Description
An elegant and incredibly easy appetizer featuring creamy whipped goat cheese topped with homemade cranberry sauce and candied pecans. This whipped goat cheese cranberry dip is perfect for holidays or any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Cranberry Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup cranberries (fresh or frozen)
- 0.25 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Candied Pecans:
- 0.33 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup pecans (halves or pieces)
- 1 pinch salt
- 0.25 teaspoon cinnamon
- For the Whipped Goat Cheese:
- 8 ounces goat cheese (at room temperature)
- 4 ounces cream cheese (at room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- For Serving:
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, roughly chopped
- Flake sea salt, as needed
- Crostini or toasted bread
Instructions
- Prepare the Cranberry Sauce: Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add cranberries and brown sugar. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst. Stir in orange zest and vanilla extract. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Prepare the Candied Pecans: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss pecans with brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Spread in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes until caramelized. Let cool completely, then chop roughly.
- Prepare the Whipped Goat Cheese: In a food processor or with an electric mixer, combine softened goat cheese, cream cheese, honey, and olive oil. Process or beat until smooth, creamy, and light.
- Assemble and Serve: Spoon whipped goat cheese onto a serving platter. Dollop cranberry sauce over the top. Sprinkle with candied pecans and fresh rosemary. Drizzle with extra olive oil and flake sea salt. Serve immediately with crostini or toasted bread.
Notes
- Components can be prepped ahead: Cranberry sauce and candied pecans can be made 1-2 days in advance.
- Whipped goat cheese is best made closer to serving time but can be made a few hours ahead and softened at room temperature before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Whisking, Baking, Processing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approx. 1/10 of recipe