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I’m highlighting no-cook summer recipes starting with this quick and delicious Honey Whipped Goat Cheese with Marinated Olives. Herby and garlicky, these marinated olives are served over sweet, tangy, and creamy honey whipped goat cheese. This is the simplest of appetizers, yet so amazingly GOOD. And the best part? This is a completely no-cook recipe! And for a can’t-fail appetizer, be sure to serve with crusty bread for scooping. Perfect for all of your upcoming backyard parties!
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Ingredients:
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar
- Fig preserves
- Garlic
- Shallot
- Lemon zest
- Lemon juice
- Basil chopped
- Chopped thyme
- Chili flakes
- Mixed olives
- Oil packed sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 log (10 ounces) goat cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- Honey
- Sea salt
What you need in the kitchen for this recipe:
- medium bowl
- food processor
- serving dish
I said this about yesterday’s recipe too, but I really am so excited to be sharing these easy apps with you all. I rarely share appetizer-style recipes. But when I actually take the time to put thought into new appetizers, I get so excited to share them!!!
And I love this dip! To me, goat cheese is so underrated and not highlighted enough. We use a lot of feta cheese, but goat cheese is so special!
It’s creamy and tangy and adds such a yummy, unique flavor to recipes. I love to cook with goat cheese in the summertime. I find its tanginess pairs wonderfully with fresh summer fruits, in-season vegetables, and herbs!
The details are pretty darn simple
The beauty of this recipe really is just how easy and no fuss it is. There’s no cooking involved, very little hands-on prep, and you can even prepare everything ahead of time! In fact the longer the olives marinate, the more flavor they’ll develop.
And that’s where this recipe starts, with the olives!!
I’ve made similar recipes and paired feta cheese with roasted olives. But marinating the olives to incorporate them into summer recipes is equally delish.
Step One
First, pick your favorite variety of mixed olives. I find it best to source really good, pitted olives. Buying olives with the pits removed saves a lot of time. It’s simply so much easier and more convenient.
You’ll marinate the olives in a blend of garlic, shallots, herbs, spices, and olive oil. You can use your favorite mix of herbs, but I really love fresh thyme, oregano, and basil.
Marinate the olives for at least 30 minutes. As I mentioned though, the longer you can let them sit, the better! Try to make them the day before you plan to serve them.
Step Two
Now the goat cheese! Simply toss it in the food processor and drizzle a small amount of honey and whip until it’s light and creamy.
If you’ve never had whipped goat cheese, it’s going to become a new favorite. So creamy and tangy in just the right ways. Perfect when paired with fresh berries, mint, pistachios, or olives.
Put it all together
Step Three
I like to swirl the goat cheese around in a wide, shallow bowl. Then I spoon the olives and marinating oil over top. Fresh rosemary or fresh basil is great as a garnish.
Lastly, add some grilled-up ciabatta bread on the side for scooping. Charred bread is a must. Any baguette will be, too, as well as pita chips or crackers. Winning the cheese board game!
And that’s it!
We all need effortless appetizers to help make entertaining stress-free. Whether you’re gathering just with family, or a special group of friends, easy entertaining is always appreciated!
Looking for other appetizer recipes? Here are a few ideas:
Peach Burrata Crostini with Burst Cherry Tomato Vinaigrette
Charred Baby Bell Peppers with Burrata
Crumbled Feta and Tomato Basil Vinaigrette Dip
Charred Peppers with Marinated Feta and Tzatziki
Lastly, if you make this Honey Whipped Goat Cheese with Marinated Olives, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Honey Whipped Goat Cheese with Marinated Olives
Ingredients
Marinated Olives
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fig preserves , (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, sliced
- 1 shallot, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup basil chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped thyme
- chili flakes
- 2 cups mixed olives, pitted
- 1/2 cup oil packed sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
Honey Whipped Goat Cheese
- 1 log (10 ounces) goat cheese, at room temperature
- 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 2-3 tablespoons honey
- sea salt
Instructions
- 1. In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, fig preserves, garlic, shallots, lemon zest, basil, thyme, and chili flakes. Add the olives, then add the sun-dried tomatoes with oil and toss to combine. Let sit 30 minutes or up to 5 days in the fridge. 2. Meanwhile, combine the goat cheese, cream cheese, honey, and a pinch of salt in a food processor and pulse until smooth and creamy. The goat cheese mix can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days, but bring to room temp before serving.3. Spoon the goat cheese into a serving bowl, then top with the olives and marinating oil. Serve with fresh herbs, bread/crackers.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Did you make this recipe? Please rate & comment below.
