Goat cheese has a special ability to make gatherings feel luxurious, even when you rushed to prepare them. Goat cheese is easy to work with when pairing with sweet and savory flavors. Check out these fifteen goat cheese appetizers for your guests to graze on all evening.
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1) Honey and Walnut Goat Cheese Bites
All in a tiny two-bite package, you can experience sweetness, crunchiness, and creaminess all at once.
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Honey and Walnut Goat Cheese Bites
Sweet and savory bites that are hard to resist! Little rounds of goat cheese that are rolled in toasted walnuts and drizzled with honey.
Ingredients
Method
- Roll the softened goat cheese into 12 small balls using slightly damp hands.
- 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 and finish with a pinch of flaky salt just before serving.
Notes
Chill the goat cheese for 20 minutes first so it's easier to roll.
2) Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Log
The timeless holiday showstopper that vanishes in seconds.
Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Log
A soft log of goat cheese coated in colorful and crunchy pecans and dried cranberries. Great for spreading on crackers.
Ingredients
Method
- Beat the goat cheese and cream cheese together until smooth.
- Scoop the mixture onto plastic wrap and shape into a log, then chill 30 minutes to firm up.
- Combine the cranberries, pecans, and rosemary on a baking sheet.
- Unwrap the log and roll it through the cranberry-pecan mixture, pressing gently to coat all sides.
- Serve with crackers or sliced baguette.
Notes
Make it a day ahead and keep wrapped in the fridge until party time.
3) Fig and Thyme Goat Cheese Toasts
Fig jam and goat cheese are a match made in heaven.
Fig and Thyme Goat Cheese Toasts
For a touch of elegance, try these crisp, toasted baguette slices and cover them in goat cheese, fig jam, and fresh thyme.
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
A drizzle of honey on top takes these over the edge.
4) Roasted Red Pepper Goat Cheese Dip
Warm, smoky, and perfect for dunking crackers.
Roasted Red Pepper Goat Cheese Dip
A rich whipped dip made of goat cheese and roasted red peppers. Smoky and bright, you'll find it impossible to stop scooping!
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
For a warm version, scoop into a dish and bake at 375F for 12 minutes.
5) Prosciutto-Wrapped Goat Cheese Dates
These check all the boxes! They are sweet, salty, creamy, and chewy.
Prosciutto-Wrapped Goat Cheese Dates
Warm Medjool dates are even more enticing after being stuffed with goat cheese and prosciutto.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Slice each date open lengthwise and pipe or spoon in a little softened 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
A drizzle of balsamic glaze on top is absolutely worth it.
6) Pistachio-Crusted Goat Cheese Balls
That bright, green topping makes these look a lot fancier than they really are!
Pistachio-Crusted Goat Cheese Balls
Fabulous and delicious, creamy goat cheese, gets even better when it is rolled in crushed pistachios for a vibrant, crunchy flavor.
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 each chilled ball in the pistachios, pressing gently so they stick all over.
- Arrange on a platter and drizzle lightly with honey before serving.
Notes
Pulse the pistachios in short bursts so you get crumbs, not paste.
7) Goat Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms
They are warm and savory and will probably be eaten up before the rest of the party starts.
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Goat Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms
Mushroom caps stuffed with herbed goat cheese and baked until golden offer a warm, cozy, and delicious finger 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
Wipe the mushrooms with a damp towel instead of rinsing so they don't get soggy.
8) Balsamic Strawberry Goat Cheese Crostini
A taste of summer on a cracker! Sweet berries and tangy cheese make this a delicious snack.
Balsamic Strawberry Goat Cheese Crostini
Here is a bright and fresh bite with creamy goat cheese and strawberries that have been marinated in balsamic and placed on top of a toasted baguette.
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
Toast the bread ahead, but top them just before serving so they stay crisp.
9) Goat Cheese and Herb Stuffed Tomatoes
Refreshing and gluten free, the whole team can enjoy these!
Goat Cheese and Herb Stuffed Tomatoes
Hollowed cherry tomatoes are filled with a bright herbed goat cheese for a fresh and poppable two-bite appetizer!
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 and garnish with a little extra dill before serving.
Notes
A zip-top bag with a snipped corner works great if you don't have a piping bag.
10) Chili Lime Goat Cheese Spread
Some zip, some heat and total cracker magnetism.
Chili Lime Goat Cheese Spread
A fun addition to your appetizer table is this zesty whipped goat cheese spread with lime, chili, and cilantro.
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.
- Sprinkle with the reserved cilantro and a dusting of chili powder, then serve with tortilla chips.
Notes
Add a pinch of cayenne if you want it to bite back.
11) Zucchini Goat Cheese Roll-Ups
Light, darling little swirls that bring the feeling of spring, and are absolutely delightful, enchanting, and captivating.
Zucchini Goat Cheese Roll-Ups
An impressive looking low-carb appetizer is thinly grated grilled zucchini ribbons rolled with herbed goat cheese.
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 each ribbon up snugly and secure with a toothpick, then arrange on a platter.
Notes
Pat the grilled ribbons dry so the cheese spreads without sliding.
12) Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Tart
When combining flaky pastry with sweet jammy onions, you have what's known as a silent showstopper.
Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Tart
Flaky puff pastry, sweet caramelized onion, and goat cheese, all baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Method
- Melt the butter in a skillet and cook the sliced onions low and slow for 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 the caramelized onions inside the border and scatter the crumbled goat cheese on top.
- Bake 18-20 minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden, then sprinkle with thyme and slice.
Notes
Don't rush the onions; that slow caramelization is the whole flavor.
13) Pear and Goat Cheese Bruschetta
Pairing cheese with a juicy pear is a W.
Pear and Goat Cheese Bruschetta
Bread that has been toasted with a topping of goat cheese, slices of pear, and a honey drizzle will give you a sweet and savory flavor!
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
Slice the pears just before assembling so they don't brown.
14) Smoked Salmon Goat Cheese Spread
A one-bowl dip recipe that combines all your brunch vibes!
Smoked Salmon Goat Cheese Spread
Goat cheese and smoked salmon whipped spread with dill and lemon is fancy brunch spreadable goodness on any cracker.
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 so you keep some texture from the salmon.
- Transfer to a serving bowl and smooth the top.
- Garnish with extra dill and capers, then serve with crackers or toasted bagel chips.
Notes
Make it a few hours ahead so the flavors meld in the fridge.
15) Sun-Dried Tomato Goat Cheese Terrine
The most fancy looking thing here that secretly is just layering.
Sun-Dried Tomato Goat Cheese Terrine
You can slice this terrine to find layers of rich goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and basil, and serve it with some crackers.
Ingredients
Method
- Line a small loaf pan with plastic wrap, leaving overhang on all sides.
- Beat the goat cheese and cream cheese together until smooth, then 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.
- Top with the final cheese layer and press down evenly, then fold the wrap over and chill at least 2 hours.
- Invert onto a platter, peel off the wrap, and slice to serve with crackers.
Notes
Chilling is what holds the layers; give it a couple hours, or even overnight.