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Whipped Goat Cheese with Bacon and Dates

Whipped goat cheese with bacon and dates is a creamy, fluffy appetizer made by beating softened cheeses with heavy cream, then topping with crispy bacon and chopped Medjool dates. Finish with a honey drizzle, black pepper, and chives for a sweet-savory bite.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 360

Ingredients
  

goat cheese
  • 8 oz goat cheese softened
cream cheese
  • 4 oz cream cheese softened
heavy cream
  • 3 tbsp heavy cream
bacon
  • 6 slices bacon chopped
Medjool dates
  • 6 Medjool dates pitted and chopped
honey
  • 2 tbsp honey
black pepper
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
fresh chives
  • 1 fresh chives for garnish
crostini or crackers
  • 1 crostini or crackers for serving

Equipment

  • 1 cast iron skillet

Method
 

Cook the bacon
  1. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, until crisp, and drain on paper towels (visual cue: browned, crisp pieces).
Whip the goat cheese
  1. Beat the goat cheese, cream cheese, and heavy cream until whipped and fluffy (visual cue: smooth, airy texture that holds soft peaks).
Assemble
  1. Spread the whipped cheese into a shallow bowl with a swirl in the center (visual cue: a spoonable spiral at the top).
  2. Top with the crispy bacon and chopped Medjool dates (visual cue: even distribution across the surface).
  3. Drizzle with honey, then sprinkle with black pepper and fresh chives (visual cue: glossy honey sheen and bright green herb specks).
  4. Serve immediately with crostini or crackers on the side (visual cue: crisp dippers alongside the dip).

Notes

Pro tip: for the smoothest whip, keep the goat cheese and cream cheese fully softened before mixing. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; freeze is not recommended because the dairy can separate. For a lower-fat option, use reduced-fat cream cheese and reduce the heavy cream to 2 tbsp—texture will be slightly less airy.