Excellent app! So many delicious flavours, all well paired.
A bit hit every time we make it!
Hey Ashley,
I appreciate you making this recipe and sharing your review, I am so glad to hear it was enjoyed! Merry Christmas! 🎁🎄
Delicious ! A big hit with guests. The toasted baguette spread with the goat cheese and topped with olive mixture for easy serving.
Hey Judy,
Happy Holidays!!☃️ I love to hear that this recipe was a winner, thanks so much for making it and your comment! xT
Anyway to make this without the bacon (meat)? Thanks
Hey Meg,
There’s no bacon in this recipe:) Please let me know if you give the recipe a try! xTieghan
It was okay. I think if I put all of the olives ingredients in half it would be much more enjoyable. Otherwise it’s too much and over powering. Still good though, just a bit “too much” but way of the olive stuff (balsamic vinegar, olives, shallots etc etc) half all of it and you’ll have better luck. It’s also a very very heavy appy. Still yum!
Hi Andrea,
Thanks so much for trying this recipe and sharing your feedback, sorry to hear you didn’t love it! xx
Our favorite new recipe of the year! We are foodies and have made this for all kinds of occasions. Making now for our fall camping trip!
Hi Catherine,
I truly appreciate you making this recipe and sharing your feedback, so glad to hear it turned out well for you! xx
This is the best! It is so delicious! Every time I make it and share it with friends they ask for the recipe. My husband even asked for it for dinner but I was afraid we would eat the entire thing ourselves!
Hi Lesley,
Awesome!! I am so glad to hear that this recipe was a winner, thanks for making it! Hope you’re off to a great Saturday! xT
I have been craving it since I tried it at a friend’s birthday party. So yummy! Going to make it at home soon. How long can it be stored for?
Hi Ellen,
So glad to hear you enjoyed this recipe! I prefer to eat this the day it is made, but it will be okay for 2-3 days. xTieghan
Made this yesterday, after marinating the olive mixture overnight. It was so good. Everyone loved it. Thanks for another great recipe!
Hey Kris,
Amazing!! Thanks so much for making this recipe, I am so excited it was enjoyed! Hope you’re having a great weekend! xx
Such an easy, delicious appetizer! I made the marinated olives ahead of time, the night before, then between work and heading over to a friend’s house for dinner, quickly whipped the goat cheese. Because it’s meant to be served at room temperature, it’s perfect for taking over to someone’s house when you want something quick and easy. 5/5 will definitely be making again.
Hey Andrea,
Wonderful! I am so excited to hear that this recipe was a hit, thanks for trying it out! xx
I tried this a week ago and loved it so much I have been craving it! Making it again today.
Hey Debi!
Amazing! Thanks for sharing your feedback and making this recipe, I am so glad it was enjoyed:)
This was so good! My husband and I sometimes just have an appetizer for dinner and we did this recipe tonight. Definitely going to serve this for guests next time. Your recipes never fail me, they are my go to when I am planning meals. Thank you so much!!
Hi Sarah,
Amazing!! I am so glad to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for making it and sharing your feedback:) Thanks for your kind message!
I can’t tell you how much I love this!! I could not stop eating it?
Hi Shawna!
Fantastic! Thanks for your comment and trying the recipe:) I am so glad it was enjoyed! xxT
Are fig preserves the same as fig jam?
Yes:)
Ok, is it a bad thing that when you sampled the olive marinade without the cheese portion and it was so delicious ? that you had to make another batch to serve with whipped cheese.
Thanks for creating this recipe!! Love it!!
Hey Tee,
Thanks for your comment and making this recipe, I love to hear that it was enjoyed!! Hope you’re off to a great week! ? xT
A huge hit and new favorite! Love the “make ahead” for summer entertaining.
The olive topping was enough to split and use for two different servings over the cheese.
Thanks Tieghan!
Hey Mary,
Amazing!! I am so glad this recipe was a hit, thanks a lot for trying it out! Have the best weekend! ☀️xx
Loved the photo which encouraged me to try this recipe and we loved it!! I mixed cream cheese, goat cheese and Feta in the food processor along with the honey and it was a huge hit!! Will definitely serve this at my next dinner party!!
Hey Marilyn,
Happy Friday! Thanks a bunch for trying this recipe out and sharing your feedback, I love to hear that it was a hit! xTieghan