Irresistible Strawberry Basil Goat Cheese Spread with Toasted Walnuts: Your Ultimate Summer Appetizer
This delightful Strawberry Basil Goat Cheese Spread with Walnuts was crafted in collaboration with Fisher Nuts, embodying the essence of effortless summer entertaining. Get ready to impress your guests with this simple yet sophisticated appetizer!
The spirit of summer brings with it a desire for relaxed gatherings, sunshine, and delicious food shared with loved ones. It’s the season for impromptu get-togethers and easy entertaining, where the focus is more on companionship and less on complicated culinary endeavors. This recipe perfectly encapsulates that carefree vibe, offering a gourmet experience without the fuss.
Recently, after a wonderful Fourth of July holiday weekend filled with friends, laughter, and a bit of a music pilgrimage (yes, even a closet Belieber deserves a good time!), I found myself needing a quick yet impressive appetizer. My friend Kristen was in town, and before a fun night out, we wanted something delightful to snack on while sipping wine and catching up. That’s when this Strawberry Basil Goat Cheese Spread with Walnuts came to life, born from ingredients I almost always have on hand, proving that extraordinary flavors can emerge from everyday staples.
It’s a joy to cook for friends, especially when an idea has been swirling in my mind, waiting for the perfect moment to be tested. This recipe was one such experiment, and I’m thrilled to report it passed with flying colors – not just with my friends, but with my toughest critics, my husband and daughter! The combination of sweet strawberries, aromatic basil, tangy goat cheese, and the earthy crunch of walnuts creates a symphony of flavors that is both refreshing and satisfying, making it an instant hit for any occasion.
Crafting Your Strawberry Basil Goat Cheese Spread
This seasonal appetizer is incredibly simple to assemble, requiring just a few fresh ingredients and minimal prep time. It’s the kind of dish that looks elegant but requires very little effort, making it ideal for busy hosts.
Essential Ingredients:
- 8 oz fresh goat cheese: The star of our spread, offering a delightful tangy and creamy base. Its distinct flavor pairs beautifully with sweet and savory notes.
- 3 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt: This is the secret to achieving that perfectly smooth, spreadable consistency. Greek yogurt adds a touch of extra creaminess and a subtle tang without thinning the cheese too much.
- 1/2 cup Fisher Walnut Halves & Pieces, chopped and toasted: Walnuts bring a crucial textural element and a rich, nutty depth. Toasting them beforehand truly enhances their flavor, adding an irresistible warmth and crunch. Fisher Nuts are a go-to for their quality and freshness, ensuring your spread is always at its best.
- 4 large basil leaves, finely chopped: Fresh basil is key! Its sweet, peppery, and slightly minty aroma elevates the strawberry and goat cheese, introducing a vibrant, herbaceous freshness that screams summer.
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped and divided: Ripe, sweet strawberries provide bursts of fruity sweetness and a beautiful pop of color. Dividing them allows for some to be incorporated into the spread and some reserved for a fresh topping.
- Honey, for drizzling: A delicate drizzle of honey adds a touch of natural sweetness that balances the tanginess of the goat cheese and brings all the flavors together harmoniously.
- Grilled or toasted thinly sliced baguette, or crackers for serving: The perfect vehicle for our delicious spread. A crisp baguette slice or a sturdy cracker provides a satisfying crunch that complements the creamy spread.
Pro Tip: Achieving the Perfect Spreadable Goat Cheese Consistency
One common question when making goat cheese spreads is how to achieve that silky-smooth, easily spreadable texture. Goat cheese, especially when cold, can be quite firm. The trick lies in incorporating a creamy element.
The key to making goat cheese wonderfully spreadable is the addition of plain Greek yogurt. Just a couple of tablespoons or a generous splash is all it takes. Greek yogurt not only aids in achieving a velvety texture but also adds an extra layer of creaminess and a subtle, pleasant tang that complements the goat cheese beautifully. If Greek yogurt isn’t available, regular plain yogurt or even a small amount of milk can work wonders. Start with a spoonful or a splash and blend, adding more gradually until you reach your desired consistency. You want it smooth enough to spread easily but firm enough to hold its shape.
