Are you looking for the easiest appetizer that is sure to impress your friends and family? How about one that is ready in under 10 minutes and uses only 5 ingredients? Goat Cheese Appetizer with Blueberries is a simple layering of creamy goat cheese, blueberry reduction, and white balsamic vinegar.
What Makes This Appetizer So Good?
The flavor is the best part of this appetizer. There is something about that creamy goat cheese mix, the sweet blueberries, and the tart balsamic that just works so well together.
It is really easy to make. I did make a blueberry reduction, so that takes a little time, but even with that, it is ready in less than 10 minutes.
This appetizer only uses 5 ingredients. Most are really simple to find or you might have them already.
It is an appetizer almost everyone can love! The flavors aren't crazy, even picky eaters can get into this. It is novel enough for adventurous eaters too.
Ingredients
- Fresh or Frozen Blueberries- I used fresh as they are in season, but you can also use frozen. They are less expensive, and also let you make this appetizer out of season as well.
- Honey- I like to sweeten the berries just a touch, and love honey for this. If you prefer, you can use maple syrup, granulated sugar, or even agave sugar. The sweetener you use won't make or break the reduction.
- Goat Cheese- You only use 2 ounces of goat cheese, but it is such a good flavor!
- Cream Cheese- I used a low-fat cream cheese since I am watching calories. You can use any type you like.
- Balsamic vinegar- I used a blueberry balsamic, but you can also use regular balsamic as well. When I don't have blueberry balsamic, I like to use white balsamic as I love the flavor. I buy mine from a local olive oil and vinegar taproom called Olivin. Check your area for one local. They are becoming pretty popular, so you might be able to find some close!
How To Make The Blueberry Goat Cheese Appetizer
- Add your blueberries, balsamic vinegar, and honey to a small saucepan. Heat them over medium heat, stirring occasionally. After 5-10 minutes the berries will burst and the sauce will start to thicken just slightly. This is called a reduction. If you hear this term, do not be intimidated, it is really simple to make! Just keep an eye on this so it won't burn. Remove from the heat and let this cool slightly.
- Mix your goat cheese and cream cheese until it is light and creamy. I just did this with a fork, but if you want to have whipped goat cheese, you can also use a hand mixer and whip it for a minute or so.
- There are 2 ways to serve this, you can either serve it with the berries warm or let them cool completely. I actually really like it both ways. But, you can choose.
- Spread the goat cheese on a plate or serving tray. Create a little well in the center for the berries.
- Add the berries and all the sauce on top of the goat cheese mix.
- Last, drizzle with the balsamic.
- Serve with crackers or sliced bread.
Notes
- This appetizer is best eaten right away. If you are trying to prep things before a get-together, I would say mix your goat cheese mixture and make the blueberry reduction. At the last minute, put them together.
- If you are using frozen blueberries, just know that it might take a little longer to make your reduction. It will need to thaw, then cook, then reduce. It doesn't take too much longer, but just know it will take a little longer.
- If you are wondering what a reduction is, let me tell you. It is a fruit mixture that has been cooked to reduce and thicken it. You do this to create thick sauces that are a more compact flavor. It is a simple process and one I love to use!
- If you don't eat all of this at once, it will still stay good in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container, but it will be good. I mean, it will be ugly, but it will be good.
What Do You Eat Blueberry Goat Cheese With?
Crackers are my favorite. I love whole wheat or multigrain crackers. This is a personal choice though, you can use whatever cracker you like.
Or you can make this like a goat cheese crostini if you prefer. If this is your thing, thinly slice some french bread and serve the goat cheese with blueberries on this.
I also like to use this dip with pretzels as well, especially flat pretzels. It is so good!
Can this be stored in the freezer?
It cannot. The goat cheese and cream cheese do not thaw well. I do not recommend storing this in the freezer.
What other berries could I use in this?
Blackberries are really good in this appetizer. I imagine raspberries and strawberries would be good as well, but I have never tried them.
Other Appetizer Ideas
- Filet and Burrata Crostini– If Crostini are your thing, you are going to love this crostini!
- Marinated Feta– I love serving this marinated feta on appetizer platters. Plus, it is make-ahead, so super simple to do!
- Roasted Tomato Caprese– One of my all-time favorite hot appetizers. It is so simple to make and delicious.
- Broccoli and Cheese Bites– If you are looking for a veggie appetizer option, how about these tasty little bites??
- Butternut and Bacon Toasties– For a heartier appetizer, consider this option!
- Asparagus wrapped in Puff pastry– I can eat so many of these, I really should make it a meal
Goat cheese and blueberry balsamic dip
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups blueberries you can use fresh or frozen
- 1 tablespoon water
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1 tablespoon white balsamic or other balsamic of choice
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 ounces goat cheese
Instructions
- Mix the blueberries, honey, and balsamic vinegar together in a pan. Heat over low heat until it is reduced. Mine took about 8 minutes. Set aside and let cool slightly.
- Mix cream cheese and goat cheese on high until light and fluffy.
- Prepare the appetizer by smearing the goat cheese on the bottom of your plate. Top with the blueberries. We ate our's with a whole-wheat cracker, but you can serve with whatever you choose, bread, etc.
Notes
- This appetizer is best eaten right away. If you are trying to prep things before a get-together, I would say mix your goat cheese mixture and make the blueberry reduction. At the last minute, put them together.
- If you are using frozen blueberries, just know that it might take a little longer to make your reduction. It will need to thaw, then cook, then reduce. It doesn't take too much longer, but just know it will take a little longer.
- If you are wondering what a reduction is, let me tell you. It is a fruit mixture that has been cooked to reduce and thicken it. You do this to create thick sauces that are a more compact flavor. It is a simple process and one I love to use!
- If you don't eat all of this at once, it will still stay good in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container, but it will be good. I mean, it will be ugly, but it will be good.
Barbara Berman says
What water and how much???
admin says
I am so sorry about that. I changed the recipe up last year and took out the water. I forgot to take that out of the instructions though. It is removed now. When you make the blueberry reduction, simply add the blueberries, honey, and balsamic to your pan. All the instructions are at the bottom of the post in the recipe card. Let me know if there is anything else you need!