Whipped Goat Cheese with Candied Bacon and Pecans
Imagine walking into a cozy kitchen filled with the enticing aroma of crispy bacon mingling with fresh herbs, and the creamy richness of whipped goat cheese wafting through the air. This Whipped Goat Cheese with Candied Bacon and Pecans is an absolute showstopper that elevates any gathering. The first time I made this dish was for a friend’s brunch celebration, and it quickly became the star of the table. As guests dipped crispy crackers into the smooth and tangy cheese topped with sweet and salty bacon and pecans, the laughter and compliments came pouring in. Whether you serve it at a festive party, a cozy dinner, or a relaxed weekend brunch, this dish is always a conversation starter. The best part? You can whip it up in under 30 minutes, leaving you plenty of time to bask in the company of your loved ones.
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Why This Is The Best Whipped Goat Cheese with Candied Bacon and Pecans Recipe
This recipe will win your heart for so many reasons! First off, it’s incredibly simple and quick, taking only about 10 minutes to prep and another 15 to cook. Imagine indulging in the creamy, slightly tangy flavor of whipped goat cheese combined with the crunchy sweetness of candied bacon and pecans—the perfect balance of savory and sweet. Visually, the contrast of the lush white cheese with the golden toppings makes for an eye-catching centerpiece. It’s versatile enough to fulfill many roles; whether it’s for a potluck, a starter for dinner, or simply a delightful snack, this dish fits the bill. Plus, if you need to accommodate dietary preferences, it can easily be made gluten-free or adjusted to suit various tastes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 8 ounces goat cheese: Choose a soft, creamy goat cheese for a smooth texture. Look for a log of plain goat cheese rather than flavored ones, as this allows the herbs and other toppings to shine.
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt: This adds extra creaminess and a slight tang. If you prefer, plain yogurt works too.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Opt for raw honey for enhanced flavor. Substitute with agave nectar if you’re looking for a vegan option.
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme: Fresh thyme brings an earthy note. Dried thyme can work in a pinch, but fresh is best for flavor.
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary: This herb adds a lovely aroma and flavor depth. You can skip it if preferred.
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the dish and balances the richness of the cheese.
- 2 ounces bacon (finely chopped): Use your favorite bacon; thick-cut adds more flavor. Turkey bacon can be substituted for a lighter option.
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped pecans: Toasted pecans add a buttery crunch. You could use walnuts or almonds as interesting alternatives.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: This caramelizes the bacon and pecans, giving them a delightful sweetness. Coconut sugar can be a great alternative if you prefer.
- ⅛ teaspoon salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors.
- Pinch of black pepper (optional): This adds a slight kick; adjust according to your taste.
How to Make Whipped Goat Cheese with Candied Bacon and Pecans
Whip Together the Cheese Ingredients
Begin by adding the goat cheese, Greek yogurt, honey, thyme, rosemary, and lemon juice into a small food processor or blender. Pulse the mixture 5-10 times to break it up. Then blend for about 10-20 seconds until you achieve a creamy texture. Be careful not to overdo it—too much blending can make the cheese runny. You want it to be smooth and spreadable.
Cook the Bacon to Crisp Perfection
Next, grab a small skillet and place the finely chopped bacon over medium heat. Cook it for approximately 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s crispy and nicely browned. Once it’s done, carefully drain the grease into a measuring cup. Return 2 teaspoons of the bacon grease back to the skillet; this will add flavor to your pecan mixture.
Candy the Bacon and Pecans
In the same skillet, mix in the chopped pecans, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper (if using). Stir it well to combine and let it cook for an additional 3–4 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the pecans turn golden and fragrant. Make sure to keep an eye on them to prevent burning. Once done, transfer the mixture onto a plate lined with a paper towel to cool and crisp.
Assemble Your Appetizer
Now it’s time to put it all together! Spoon the whipped goat cheese into a shallow serving bowl or plate. Generously top it with the candied bacon and pecans for both flavor and a beautiful presentation. If you’re feeling fancy, you can finish it off with a sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary and an extra drizzle of honey for that sweet touch. Serve this delicious creation with baguette crisps, crackers, or fresh veggies.