This Strawberry Basil Goat Cheese Spread has officially earned a permanent spot on my mental list of favorite go-to appetizers. It’s perfect for those moments when you need to whip up something tasty, elegant, and satisfying with minimal fuss and just a handful of simple, high-quality ingredients.
While I often default to classics like lemon pepper hummus with fresh vegetables or my beloved savory Greek Yogurt dip with cucumber and feta, this strawberry-basil creation offers a distinct, refreshing flavor profile that I find myself craving again and again. Its balance of sweet, savory, and tangy is truly captivating, making it a versatile contender for any occasion.
The beauty of this recipe also lies in its adaptability. While strawberries and basil are a match made in heaven, consider seasonal variations to keep things exciting. For instance, peaches and almonds would make a fantastic alternative, reminiscent of a honey almond ricotta spread with peaches I’ve made before. Other delightful combinations could include fig and balsamic glaze, blueberries with a hint of lemon zest, or even roasted red peppers with fresh thyme. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite seasonal fruits, herbs, and, of course, quality Fisher Nuts like pecans or pistachios for different textural and flavor dimensions.
For the best experience, ensure you serve this spread immediately at room temperature. This allows the goat cheese to be perfectly soft and easy to spread, and the flavors to truly sing. The slight chill from being refrigerated will firm up the cheese, so letting it sit out for about 15-20 minutes before serving is ideal.
I hope this recipe inspires you to create beautiful, delicious moments in your kitchen. Enjoy your week, and be sure to check out the details for a fantastic Summer Entertaining Giveaway courtesy of Fisher Nuts below – you won’t want to miss it!
Strawberry Basil Goat Cheese Spread with Walnuts
- Author: Aggie Goodman
Ingredients
- 8 oz goat cheese
- 3 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup Fisher Walnut Halves & Pieces, chopped and toasted
- 4 basil leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped strawberries, divided
- honey
- grilled or toasted thinly sliced baguette, or crackers for serving
Instructions
- Place the softened goat cheese and Greek yogurt into a food processor or blender. Pulse several times until the mixture is thoroughly blended and reaches a smooth, creamy consistency, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Gently fold in the toasted and chopped Fisher walnuts, the fresh chopped basil, and 1/4 cup of the chopped strawberries. Mix until all ingredients are just combined, being careful not to overmix. Transfer the spread into your chosen serving bowl.
- Garnish the top of the spread with the remaining 1/4 cup of fresh chopped strawberries. Finish with a generous drizzle of honey over the top, which adds both visual appeal and a lovely touch of sweetness.
- Serve the delightful spread immediately at room temperature with thinly sliced and toasted baguette pieces or your favorite crisp crackers. For an extra touch of indulgence, offer additional honey for guests to drizzle as they please. (For a gourmet touch, consider serving with toasted bruschetta crisps, often found in specialty bakery sections.)
Summer Entertaining Giveaway!
In celebration of summer and the joy of entertaining, Fisher Nuts is offering an incredible Summer Entertaining Package. This prize includes a curated collection of high-quality items from Crate & Barrel and Sur La Table, designed to elevate your next gathering.
This exclusive giveaway is open to US addresses only. The winner will be selected randomly and contacted directly via email. Be sure to check your inbox!
Enter the giveaway through the widget below to stand a chance to win this fantastic prize! Your participation supports great food and great fun.
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This content is a sponsored conversation, crafted by me in partnership with Fisher Nuts. All opinions and experiences shared are entirely my own, reflecting my genuine love for their quality, preservative-free products.
I am proud to have collaborated with Fisher Nuts for several years, creating a variety of recipes that highlight the natural goodness and versatility of their preservative-free nuts. Their commitment to quality shines through in every crunch, making them an indispensable ingredient in my kitchen.
Explore More Nut-Filled Culinary Inspiration:
For more delicious and inspiring recipes featuring Fisher Nuts, explore the culinary possibilities below or visit Fisher Nuts’ official website for an extensive collection. Incorporating nuts into your everyday meals is an excellent way to boost flavor, texture, and nutritional value.
- Spring Beet and Goat Cheese Salad with Walnuts
- Toasted Almond Herbed Brown Rice
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Brussels Sprouts with Pecans
- Asian Almond Slaw Salad
- Apple, Celery and Walnut Salad with Honey Dijon Vinaigrette
- Walnut and Blue Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms
- Honey Almond Flax Granola