If you are looking for easy appetizers when entertaining, you will love these 15 goat cheese recipes. They can be paired with both sweet and savory flavors and are ideal for parties.
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I'm a huge goat cheese lover; it's just a nice change from standard cheese. The great thing about these cute little appetizers is that they are so quick to make, and not only are they tasty, but they look impressive too.
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I like the parties where you can graze all evening instead of just sitting down. It's ideal for people who want to mingle and network, and these recipes are perfect for those who like to walk and talk with their food.
1) Honey and Walnut Goat Cheese Bites
These honey and walnut goat cheese bites disappear in just two bites, but they deliver a perfect mix of sweetness, crunch, and creaminess. The combination of walnut, honey, and cheese is definitely a winning combination.
I like having nuts on a cheese board; it gives a nice contrast, and I enjoy the crunch against the smoothness and creaminess of the cheese. This is definitely for the lovers of sweet and savory flavors together.
Ingredients
Method
- With slightly damp hands, roll goat cheese into 12 small balls.
- Spread the chopped toasted walnuts on a plate and roll each ball to coat.
- Arrange the bites on a serving platter.
- Drizzle generously with honey; add a pinch of flaky salt just before serving.
Notes
2) Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Log
This cranberry pecan goat cheese log is a showstopper and visually stunning, perfect for making during the holidays. We make this at our family gatherings all the time. The cranberry and pecan flavoring is gorgeous too.
Most people think of cranberries just at Christmas time, but I like to keep them for savory recipes too; they can be great for making as part of a pan sauce for chicken. I love making cheese logs; they don't require any cooking, and you can make them in advance, so they're great for prep.
Ingredients
Method
- Beat the goat cheese and cream cheese together until smooth.
- Shape cheese into a log on plastic wrap; chill 30 minutes to firm.
- Combine the cranberries, pecans, and rosemary on a baking sheet.
- Unwrap; roll in cranberry-pecan mixture, pressing gently to coat all sides.
- Serve with crackers or sliced baguette.
Notes
3) Fig and Thyme Goat Cheese Toasts
I love these little fig and thyme goat cheese toasts. The flavor combination is gorgeous. Fig jam is something that I like to keep a jar of in the pantry just in case. I don't tend to use it too often, but it's one of those ingredients that is nice to have when you have a craving for making something special or unusual. Thyme is one of my favorite herbs to use with goat cheese, but I'm also a big lover of using dill. I like the freshness of it.
When it comes to making toast appetizers, one of my favorite recipes is making creamed mushrooms with chives. I am a huge mushroom lover.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400F and arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet.
- Brush each slice with olive oil and bake 6-8 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Let the toasts cool slightly, then spread each with softened goat cheese.
- Top with a small spoonful of fig jam.
- Sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves and serve.
Notes
4) Roasted Red Pepper Goat Cheese Dip
This dip gives you a great warm and smoky flavor, and this is ideal for dunking your favorite crackers.
When it comes to dips, I prefer to go for warm dips like these, but cold dips do have their place too. I like to roast my own red peppers. I think you get better flavor that way, but there are some good jarred products out there.
When it comes to crackers, I am a big fan of the classic Ritz cracker. It's ideal for dunking, and I love its buttery flavor. I enjoy smoky flavors, and if I ever see smoked salmon on a menu, then I always want to try it.
Ingredients
Method
- Add the goat cheese, roasted red peppers, garlic, and olive oil to a food processor.
- Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with chopped basil.
- Serve with pita chips, crackers, or veggie sticks.
Notes
5) Prosciutto-Wrapped Goat Cheese Dates
This one ticks so many boxes; it's sweet, salty, creamy, and chewy all in one go, using prosciutto, dates, and goat cheese. It's recipes like these that make me think that dates aren't used enough in cooking.
My tip would be to get the best quality dates you can find to make this appetizer extra special. The sweetness of the dates against the saltiness of the prosciutto is fantastic. This recipe is up there with my favorite combo of maple bacon.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Slit dates lengthwise; pipe or spoon in a little goat cheese.
