Description
This Whipped Goat Cheese with Cranberries and Pecans recipe combines creamy whipped goat cheese with a sweet-tart cranberry sauce and crunchy candied pecans. Enhanced with hints of orange zest, cinnamon, and rosemary, this elegant appetizer is perfect for entertaining, served alongside crostini or toasted bread.
Ingredients
Scale
Cranberry Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup cranberries
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup water
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Candied Pecans
- â…“ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 cup pecans
- Pinch salt
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
Whipped 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
Garnish and Serving
- 2 tablespoons roughly chopped rosemary
- Flake sea salt, as needed
- Crostini or toasted bread
Instructions
- Make the Cranberry Sauce: In a large sauté pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add cranberries, brown sugar, ½ cup of water, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Cook, stirring frequently, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens, about 8 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Prepare the Candied Pecans: In a large sauté pan over medium heat, combine brown sugar and 2 tablespoons of water. Stir until the sugar melts and the mixture simmers. Add pecans, salt, and cinnamon, stirring to coat them evenly. Spread the pecans over a wire rack set over a baking sheet to cool. Once cooled, roughly chop the pecans.
- Whip the Goat Cheese: In a food processor, combine goat cheese, cream cheese, honey, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Blend until smooth and creamy, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.
- Assemble and Serve: Spread the whipped goat cheese onto a shallow serving plate. Spoon the cooled cranberry sauce over the cheese, then sprinkle the chopped candied pecans on top. Drizzle with additional olive oil, sprinkle with flake sea salt to taste, garnish with chopped rosemary, and serve immediately with crostini or toasted bread.
Notes
- For best flavor, allow cranberry sauce to cool before assembling the dish.
- Room temperature cheeses whip more smoothly, so be sure to take them out ahead of time.
- To toast pecans further for added crunch, briefly bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes before candying.
- Use freshly grated orange zest for the brightest citrus flavor.
- Can be prepared a few hours in advance and refrigerated; bring to room temperature before serving.
