Description

This Whipped Goat Cheese with Candied Bacon & Pecans is a luscious and flavorful appetizer combining creamy, tangy goat cheese whipped with Greek yogurt, fresh herbs, honey, and lemon juice. Topped with sweet and savory candied bacon and caramelized pecans, this dish offers a delightful contrast of textures and tastes, perfect for serving with baguette crisps, crackers, or fresh veggies at gatherings or as an elegant snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Whipped Goat Cheese

8 ounces goat cheese (broken into 1-ounce chunks)
2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
1 teaspoon lemon juice (from 1 lemon)

Candied Bacon and Pecans Topping

2 ounces bacon (finely chopped)
3 tablespoons finely chopped pecans
1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
⅛ teaspoon salt
Pinch of black pepper (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Whipped Goat Cheese: Add the goat cheese, Greek yogurt, honey, fresh thyme, rosemary, and lemon juice into a small food processor or blender. Pulse 5 to 10 times to roughly combine, then blend for 10 to 20 seconds until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. Take care not to over-blend to avoid a runny texture.
Cook the Bacon: Place the finely chopped bacon in a small skillet over medium heat. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes until the bacon pieces are crispy and mostly cooked through. Drain the excess grease into a measuring cup, reserving 2 teaspoons of the bacon grease to return to the skillet.
Candy the Pecans: Return the reserved 2 teaspoons of bacon grease to the skillet. Add the chopped pecans, packed brown sugar, salt, and black pepper if using. Stir the mixture and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the pecans are toasted and caramelized. Transfer the candied bacon and pecan topping to a paper towel-lined plate to cool and crisp.
Assemble and Serve: Spoon the whipped goat cheese into a shallow bowl or serving dish. Generously top with the candied bacon and pecan mixture. For extra garnish, sprinkle fresh thyme or rosemary and drizzle additional honey if desired. Serve with baguette crisps, crackers, or fresh vegetables for dipping.

Notes

Do not over-blend the goat cheese mixture to maintain a creamy but firm texture.
Reserve some fresh herbs for garnish to enhance presentation and flavor.
Use thick-cut bacon for better texture and easier chopping.
Substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred.
Serve at room temperature for the best flavor and texture experience.