- Wrap each stuffed date with a half slice of prosciutto.
- Place seam-side down on the baking sheet and brush lightly with olive oil.
- Bake 10-12 minutes until the prosciutto is crisp, then cool slightly before serving.
Notes
6) Pistachio-Crusted Goat Cheese Balls
These pistachio-crusted goat cheese balls work fantastically. The chopped pistachios give a lovely bright green crust and appearance, and look extra fancy. Pistachios are one of those ingredients you might not have in the pantry, but this recipe is worth it, so you may need to buy them.
Recipes like these are fun. They are impressive but don't require too much effort. The perfect combination when you are hosting, and everyone will love the texture and crunch of the nuts against the smoothness of the cheese.
Ingredients
Method
- Stir the lemon zest into the softened goat cheese.
- Roll the cheese into 12 small balls and chill 20 minutes to firm up.
- Spread the crushed pistachios on a plate.
- Roll chilled balls in pistachios, pressing gently to coat all over.
- Arrange on a platter and drizzle lightly with honey before serving.
Notes
7) Goat Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms
Everybody loves stuffed mushrooms, especially this goat's cheese version. They are warm and savory, and don't be surprised if they get eaten before the party even starts.
Stuffed mushrooms are a classic to always include as an appetizer when entertaining. I always like to have the classics like these, or Caprese skewers. They always get eaten before everybody has settled. I like to have warm and cold appetizers at my parties, and they always go down well.
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The great thing about mushrooms is that they are the ideal vehicle for filling and perfect party food.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375F and arrange the mushroom caps on a baking sheet.
- Mix the goat cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic, and parsley in a bowl.
- Spoon the filling into each mushroom cap, mounding slightly.
- Drizzle the tops with olive oil.
- Bake 18-20 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is golden, then serve warm.
Notes
8) Balsamic Strawberry Goat Cheese Crostini
Crostinis are great for parties, and I love the combination of strawberries with balsamic and goat's cheese, giving you the sweetness of the strawberries against the tangy cheese. Perfect for the summertime. Everybody always thinks of strawberries solely for desserts, but I love using them this way; also, they are fantastic in salads.
Don't forget about balsamic vinegar; it brings out the flavor of the strawberries. I like to use crostini, as they have more bite to them compared to crackers, but crackers will still work.
Ingredients
Method
- Toss the diced strawberries with balsamic vinegar and honey and let them sit 10 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 400F and toast the baguette slices 6-8 minutes until crisp.
- Spread each toast with softened goat cheese.
- Spoon the macerated strawberries over the cheese.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve right away.
Notes
9) Goat Cheese and Herb Stuffed Tomatoes
These goat cheese and herb stuffed tomatoes are so refreshing, and they are also gluten-free and perfect for everyone to enjoy. This is one of my favorite things to have as an appetizer, and you can stuff them with so many different things. I always like to have appetizers like this on the menu at my parties so I can cater for everyone's tastes.
One of my favorite herbs to use with cheese is chives; they pack such a huge amount of flavor.
Ingredients
Method
- Slice the tops off the cherry tomatoes and gently scoop out the seeds.
- Set the hollowed tomatoes cut-side down on a paper towel to drain.
- Mix the goat cheese with the chives, dill, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spoon the herbed cheese into a piping bag and fill each tomato.
- Arrange on a platter; garnish with extra dill.
Notes
10) Chili Lime Goat Cheese Spread
This chili lime goat cheese spread is perfect if you like a bit of heat and zing in your appetizers. Chili and lime is a gorgeous flavor combo and one of my favorites. You will find this spread hard to stop eating.
The key is to get the heat just right, not too spicy or too mild. For crackers, you can't go wrong with classic Ritz. They are everyone's favorite.
Ingredients
Method
- Beat the goat cheese and cream cheese together until smooth and fluffy.
- Stir in the lime zest, lime juice, chili powder, and honey.
- Fold in most of the chopped cilantro, saving a little for garnish.
- Spread into a shallow serving bowl and swirl the top.
- Top with reserved cilantro and a dusting of chili powder. Serve with tortilla chips.
