When it comes to Thanksgiving, the main course gets a lot of attention. But let’s be honest, the appetizers set the entire mood. You want something that says “welcome” without filling everyone up before the turkey makes its grand entrance.
That’s where this amazing whipped goat cheese dip comes in. It is one of my favorite Thanksgiving recipes appetizers because it hits all the right notes. It is creamy, savory, sweet, and a little bit spicy. It looks gorgeous on the table and tastes even better.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, the flavor combination is just fantastic. You have the tangy, creamy goat cheese base. Then you get the salty crunch from crispy beef bacon. Sweet Medjool dates add a lovely chewy texture and natural sweetness.
A final drizzle of rosemary infused honey with a hint of cayenne pepper ties it all together. It is a symphony of flavors that feels special enough for a holiday. This is truly one of the best Thanksgiving appetizers you can serve.
Another huge plus? It is so easy to prepare. You do not need any special cooking skills to pull this off. If you are looking for straightforward thanksgiving appetizers, this recipe is a clear winner for your holiday menu.
Plus, it’s a visual knockout. The bright white dip topped with the rich colors of the bacon and dates looks so inviting. It sits in a bowl looking beautiful, just waiting for guests to dig in with crackers or crusty bread.
And maybe the best part for any holiday host is that you can prepare parts of it ahead of time. This is one of those Thanksgiving appetizers make ahead recipes that save you so much stress on the big day. Less time in the kitchen means more time with your loved ones.
Ingredients
Here is what you will need to gather for these incredible Thanksgiving recipes appetizers. The list is simple, but each component plays a key role.
- 6 to 8 slices beef bacon, chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1/3 cup plus 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, adjust to taste
- 12 plump Medjool dates, pitted and torn
- 1 log (10 ounce) creamy goat cheese, at room temperature
- 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Sea salt
A quick note on the ingredients. Using Medjool dates is great because they are so soft and caramel like. And make sure your goat cheese and cream cheese are at room temperature. This helps them blend into a super smooth, creamy dip.
Step By Step Instructions
Let’s walk through how to make these delicious thanksgiving appetizers. I promise it is easier than it looks!
Step 1: Prep The Oven And Toppings
First things first, preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. While it is warming up, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This makes cleanup so much easier later on. Nobody wants to scrub pans on Thanksgiving.
Step 2: Bake The Bacon And Dates
On your prepared baking sheet, toss together the chopped beef bacon, one tablespoon of fresh rosemary, the brown sugar, one teaspoon of honey, and the cayenne pepper. Spread this mixture into an even single layer.
Next, tear your pitted dates into smaller pieces and scatter them around the bacon. Now, pop the baking sheet into the oven. Bake for about 8 to 10 minutes. You are looking for the bacon to get nice and crispy.
Step 3: Whip The Goat Cheese
While the toppings are baking, it is time to make the creamy base. In a food processor, combine the room temperature goat cheese and cream cheese. Add the olive oil and a small pinch of sea salt.
Pulse the mixture until it becomes completely smooth and creamy. This whipped texture is what makes the dip feel so luxurious. This part of our Thanksgiving recipes appetizers can be made ahead. Just keep it in the fridge.
Step 4: Make The Rosemary Honey
Now for the finishing touch that brings everything together. In a small bowl, combine the 1/3 cup of honey with the remaining tablespoon of chopped rosemary. Add a pinch of cayenne and a pinch of salt.
Stir it all together. Feel free to taste it and adjust the spice. Some people like a little more heat, while others prefer it mild. This honey drizzle adds a wonderful complexity to the appetizer.
Step 5: Assemble And Serve
It is time to assemble your beautiful creation. Spoon the whipped goat cheese into your favorite serving bowl or shallow dish. Use the back of the spoon to create some nice swirls on top.
Top the cheese with the warm, crispy bacon and date mixture straight from the oven. Then, generously drizzle the rosemary honey all over the top. Serve it immediately with crackers, sliced baguette, or even apple slices. This is one of the best Thanksgiving appetizers for a reason!
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, which is rare, storing them is simple. Just transfer the dip to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to three days.
