What I love about Whipped Goat Cheese with Blackberries
This creamy whipped goat cheese appetizer with blackberries and basil is perfect for summer entertaining. It’s refreshing, flavourful, and can be ready in just about 20 minutes. You’ll only need a handful of ingredients, but the final result will be anything but ordinary.
The base is a tangy, creamy blend of soft, unripened goat cheese and yogurt. This pairs beautifully with the tart blackberries, sweet honey, and fresh basil. Each bite is a burst of zesty flavour, all coming together in a way that’s both simple and unforgettable.
When it comes to whipping the goat cheese, I’ve found that using a whisk or hand mixer in a bowl gives the best texture—light, fluffy, and airy. While a food processor will get the job done faster, it tends to produce a smoother, slightly looser consistency. Either method works well though, and the flavour remains just as delicious no matter which you choose. (For reference, the photos here were taken after using the food processor.)
As an added bonus, this recipe is especially timely during blackberry season. So, when the berries start to overflow along the trails next month, keep this appetizer in mind—it’s the perfect way to put them to delicious use!
Recipe Notes
A few things to keep in mind:
- Goat cheese – I LOVE goat cheese and paired with a little yogurt it makes the perfect base for this appetizer. You want to use soft, unripened goat cheese for this recipe. It’s the kind that you usually put on a salad. You can find it at most grocery stores in the specialty cheese section.
- Yogurt – Adding a little yogurt to the goat cheese enhances the flavour and texture and also makes it more spreadable. I recommend using full-fat, plain greek yogurt for this recipe. If you use a lighter fat yogurt, it will result in a more runny texture.
- Blackberries – Blackberries are a delicious topping for the creamy goat cheese base. They’re sweet but also a little tart which works well for this appetizer. You can use fresh or frozen blackberries, but if using frozen will have to simmer 5 minutes longer to release the extra liquid.
- Basil – Basil is another key ingredient in this appetizer! It works so well with the goat cheese, blackberries and honey! Basil has quite a strong flavour, so you don’t need much. A few small basil leaves here and there to garnish is perfect. I add some to the blackberries while they’re cooking as well to infuse a little extra flavour into them. You definitely need to use fresh basil. I wouldn’t bother with dried.
What to serve with Whipped Goat Cheese
There are a few different sides that pair well with this sweet summer dip. Usually, I go for artisan crackers because they have more of a unique flavour and texture, though they are not gluten-free. You can opt for your favourite gluten-free crackers if you prefer. Another option is French bread cut into cubes or homemade crostinis; both absolutely delicious with this dip!
FAQ:
Yes! Strawberries or raspberries would also be delicious with this whipped goat cheese! Simply cook them the same as you would the blackberries.
Yes! You can make both the whipped goat cheese and berry topping a day ahead. Just store separately in air-tight containers in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble.
I recommend using a whisk or hand mixer for the fluffiest results. You can use a food processor too, but it may cause the goat cheese mixture to become more loose.
I don’t recommend using dried basil for this recipe. It is not the same as fresh. Fresh basil brings vibrant aroma, flavour and colour to this dish. I highly recommend getting your hands on some fresh basil for this recipe! It really makes it.
Whipped Goat Cheese with Blackberries
Equipment
- 1 Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer
Ingredients
- 300g soft, unripened goat cheese
- 1/3 cup full-fat plain greek yogurt
- 1 lemon zested, divided
- 1 pinch sea salt
- 2 1/2 cups fresh organic blackberries
- 2 tablespoons honey divided
- 1 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
- gluten-free crackers or bread for serving
Instructions
- Add the blackberries, 1 tbsp honey, lemon juice, 1 stem of basil and vanilla to a small saucepan and simmer over medium heat for 15 minutes or until the berries are slightly broken down.
- While the blackberries are cooking, add the goat cheese, yogurt, zest of half a lemon and salt to a medium sized mixing bowl and beat with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Spread the goat cheese on a large plate.
- Mash the blackberries gently and then spoon them over the goat cheese.
- Sprinkle the remaining lemon zest over the goat cheese, top with remaining 1 tbsp of honey and leftover basil leaves.
- Serve with bread or crackers on the side.
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