Notes
11) Zucchini Goat Cheese Roll-Ups
These zucchini goat cheese roll-ups are tiny little swirls with a beautiful fresh spring flavor. Zucchini is so versatile, and they are well suited to being used as an appetizer ingredient. Rolling them or swirling helps to make them visually appealing for your guests.
When it comes to appetizers, people can't get enough of cute and delicate individual portions.
I love springtime. One of my favorite spring recipes is a pea and asparagus risotto with mint and lemon.
Ingredients
Method
- Brush the zucchini ribbons with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Grill or pan-sear the ribbons 1-2 minutes per side until just pliable, then let cool.
- Mix the goat cheese with the basil and lemon zest.
- Spread a thin layer of the cheese onto each zucchini ribbon.
- Roll snugly; secure with toothpicks and arrange on a platter.
Notes
12) Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Tart
Caramelized onions and goat cheese in tart form give you a great combination of flaky pastry with caramelized onions. My tip would be to make your own caramelized onions if you have the patience, but store-bought can still work.
Pastry-based appetizers are always used at my parties; it's just so versatile, and I'm a huge fan of savory tarts, and everyone loves it if you make them as an appetizer, especially in small, cute individual portions.
Ingredients
Method
- Melt butter in a skillet. Cook onions over low heat 20 minutes until deeply caramelized.
- Preheat the oven to 400F and lay the puff pastry on a parchment-lined sheet.
- Score a border around the pastry and brush the edges with beaten egg.
- Spread onions inside border; scatter goat cheese over them.
- Bake 18-20 minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden, then sprinkle with thyme and slice.
Notes
13) Pear and Goat Cheese Bruschetta
Here's one flavor combination you will remember. Everybody always thinks of tomatoes when you mention bruschetta, but pears go so well with goat cheese and are delicious as a bruschetta topping.
Fruit and cheese are a winning combination. One of my favorites is peaches and mozzarella; another is steak and Stilton, but you can make it super simple with just things like mushrooms and parmesan.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400F, brush the baguette slices with olive oil, and toast 6-8 minutes until crisp.
- Spread each toast with a layer of softened goat cheese.
- Fan a few thin pear slices on top of each.
- Sprinkle with chopped walnuts.
- Drizzle with honey and serve immediately.
Notes
14) Smoked Salmon Goat Cheese Spread
This smoked salmon goat cheese spread is the perfect appetizer and is made using only one bowl. I always like to include smoked salmon as an appetizer at my parties or for brunch; it's a staple that I think everybody expects to see.
For cooking for parties, one-bowl recipes are super important; they are quick to prepare with little cleanup, but also mean there are fewer mistakes to be made, which can only be a good thing.
For brunch and parties, I'm always looking for recipes that give great flavor and are comforting but also perfect for a social setting. The food doesn't need to be complicated or elaborate, just tasty.
Ingredients
Method
- Beat the goat cheese with the lemon juice until light and smooth.
- Fold in the chopped smoked salmon, dill, capers, and red onion.
- Stir gently to preserve salmon texture.
- Transfer to a serving bowl and smooth the top.
- Garnish with extra dill and capers, then serve with crackers or toasted bagel chips.
Notes
15) Sun-Dried Tomato Goat Cheese Terrine
The sun-dried tomato goat cheese terrine looks fantastic. It's definitely the fanciest recipe in this roundup. The secret to this is layering the ingredients properly and using sun-dried tomatoes as the key ingredient. They are a pantry staple.
People often comment that this dish looks super complicated, but it isn't really. It just involves layering the ingredients properly. So if you can make a good lasagna or moussaka, you should have no problem with this recipe.
Ingredients
Method
- Line a small loaf pan with plastic wrap, leaving overhang on all sides.
- Beat cheeses until smooth; divide into three portions.
- Press one portion into the pan, then layer the sun-dried tomatoes; add another cheese layer, then the basil and garlic.
- Press final cheese layer evenly over top. Fold wrap over; chill at least 2 hours.
- Invert onto a platter, peel off the wrap, and slice to serve with crackers.
