This Goat Cheese Appetizer combines creamy cheeses, sweet dried fruit, crunchy pistachios, and hot honey for an irresistible party snack!
Author’s Notes
This Recipe Had EVERYONE Talking
Several years ago, the director of special events at Dillard’s reached out and asked if I’d be part of their grand opening event. It went so well that they invited me back for another grand opening in a different city!
I still have a grainy picture (see right!) of the original event flyer inviting people to come meet me and watch me make a couple of recipes.
At the first event, I made my monster energy balls, which were a MASSIVE hit! Dillard’s also gave me a recipe they wanted me to recreate, which happened to be this very goat cheese appetizer!
Of course, I couldn’t leave the recipe alone. I made it several times before the event, tweaking little things here and there until I got it exactly how I wanted it. I remember being SO excited to share it, and wow, did people love it!
I had made what I thought was a ridiculous amount ahead of time, and every last bite was gone within an hour! People kept stopping by after hearing about it from others, only to find out we’d run out. Luckily, I’d printed plenty of recipe cards so everyone who missed out could still make it at home. And now, I’m sharing it here, right in time for the holidays! I hope you get a chance to try it!
Goat Cheese Appetizer Ingredients
| Ingredient | My Tips |
|---|---|
| Goat cheese | Use plain, soft goat cheese (chèvre) in log form, not crumbled or aged goat cheese. |
| Cream cheese | Balances the tangy goat cheese and makes the mixture smoother and easier to spread. Use brick-style cream cheese, not the kind in a tub. |
| Dried fruit | Choose fruit that’s soft and chewy, not overly dry or hard. A mix of sweet and tart is especially good! I usually do half dried apricot and half dried cranberries. |
| Fresh herbs | I love fresh thyme, if you can’t get it you can find freeze-dried in the seasoning section of most grocery stores. |
| Pistachios | Look for bright green pistachios for the prettiest coating, and grab shelled ones to save yourself the hassle! |
Quick Tip
My favorite way to serve it: In my Snack Stack bowls with homemade Parmesan crackers, cava copycat pita chips, fresh veggies, and sliced apples or grapes for dipping!
How To Make this Goat Cheese Appetizer
The recipe card below has all the details, but here’s a quick look at what you’re going for at each stage.
- Mix the cheeses: Beat just until smooth and combined. Don’t overmix!
- Add the extras: Chop everything nice and small so you get a little of everything in each bite.
- Shape and chill: I like making a log because it’s easy to serve and looks so pretty on a platter!
- Add the finishing touches: Press the pistachios all over the outside and finish with a drizzle of hot honey right before serving.
For another fun holiday presentation, try my Christmas tree and reindeer cheese balls.
chelsea’s recipe tip
Make It The Star Of Your Holiday Appetizer Spread
Here’s how I’d build a holiday menu around it:
- For Thanksgiving: Set it out while everyone waits for the easy slow cooker turkey breast and the rest of the feast.
- For Christmas: Pair it with a festive goat cheese flatbread for another colorful appetizer.
- For Friendsgiving: Serve it with homemade spiced apple cider and let everyone snack while dinner finishes.
- For a holiday appetizer party: Finish the spread with something sweet like my pecan pie dessert dip.
Storage
To make this goat cheese appetizer ahead of time, prepare everything up to the pistachio coating. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Add the pistachios and drizzle with hot honey right before serving so everything stays fresh and crunchy!
More Delicious Holiday Appetizers:
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Pigs in a Blanket Recipe
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Spinach Artichoke Dip
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Easy Bruschetta Recipe
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Veggie Dip
Goat Cheese Appetizer
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup coarsely chopped roasted and salted shelled pistachios see note 2
- 1/4 cup finely chopped dried cranberries
- Honey optional (use hot honey for some kick!)
- Crackers pita chips, fresh veggies, pretzels, etc.
Instructions
- Unwrap cream cheese and place in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 10–15 seconds, flip, and microwave another 10–15 seconds if needed. It should be soft, not melted. Transfer to a large mixing bowl or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment.
- Add goat cheese and beat on low speed until smooth and combined.
- Add dried fruit, green onions, thyme, and salt & pepper to taste. (I use 1/4 tsp salt & 1/8 tsp pepper.) Mix on low until evenly combined, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Transfer mixture onto a large sheet of plastic wrap. Use the wrap to shape into a log or ball, then wrap tightly. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for even better flavor.
- Combine chopped pistachios and cranberries on a large plate. Unwrap the chilled cheese and roll in the mixture, gently pressing the coating onto all sides until evenly covered.
- Transfer to a serving plate and drizzle with honey or hot honey, if desired. Serve with crackers, pita chips, pretzels, or fresh veggies.
