crispy texture.
  • Dates: Medjool dates lend a chewy, caramel-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with the tangy goat cheese.
  • Smoked Almonds: Deliver a smoky, salty crunch that complements the creamy texture of the dip.
  • Olive Oil: A drizzle of good-quality olive oil elevates the dip’s flavor and richness.

For Serving

  • Pair with crostini, crackers, pita chips, fresh veggies, or fresh apple/pear slices for a mix of textures and flavors.

For exact ingredient amounts and instructions, see the printable recipe card below.

Step-by-Step Instructions

recipe ingredients in a food processor

Step 1: Place the goat cheese, yogurt, olive oil, honey (or hot honey), salt, and black pepper in a food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy—it should be thick but spreadable, like a rich yogurt with a fluffy texture. Transfer to a serving bowl and set aside, or refrigerate until ready to serve.

shallots in a frying pan

Step 2: Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add 2 teaspoons of olive oil and the shallots. Lower the heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and caramelized (about 20-30 minutes). Transfer the whipped dip to a serving dish or large shallow bowl.

rosemary sprigs in a frying pan

Step 3: In the same skillet, heat the remaining 2 teaspoons of olive oil over medium-low heat. Add rosemary sprigs and fry until crispy and lightly browned. Let cool slightly, remove the leaves, and chop them.

whipped goat cheese dip in a serving bowl topped with dates, shallots, and rosemary

Step 4: Top the whipped goat cheese with caramelized shallots, crispy rosemary, chopped dates, and smoked almonds. Finish with a generous drizzle of hot honey and olive oil on top of the goat cheese dip.

Recipe Tips

  • Hot honey can vary in spice level, so taste before drizzling. Use regular honey in the goat cheese mixture if you want less heat, and reserve hot honey for the topping.
  • If you’re short on time, swap caramelized shallots with crispy fried onions from the store.
  • This whipped goat cheese dip pairs beautifully with a crisp glass of Sauvignon Blanc, a light Pinot Grigio, or even a sparkling rosé. For a non-alcoholic option, try a sparkling citrus water or a ginger-infused iced tea to complement the flavors

Serving Tips

This dip is the perfect addition to a cheese board or served alongside other easy appetizers like marinated olives, blistered shishito peppers, or a simple hummus for a well-rounded spread. 

Pair it with crusty bread or pita chips to create a more filling and satisfying appetizer. For a fresh and vibrant touch, serve it with fresh-cut veggies like cucumbers, endive leaves, or carrots, which provide a crisp contrast to the creamy dip.

whipped goat cheese dip in a serving bowl topped with dates, shallots, and rosemary

Storage Tips

Store any leftover dip in an airtight container for no more than 3 days in the refrigerator.  If the goat cheese dip thickens in the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Recipe FAQs

How do I make this dip without a food processor?

If you don’t have a food processor, you can use a hand mixer or whisk the goat cheese mixture vigorously in a large bowl until smooth and creamy.

Can I add other toppings?

Absolutely! Try some red pepper flakes for a bit of spice, a spoonful of fig jam for added sweetness, lemon zest for brightness, or roasted garlic for a richer flavor. Other topping ideas include sun-dried tomatoes, crispy bacon, or a drizzle of maple syrup instead of honey.

Can this dip be made ahead of time?

Yes! Whip the goat cheese mixture up to a day in advance and refrigerate it. Add the toppings right before serving for the best texture and presentation.

What if I don’t have hot honey?

If you don’t have hot honey, mix regular honey with a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne.

More Easy Dip Recipes

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whipped goat cheese dip in a serving dish topped with dates, rosemary, and shallots

Creamy Whipped Goat Cheese Dip

Pamela
This easy Whipped Goat Cheese Dip recipe features tangy goat cheese perfectly whipped and topped with caramelized shallots, rosemary, almonds, and dates.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Appetizer
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

For the whipped goat cheese:

  • 12 ounces goat cheese at room temperature
  • ½ cup plain unsweetened whole Greek yogurt
  • 1 Tablespoon unrefined olive oil + more to drizzle
  • 1 Tablespoon honey or hot honey* + more to drizzle
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

For the topping:

  • 4 teaspoons unrefined olive oil divided
  • 2 large shallots chopped or store-bought crispy onion pieces
  • 2 rosemary sprigs
  • 4 Medjool Dates chopped
  • ¼ cup smoked almonds chopped

For serving: crostini, crackers, apple or pear slices

Instructions
 

  • To make the whipped goat cheese, place the goat cheese, yogurt, 1 tablespoon of oil, 1 tablespoon honey (or hot honey), and salt and pepper in a food processor. Process until smooth. It should be the consistency of a thick creamy yogurt. Transfer whipped goat cheese to a serving dish and set aside or refrigerate if you’re not serving this right away.
  • Warm a small skillet over medium heat. When warm, add 2 teaspoons of olive oil and the shallots. Reduce heat to low and cook the shallots, stirring occasionally, until caramelized. This usually takes 20-30 minutes. Transfer the shallots to a small plate or bowl.
  • Heat the same skillet you used to cook the shallots over medium-low heat. Add remaining 2 teaspoons of oil and the rosemary. Fry the rosemary sprigs on both sides until lightly browned and crispy. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. Remove rosemary leaves off the sprig and chop.
  • Top the whipped goat cheese with the caramelized shallots, crispy rosemary, chopped dates and smoked almonds. Drizzle with extra hot honey and extra olive oil. Serve with toasted bread or crackers and/or sliced apples or pears.

Notes

  • Hot honey can vary in spice level, so taste before drizzling. Use regular honey in the goat cheese mixture if you want less heat, and reserve hot honey for the topping.
  • If you’re short on time, swap caramelized shallots with crispy fried onions from the store.
  • This whipped goat cheese dip pairs beautifully with a crisp glass of Sauvignon Blanc, a light Pinot Grigio, or even a sparkling rosé. For a non-alcoholic option, try a sparkling citrus water or a ginger-infused iced tea to complement the flavors
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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