Tips for Success
- Ensure your goat cheese is at room temperature for easier blending.
- Avoid over-blending your cheese mixture; you want it creamy, not runny.
- If your pecans begin to burn, reduce the heat. They can toast quickly, especially with the addition of sugar.
- Make this ahead of time! Prepare the cheese and toppings separately and assemble right before serving.
- For an extra savory kick, sprinkle some crumbled blue cheese on top before serving.
Serve It With
Pair this delightful dish with an array of items to elevate your appetizer game:
- Crunchy baguette crisps, fresh crackers, or even sliced vegetables such as carrots and cucumbers.
- Drizzle with a bit more honey for those who enjoy extra sweetness.
- Add some fresh fruit, like figs or apple slices, for a contrasting flavor that brightens the plate.
- Perfect for a brunch spread, appetizer at a dinner party, or even served as a light snack.
How To Store & Reheat Leftovers
- Room Temperature: Leftovers can stay at room temperature for about 2 hours during serving.
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge, and it should last for about 3-5 days.
- Freezing: This dish can be frozen, but the texture may change slightly. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: While the whipped cheese is best served chilled, if you want the candied topping warm, briefly reheat in a skillet on low until warmed through, not too long to maintain the crispy texture.
- Quality Notes: Upon thawing, the texture might alter slightly but refresh it by giving it a gentle stir.
Tips & Variations
- Add crushed red pepper flakes to the whipped cheese mixture for a hint of heat.
- For a nut-free version, skip the pecans and substitute with crispy fried shallots.
- Use smoked bacon for a deeper flavor that enhances the overall dish.
- In place of herbs, consider adding a dash of garlic powder for an aromatic twist.
- Try incorporating seasonal herbs based on what you have on hand, like basil or parsley during summer months.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute goat cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative. Look for a creamy nut-based spread that can mimic the tangy flavor of goat cheese. Coconut yogurt can replace Greek yogurt, ensuring the overall recipe remains dairy-free.
What can I serve instead of crackers?
If you’re looking for something different, consider using breadsticks, vegetable sticks (like carrots or celery), or even pita chips. They all provide a wonderful texture against the creamy cheese.
How do I know if my candied bacon is done?
Your candied bacon is perfect when it’s crispy and has a beautifully caramelized surface. Keep an eye on the color; it should be a rich golden-brown hue.
Can this dish be served warm?
Absolutely! If you prefer warm toppings, you can briefly heat the assembled dish in the oven for a few minutes before serving. Just make sure to keep an eye on it to avoid melting the cheese too much.
In summary, this Whipped Goat Cheese with Candied Bacon and Pecans is a blend of indulgent flavors in a charming presentation. Whether you’re creating an appetizer for a special gathering or a simple yet elegant snack for yourself, I hope this dish inspires you to experiment in your kitchen. Enjoy the whirl of flavors and connections it brings to your table!
More Desserts & Appetizers Recipes
- Cottage Cheese Brownies
- Crispy Black Bean Quesadillas
- Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cookies Perfect For Your Sweetheart
- Holiday No Bake Cereal Bars
- Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
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📖 Recipe Card
Whipped Goat Cheese with Candied Bacon and Pecans
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Blending and Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This dish combines creamy whipped goat cheese topped with sweet candied bacon and crunchy pecans, making it a perfect appetizer for any occasion. It’s easy to prepare and delivers a mouthwatering balance of flavors.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces goat cheese
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 ounces bacon (finely chopped)
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped pecans
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- Pinch of black pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Add goat cheese, Greek yogurt, honey, thyme, rosemary, and lemon juice in a food processor and blend until creamy.
- Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, then drain and return some grease to the skillet.
- Mix pecans, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper into the skillet, cooking until golden and fragrant.
- Spoon whipped goat cheese into a serving bowl and top with candied bacon and pecans. Serve with baguette crisps or crackers.
Notes
Make sure the goat cheese is at room temperature for easier blending.
Avoid over-blending to keep the texture creamy, not runny.
This dish can be made gluten-free by checking the bacon and other ingredients.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 recipe
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
