Whipped Goat Cheese with Fig Jam
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Add as Google Trusted SourceThis whipped goat cheese with fig jam is an easy appetizer made with just 6 ingredients, including cottage cheese instead of cream cheese! Sweet fig jam and crunchy pistachios top a warm, creamy dip that feels fancy without the fuss.
I wanted to make an appetizer that feels special enough for the holidays but is simple enough to pull together when friends stop by, and this fig and goat cheese dip checks all the boxes! Rather than building a whole cheese board, you get those sweet-and-savory flavors in one easy dish.
My little twist? Cottage cheese instead of the cream cheese you’ll find in many whipped goat cheese recipes. It adds a little extra protein with less fat than regular cream cheese, while letting the goat cheese be the star. With just 5 ingredients and a quick blend before baking, you get a warm, creamy appetizer without a lot of prep.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make: You only need 5 main ingredients, plus a pinch of pepper. Just blend, swirl in the jam and bake for 8–10 minutes. Let it cool slightly, add your toppings and serve!
- Made for sharing: One batch makes a big serving, making it a great addition to your next party spread.
- Easy to make your own: Swap the pistachios for pecans, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or set out a mix of dippers so everyone can build their perfect bite.
If you love creamy cheese dips, be sure to try my whipped feta dip and whipped cottage cheese too!
Ingredients Needed
- full-fat cottage cheese — the creamy base of the dip. Use plain, full-fat cottage cheese and blend until the curds are completely smooth.
- goat cheese — use a plain, soft goat cheese log rather than aged goat cheese. Let it soften before blending so it incorporates more easily.
- dried thyme — adds a savory, earthy note that balances the sweet jam. A few fresh thyme leaves on top are optional, but make a pretty finishing touch.
- fig jam — adds sweet, fruity pockets throughout the top of the dip. No fresh figs needed! Look for fig jam in the jam and jelly aisle, or check near the specialty cheeses for fig spread. A thick, spoonable fig spread is another option; sweetness and texture vary by brand, so choose one you enjoy with cheese. Skip pourable fig syrups, which won’t give you the same pockets of jam.
- pistachios — roasted, salted pistachios add crunch, color and a savory finish. Buy them shelled to save yourself a step, then roughly chop before sprinkling over the dip.
See the recipe card below for the full ingredient list and measurements.
How to Make Whipped Goat Cheese with Fig Jam
Step 1: Add the cottage cheese, goat cheese, dried thyme and black pepper to a food processor. Blend until completely smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
Step 2: Spread the whipped cheese mixture evenly in the baking dish.
Step 3: Dollop the fig jam over the top and gently swirl it into the surface. Leave some distinct pockets of jam rather than mixing it all the way through.
Step 4: Bake for about 8–10 minutes, just until heated through. Let cool for 5–10 minutes, then sprinkle with the chopped pistachios and fresh thyme, if using. Serve warm with your favorite dippers.
Brittany’s Recipe Tip!
When I first tested this dip, I baked it for 16 minutes until it was hot and bubbly, but the cottage cheese mixture separated and didn’t look nearly as appetizing. The shorter 8–10 minute bake keeps it warm and creamy, so resist the urge to wait for bubbling or a golden-brown top!
If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below.
Whipped Goat Cheese with Fig Jam
Ingredients
- 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese
- 4 ounces plain goat cheese, softened
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- Pinch of black pepper
- ¼ cup fig jam
- ¼ cup shelled roasted and salted pistachios, roughly chopped
- Fresh thyme leaves, optional for topping
- Crackers, toasted baguette or apple slices, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a small baking dish, about 1 quart.
- Add cottage cheese, goat cheese, dried thyme and black pepper to a food processor. Blend until completely smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed. Taste and add a pinch of salt if needed.1 cup full-fat cottage cheese, 4 ounces plain goat cheese, ¼ teaspoon dried thyme, Pinch of black pepper
- Spread the cheese mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Dollop the fig jam over the top and gently swirl it into the surface, leaving some distinct pockets of jam.¼ cup fig jam
- Bake for about 8-10 minutes, until heated through. Avoid overbaking, which can cause the cottage cheese to separate.
- Let cool for 5–10 minutes, then sprinkle with chopped pistachios and fresh thyme, if using. Serve warm with your favorite crackers or veggies.¼ cup shelled roasted and salted pistachios, Fresh thyme leaves, Crackers
Notes
- Storage & reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat the next day in an oven-safe dish until just warmed through. Keep extra pistachios separate and add before serving for fresh crunch. Freezing isn’t recommended because the texture can change.
- Don’t overheat: Bake or reheat just until warmed through, not bubbling or browned. Too much heat can cause the cheese mixture to separate.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Equipment
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Recipe Substitutions & Variations
- Different nuts: Chopped roasted walnuts or pecans would be a nice alternative to pistachios.
- Nut-free topping: Skip the pistachios or try roasted pumpkin seeds for crunch. If cooking for someone with an allergy, check ingredient labels and cross-contact warnings.
- A different jam: Fig is the star here, but apricot or raspberry preserves would be fun options for a different flavor combination.
- A little heat: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes on top for a sweet-and-spicy finish.
What to Serve With Fig and Goat Cheese Dip
- Crackers: Use your favorite sturdy crackers or try my almond flour crackers.
- Toasted baguette or crostini: Crisp slices are perfect for spreading with the warm cheese and jam. For easy crostini, thinly slice a baguette, lightly brush with olive oil and toast on a baking sheet until golden, watching closely so the edges don’t burn.
- Apple or pear slices: A fresh, crunchy pairing for the sweet-and-savory dip.
- Fresh veggies: Cucumber rounds, celery sticks or bell pepper strips give you another crunchy option.
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you’re making it ahead, keep the pistachios separate and add them just before serving for the best crunch.
To reheat, place the chilled dip in an oven-safe dish and warm gently in the oven until heated through. Avoid letting it bubble or brown, as too much heat can cause the cheese mixture to separate. We tested reheating this dip the next day with good results!
