The ultimate appetizer for your holiday gathering, this cranberry whipped goat cheese dip is easy to make, festive and incredibly delicious.

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I brought this cranberry whipped goat cheese dip and my antipasto wreath to a Christmas party and they were the best way to kick off the holiday festivities.

This dip features a smooth and creamy whipped goat cheese base that is lightly sweetened with honey, and topped with a delicious and flavorful cranberry sauce. This dip is bursting with sweet, tart, savory and tangy flavors.

This cranberry whipped goat cheese dip is garnished with pistachios for crunch, orange zest for brightness and honey for a touch of sweetness that ties all the flavors together. Serve with an assortment of crackers, apple slices and/or crostini for a variety of dipping options.

Make this cranberry whipped goat cheese dip for Friendsgiving, Thanksgiving or any Christmas gathering to bring tasty festive cheer to all your loved ones.

Ingredients

Cranberry sauce: you can use store bought to save time or make your own.
Goat cheese: the tangy goat cheese compliments the sweet and tart cranberry sauce.
Honey: balances out the tangy goat cheese.
Olive oil: helps transform the goat cheese into a smooth, creamy dip.
Pistachios: adds a nice crunch.
Orange zest: orange zest adds so much brightness to this dish.
Salt: brings out all these delicious flavors.
Baguette: for scooping up this delicious dip.

Equipment

Food processor
Cutting board and knife
Rubber Spatula
Citrus zester

Instructions

In the base of the a large food processor, combine goat cheese, honey and salt. Secure the lid, turn on low and slowly stream in the olive oil.

Turn off the food processor, scrape down the sides and blend for an additional 10 seconds, or until goat cheese is smooth and creamy.

Pour the whipped goat cheese into a serving bowl and top with cranberry sauce. Garnish with chopped pistachios, orange zest and a drizzle of honey.

Serve cranberry whipped goat cheese dip with toasted baguette slices, crackers and/or apple slices.

Tips

If the whipped goat cheese is runny (this may happen if the goat cheese is warm), blend in 2-4 ounces more cold goat cheese or place in the freezer for 10 minutes to firm it up.
If you have the time, make homemade cranberry sauce to make it extra special.
Everyone has different sweetness preferences. Taste goat cheese dip and add more honey if you prefer it to be sweeter.
For ultimate freshness, purchase baguette the day you plan on serving the dip and toast right before serving.

FAQ

Does this dip need to be refrigerated?

I recommend keeping this dip refrigerated until 15 or so minutes before you are ready to serve. 15 minutes at room temperature will allow the whipped goat cheese to soften enough so it is easier to dip into and spread onto baguette slices.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can make the whipped goat cheese up to one day in advance. I do not recommend assembling the dip until the day of serving. Otherwise, the cranberry sauce will add moisture to the whipped goat cheese base and become runny.

How long does this dip last?

For the freshest flavor, this dip is best enjoyed within 3 days of making. However, it will last for up to 2 weeks when stored in an air tight container in the refrigerator.

Recipe Variations

Goat cheese: you can use feta instead of goat cheese. This will, of course, change the flavors and add more saltiness. If you use feta, I recommend omitting the salt from this recipe.
Honey: you can use an equal amount of maple syrup or agave in place of honey to sweeten the whipped goat cheese.
Pistachios: walnuts or pecans would be great substitutes for the pistachios.
Baguette: If you don’t have a baguette, no worries, you can use any type of crackers or pita chips for dipping.

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If you make this Cranberry Whipped Goat Cheese Dip, be sure to leave a comment below and rate this recipe! If you snap a pic, be sure to tag me on Instagram @thechowdown! I love seeing your creations!

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