When you are ready to enjoy it again, I recommend letting it sit out on the counter for about 20 to 30 minutes. This allows the goat cheese to soften up a bit, bringing it back to that wonderful creamy texture.
Tips
To make this recipe even better, here are a few extra tips. For a different crunch, you could add some toasted pecans or walnuts on top with the bacon. The nutty flavor would be a great addition.
Don’t have fresh rosemary? You can use dried rosemary, but use less of it. A good rule of thumb is to use about one third the amount of dried herbs as you would fresh ones. Making Thanksgiving appetizers is all about adapting.
For serving, offer a variety of things to dip. Buttery crackers, toasted sourdough bread, pita chips, and even crisp vegetable sticks like carrots or celery would all be delicious. Providing options makes it one of the best Thanksgiving appetizers for a crowd.
Remember the make ahead component. The goat cheese mixture can be made up to three days in advance. The bacon and date topping can be assembled on the baking sheet and stored in the fridge a day before. This is a huge help when making Thanksgiving appetizers make ahead style.
Conclusion
So there you have it. A stunning, delicious, and surprisingly easy appetizer that is sure to impress your guests this holiday season. This recipe proves that amazing Thanksgiving recipes appetizers do not have to be complicated.
The balance of creamy, salty, sweet, and spicy is just so satisfying. It is the kind of dish that people will be talking about long after the meal is over. I hope you give this one a try for your celebration. It is a fantastic way to kick off a memorable meal.
FAQ
Can I Use Regular Pork Bacon?
Absolutely. If you prefer pork bacon, feel free to use it instead of beef bacon. The cooking time might vary slightly, so just keep an eye on it to make sure it gets perfectly crispy without burning.
What If I Don’t Have A Food Processor?
No problem at all. You can use an electric hand mixer to whip the goat cheese and cream cheese together. If you do not have that, you can do it by hand with a whisk and some elbow grease. Just make sure the cheeses are very soft.
Can I Make This Appetizer Nut Free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally nut free as written, making it a great choice for guests with allergies. It is one of those versatile Thanksgiving recipes appetizers that can cater to different dietary needs easily.
What Kind Of Crackers Are Best For Serving?
I recommend a sturdy cracker that can handle a generous scoop of the dip. Something like a water cracker, a seeded flatbread cracker, or even a simple buttery cracker like a Ritz would be a great choice for your thanksgiving appetizers spread.
Whipped Goat Cheese Dip with Crispy Bacon, Dates, and Rosemary Honey
This easy whipped goat cheese dip combines tangy goat cheese with salty crispy beef bacon, sweet Medjool dates, and a fragrant rosemary-cayenne honey drizzle. A perfect make-ahead appetizer for holidays and gatherings.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On the prepared baking sheet, toss together the chopped beef bacon, one tablespoon of fresh rosemary, the brown sugar, one teaspoon of honey, and the cayenne pepper. Spread into an even single layer. Tear pitted dates into smaller pieces and scatter around the bacon. Bake for about 8 to 10 minutes, until bacon is crispy.
- In a food processor, combine room temperature goat cheese and cream cheese. Add the olive oil and a small pinch of sea salt. Pulse until completely smooth and creamy.
- In a small bowl, combine the 1/3 cup of honey with the remaining tablespoon of chopped rosemary. Add a pinch of cayenne and a pinch of salt. Stir and adjust spice to taste.
- Spoon whipped goat cheese into a serving bowl. Top with the warm, crispy bacon and date mixture. Drizzle rosemary honey over the top. Serve immediately with crackers, sliced baguette, or apple slices.
Notes
Use Medjool dates for their softness and caramel-like flavor.
Ensure goat cheese and cream cheese are at room temperature for a smooth dip.
The goat cheese mixture can be made up to three days in advance and stored in the fridge.
The bacon and date topping can be assembled on the baking sheet and stored in the fridge a day before.
If using dried rosemary, use one-third the amount of fresh.
Offer various dippers like crackers, toasted sourdough, pita chips, carrots, or celery. For whipping the cheeses, you can use an electric hand mixer if a food processor isn’t available.
Leftovers store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Let sit out 20-30 minutes before serving again to soften.
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