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Whipped Cranberry Goat Cheese Spread Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 92 reviews
  • Author: Lisa
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Whipped Cranberry Goat Cheese Spread is a vibrant and creamy appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings or any festive occasion. Made with fresh cranberries cooked down into a thick, tangy sauce and blended with smooth goat cheese, this spread is accented with pomegranate juice, a hint of sweetness, and fresh lemon zest. It’s easy to prepare and beautifully garnished with pomegranate arils and rosemary, served best with bread, crackers, or chips.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Cranberry Sauce

  • 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
  • 2 tablespoons pomegranate juice
  • 1 tablespoon sugar, honey, or maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon zest

For the Goat Cheese Spread

  • 1 (11 ounce) goat cheese log, softened
  • A pinch of salt and pepper

For Garnish and Serving

  • 2 tablespoons pomegranate arils for garnish
  • Fresh rosemary for garnish
  • Bread, crackers, and/or chips for serving

Instructions

  1. Cook the Cranberries: Place the cranberries, pomegranate juice, sugar (or honey/maple syrup), and lemon zest in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook until the cranberries simmer and break down completely, forming a thick, saucy consistency, about 10 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and let it cool completely.
  2. Prepare the Goat Cheese: In the bowl of a food processor, pulse the softened goat cheese until it starts to come together. Turn on the processor and whip the goat cheese until smooth and creamy. Add a pinch of salt and pepper, then pulse to combine.
  3. Combine Cranberries and Cheese: Add about 1/4 cup of the cooled cranberry sauce to the whipped goat cheese and pulse a few more times to blend. You may blend fully for a smooth texture or leave it slightly chunky, depending on preference. Adjust by adding more cranberry sauce if desired, or serve extra on the side.
  4. Serve: Transfer the spread to a jar or bowl. Optionally, cover and refrigerate overnight to meld flavors. Before serving, garnish with pomegranate arils and fresh rosemary. Serve with bread, crackers, or chips for spreading.

Notes

  • Make sure the goat cheese is softened to room temperature to ensure easy whipping and a smooth texture.
  • The spread can be made a day ahead and refrigerated to enhance flavors.
  • Adjust the sweetness of the cranberry sauce to taste by varying the amount of sugar, honey, or maple syrup.
  • Fresh lemon zest adds brightness; do not substitute with bottled lemon juice as it changes the flavor balance.
  • Pomegranate arils add a crunchy, fresh contrast but can be omitted if unavailable.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
  • Calories: 110
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 90mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 4g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg