Whipped Goat Cheese Dip with Honey & Toasted Nuts
A creamy, whipped goat cheese dip drizzled with honey and topped with toasted walnuts and sesame seeds, served with garlicky baguette slices.
- Prep20 min
- Cook10 min
- Total30 min
- DifficultyEasy
- Servings3
This dip is all about contrasts: tangy goat cheese, sweet honey, nutty crunch, and a punch of garlic from the baguette. It comes together in minutes but tastes like something you'd order at a fancy taverna.
The key is letting the goat cheese soften at room temperature before whipping, so it becomes silky smooth. Toasting the nuts and seeds brings out their flavor, and the garlic oil made ahead infuses the bread with a gentle heat. Perfect for parties or a quick, impressive starter.
Ingredients
Servings
Converted amounts are rounded.
Method
- Prepare the garlic oil: Press the garlic cloves twice to crush them, then mix with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Alternatively, mash the garlic in a mortar and pestle, gradually adding the oil. Let the garlic oil sit at room temperature for at least 1 hour.
- Toast the sesame seeds: Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the sesame seeds and cook for about 1 minute, shaking the pan frequently so they don't burn. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Toast the walnuts: In the same pan, add the walnuts and ¼ teaspoon sea salt. Toast for about 1½ minutes, shaking the pan often. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make the dip: Place the softened goat cheese, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and chopped thyme in a food processor or blender. Pulse until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. Transfer to a serving bowl or plate.
- Finish the dip: Drizzle the goat cheese mixture with 1–2 tablespoons honey. Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds and walnuts on top. Season with freshly ground pepper.
- Grill the baguette slices: Heat a grill pan or griddle over medium-high heat. Grill the baguette slices until lightly charred on both sides. Brush each slice with the prepared garlic oil and season with pepper.
- Serve: Arrange the garlic baguette slices alongside the dip and enjoy.
💡 Tips
- For a smoother dip, let the goat cheese sit at room temperature for a full hour before whipping.
- If you don't have a grill pan, you can toast the baguette slices under the broiler for 1-2 minutes per side.
- Leftover garlic oil can be stored in the fridge for up to a week and used on other breads or in dressings.
Inspired by a recipe from Real Greek Recipes