Easy Whipped Goat Cheese with Toasted Crostini

Versatility and customization – You can customize and try different toppings and mix-ins to create countless flavor combinations. 

Effortless – In addition to being a quick and easy appetizer, it’s also a great addition to any charcuterie or cheese board. Plus, you only need a few minutes and a few simple ingredients that you can find at just about any grocery store. 

Perfect appetizer for any party or get-together – Whether it’s a holiday celebration, birthday party, or casual gathering, this recipe is guaranteed to be a favorite! If you use pistachios and dried cranberries for toppings like I did – the red and green combo is perfect for the holiday season. 

Step 1: Slice the baguette into thin slices. Brush each side of the slices with Oléico Safflower Oil and toast the bread in a single layer in the air fryer, flipping halfway through. (Regular oven directions are included in the recipe card below if you do not have an air fryer.)

Step 2: Add the goat cheese, cream cheese, Oléico Safflower Oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the bowl of a food processor. Puree the mixture until it is completely smooth, fluffy, and increased in volume. Transfer to a shallow bowl or small serving dish. Top with fresh herbs, nuts, dried fruits, and cracked black pepper. Drizzle honey to your liking.

Step 3: Spread the creamy whipped goat cheese onto a crostini slice and enjoy!

• If you don’t own a food processor, you can also use a stand or hand mixer, immersion blenders, or a good old-fashioned whisk (with some elbow grease) to still achieve the creamy consistency of the whipped goat cheese. 

• If the dip begins to soften too much at room temperature, pop it in the fridge for 30-60 minutes or the freezer for 5-10 minutes to firm it back up. 

• If you don’t have cream cheese on hand, you can substitute plain Greek yogurt, sour cream, or heavy cream in about the same amount as the cream cheese. (Extra tip: If you use heavy cream, make sure to whip it a little longer so that the heavy cream has time to fluff up.)

• Instead of pistachios, dried cranberries, honey, and thyme, try your hand at different toppings that can be mixed and matched such as almonds, fig jam, leftover cranberry sauce, fresh fruit, crumbled bacon, fresh rosemary, or olives just to name a few options. 

How long can I store the whipped goat cheese and the crostini?

• Store leftover whipped goat cheese in an airtight container for up to 3 days. I don’t recommend freezing it as a means of preservation as it can affect the texture. 
• Store leftover crostini slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months in a single layer and transfer them to a ziplock bag; reheat them in an oven or air fryer to regain crispiness. Avoid storing in the fridge, as this can make them soggy.

Can I make a batch in advance?

You can make a batch of whipped goat cheese up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain its flavor and creamy texture. Before serving, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to make it more spreadable. I recommend waiting until just prior to serving to toast the baguette; otherwise, it could easily go stale. (Plus, everyone loves warm, fresh baguette slices!)

Is there a nutritional advantage to using Oléico Safflower Oil?

As a Registered Dietitian, I always prefer an “addition” rather than a “subtraction” approach to nutrition. Oléico Safflower Oil is a high OLEIC acid safflower oil. Oleic acid-rich safflower oils provide more monounsaturated fats (“heart-healthy fats”) than standard safflower oil, which is rich in LINOLEIC acid. This is an important distinction, and it would be wise to choose oils like Oléico if adding more heart-healthy fats to your diet is important to you.