Easy Herbed Whipped Goat Cheese
This Easy Herbed Whipped Goat Cheese is a 10 minute wonder. Cream cheese, goat cheese, garlic, lemon juice and fresh herbs come together quickly to make an ultra-creamy dip that is perfect for fresh vegetables, crispbread and crackers. This versatile recipe also doubles as a sandwich spread and makes a flavorful base layer for open faced sandwiches!
While whipped goat cheese isn't a traditional Scandinavian recipe, it feels right at home on a Nordic-inspired table. Its fresh, tangy flavor pairs beautifully with crispbread, seasonal vegetables and simple open-faced sandwiches, and it's exactly the kind of versatile, make-ahead spread that can turn a few humble ingredients into something special.
Ingredients
- Goat cheese, cream cheese and a splash of milk form the base of this creamy dip.
- Lemon juice, garlic, fresh dill and parsley bring in bright, herby flavor.
- A drizzle of olive oil adds a luxurious, silky texture.
See recipe card for exact amounts and detailed instructions.
Substitutions and Variations
- Switch up the herbs: Replace all or a portion of the dill and parsley with other soft herbs such as basil, tarragon or chives. I particularly like the combination of dill and chives together. Or you can leave the herbs out altogether if you prefer!
- More lemon: Zest the lemon prior to juicing it and add the zest in with the fresh herbs.
- Add a sweet element: Finish the whipped goat cheese with a drizzle of honey or hot honey for a sweet and savory vibe.
How to Make Easy Herbed Whipped Goat Cheese
- Combine the lemon juice and garlic in a small bowl. Set aside for 10 minutes.
- Combine the goat cheese, cream cheese and milk to a food processor and process until the cheese mixture begins to come together. While the food processor is running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. Contine to process, scraping down the sides of the work bowl as necessary, until the mixture is completely smooth.
- Add the chopped dill and parsley and pulse to combine.
- Serve immediately drizzled with additional olive oil.
Expert Tips
Expert Tips- Don't skip the quick "soak" of the chopped garlic in the lemon juice. It mellows out the raw garlic just enough so that it isn't overpowering.
- Start with 1 tablespoon of milk and then add another if you would like it to be a bit creamier/looser in texture. Keep in mind that the mixture will firm up somewhat when cooled.
Recipe FAQs
Store the goat cheese tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
No, because this recipe uses a food processor, you can use it straight from the refrigerator. The power of the food processor breaks everything down quickly into a silky smooth consistency.
Yes, but if you are using an electric hand mixer, stand mixer or mixing by hand with a whisk, you will want to let the goat cheese and cream cheese soften at room temperature for 30 minutes or so so they whip up smoothly.
Spread a generous layer of the whipped goat cheese of Danish rye bread or crispbread. Top with smoked salmon, pickled onions, fresh sliced cucumber and/or radishes and microcreens for an easy Nordic open-faced sandwich.
What to Serve with Herbed Whipped Goat Cheese
I love to serve this whipped goat cheese as a dip with cucumber slices, radishes, peppers and crispbread, especially my Norwegian Crispbread (Gluten-Free Seed Crackers). They are delicious topped with this zingy spread!
As mentioned in the FAQs, this makes a lovely open-faced sandwich on top of my Danish Rye Bread (Easy Overnight Rugbrød) or Sourdough Rugbrød. Smoked salmon is a natural pair with the goat cheese, but it's delicious with just sliced fresh vegetables such as cucumbers and radishes and/or pickled shallots/onions or even pickled mushrooms. These spicy pickled beets would be a wonderful topping as well.
More Scandinavian Dips and Spreads to Try
Looking for more delicious cookies to pair with your afternoon coffee? Give these a try:
If you tried this Easy Herbed Whipped Goat Cheese recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the comments below. I love hearing from you!
Recipe
Easy Herbed Whipped Goat Cheese
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 8 ounces goat cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil plus more for serving
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Combine the lemon juice and garlic in a small bowl. Set aside for 10 minutes.
- Combine the goat cheese, cream cheese and 1 tablespoon milk to a food processor and process until the cheese mixture begins to come together. While the food processor is running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. Continue to process, scraping down the sides of the work bowl as necessary, until the mixture is completely smooth. Add an additional tablespoon of milk if desired for a smoother texture and looser consistency.
- Add the chopped dill and parsley and pulse to combine. Serve immediately drizzled with additional olive oil or store in the refrigerator, tightly covered for up to 3 days.
This sounds tempting, but I don't even like goat cheese! And they're not all alike in regards to taste (strong or mild), so if there's a substitute for the goat cheese in this recipe, I'd love to know what to use! 🙂 Thanks!
Linda,
Absolutely! If goat cheese isn’t your thing, I would substitute an equal amount of a mild, creamy cheese such as whole-milk ricotta. The flavor will be more delicate, but you’ll still get a lovely creamy herb dip. You could also simply use additional cream cheese for an even milder version. If you’re willing to give goat cheese a try, look for a fresh, mild chèvre rather than an aged goat cheese. The flavor is much softer. Hope that helps! 😊
Kristi