Warm Walnut Goat Cheese Bites Recipe - Easy Make Ahead Appetizer (2024)

Warm Walnut Goat Cheese Bites. Goat cheese mixed with honey and spices, rolled in crushed walnuts, and baked until warm!

Today’s post is sponsored by theCalifornia Walnut Board.

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Warm Walnut Goat Cheese Bites.

‘Nough said, amiright?!

It’s no secret that Trevor and I loooove cheese.

We’ve always loved it, but after living in Wisconsin for three years, we developed an even deeper appreciation for it. 😉

Cheese lovers. This recipe’s for you.

Warm, creamy, tangy goat cheese rolled in earthy, nutty walnuts for a bit of texture and cozy flavor . . .

I’m drooling just THINKING about them, and lucky for me I still have a few leftover, stashed away in my freezer.

Lucky for YOU, you’re just a few short steps away from having your ownWarm Walnut Goat Cheese Bites stashed away in YOUR freezer. 😉

Warm Walnut Goat Cheese Bites Recipe - Easy Make Ahead Appetizer (2)

Warm Walnut Goat Cheese Bites Recipe - Easy Make Ahead Appetizer (3)It’s officially that time of year again.

Work is piling up, projects are due, we’re literally moving every 3 weeks (haaay epic road trip👋), the holiday’s are now actually right around the corner, and I have done approximately Z.E.R.O. holiday meal planning for the Debth household.

Because.

Well.

Ain’t nobody got time for that right now 😉

The only thing I have covered?

Appetizers.

Because they’re my fave.

Today, I have for you a super easy, crowd pleasing appetizer – Warm Walnut Goat Cheese Bites – that you can make in advance!

You’ll start by making the goat cheese mixture. Simply mix together goat cheese, honey, dried rosemary and thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper!

Then, you’ll use a cookie scoop to scoop the mixture into little bites (you’ll get about 8-9, which P.S. – you could TOTALLY double, triple, whatever, this recipe). You’ll roll each in some whisked egg and then some finely crushed walnuts.

Warm Walnut Goat Cheese Bites Recipe - Easy Make Ahead Appetizer (4)Typically, I make these one at a time: scoop, dip (in egg), roll (in walnuts), place on parchment lined plate, repeat.

Once you’ve completed all your walnut goat cheese bites, you’ll place them in the freezer for two hours.

Why? Well. Goat cheese is super melty and we’re baking these, so we’re trying to limit the amount of spreading.Now. These WILL spread just a bit (see photos), but they actually do hold their shape relatively well.

After the two hours, you have two options: place them in a ziplock baggie, then back in the freezer, and save them for later.

OR

Bake them and serve – with an extra drizzle of honey, pleaseandthankyou!

You can eat these right outta the oven, at room temperature, or even cold. It’s goat cheese rolled in walnuts, people, you can’t go wrong. 😉

I’m obsessed with these for quite a few reasons:

  1. Quick and easy
  2. Individual serving size <– instead of having people awkwardly fight over a big cheese ball, people can grab a few of these for their plate instead!
  3. EVERYBODY gets the yummy walnut outside <– since they’re small, you’ll get walnuts in every bite!
  4. They taste SO good<–you can’t go wrong with cozy spices, tangy goat cheese, sweet honey, and earthy, crunchy walnuts!
  5. Make in advance OR great last minute idea

For the real cheese lovers, these warm walnut goat cheese bites are great plain, but they’re also delish on crackers, bread, you name it!

Warm Walnut Goat Cheese Bites Recipe - Easy Make Ahead Appetizer (5)Who wants one?!

– Jennifer

Warm Walnut Goat Cheese Bites Recipe - Easy Make Ahead Appetizer (6)

Warm Walnut Goat Cheese Bites

Warm Walnut Goat Cheese Bites. Goat cheese mixed with honey and spices, rolled in crushed walnuts, and baked until warm!

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Yield: 9 bites

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Ingredients

US Customary - Metric

  • 1 (8 oz) log goat cheese keep chilled in fridge
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 tablespoon honey
  • 1 large egg whisked
  • 1 cup California walnuts finely crushed into crumbs using a food processor

Instructions

  • Line a large plate with parchment paper. Set aside.

  • In a small bowl, stir together goat cheese, spices, and honey.

  • Taste and re-season, if necessary. Set aside.

  • In another small bowl, whisk egg. Set aside.

  • In a final small bowl, place finely crushed walnuts.

  • Using a medium cookie scoop, scoop goat cheese.

  • Roll in whisked egg, then in walnuts.

  • Place onto prepared plate.

  • Repeat with remaining goat cheese.

  • Place plate in freezer for 2 hours.

If Saving for Later

  • After the 2 hours, place bites in ziplock baggie and keep in freezer until ready to use.

If Baking Now

  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees F and line a baking sheet with a silicone mat.

  • Place frozen bites onto prepared baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. *They will spread a little bit, that’s ok!*

  • Remove from oven and let sit on baking sheet for 5 minutes.

  • Serve warm or at room temperature with crackers, bread, etc!

  • Take 5 seconds to rate this recipe below. We greatly appreciate it!

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STORING

Room Temp:N/A

Refrigerator:3-5 Days

Freezer:3 Months

Reheat:Bake or microwave to warm

*Storage times may vary based on temperature and conditions

Notes

This recipe could EASILY be doubled, tripled, etc. to serve more people!

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Nutrition Information

Nutrition Facts

Warm Walnut Goat Cheese Bites

Amount Per Serving (1 "bite")

Calories 163 Calories from Fat 126

% Daily Value*

Fat 14g22%

Saturated Fat 5g31%

Cholesterol 30mg10%

Sodium 165mg7%

Potassium 71mg2%

Carbohydrates 3g1%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 2g2%

Protein 7g14%

Vitamin A 285IU6%

Vitamin C 0.2mg0%

Calcium 51mg5%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

*Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on products used.

Keywords: California walnuts, goat cheese, sweet

Enjoy this recipe?

Tag @showmetheyummy on Instagram and hashtag it #showmetheyummy

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Thanks again to our friends attheCalifornia Walnut Boardfor sponsoring today’s post!

Warm Walnut Goat Cheese Bites Recipe - Easy Make Ahead Appetizer (2024)

FAQs

Is goat cheese good warmed up? ›

My Favorite Uses: Salads: Just like fresh goat cheese, semi-aged goat cheese works well—cut and/or "crumbled"—in salads. This variety is also my number-one choice when the cheese is going to be warmed, as in Salade au Chèvre Chaud—the classic warmed goat cheese salad.

What compliments goat cheese? ›

Prosciutto is a great savory compliment to a fresh goat cheese. Strawberries, Sugar Snap Peas and Asparagus. I personally love goat cheese and strawberries, makes such a nice contract with the sweetness vs acidity of the cheese.

Can I warm goats cheese in the microwave? ›

Then melt the goat cheese is for one minute in the microwave (if you prefer the cheese is completely melted) or 4 to 5 minutes in the oven (if you like cheese just warm, slightly toasted and in one piece) . Personally, I prefer when it's melted…

What fruit goes well with goat cheese? ›

Fresh fruit

In summer, you might combine fresh goat cheese with slices of peach, apricot or nectarine, or even red berries (cherries or redcurrants). Once autumn arrives, choose apples, pears, figs or grapes as the perfect accompaniment to more aged cheeses.

Does goat cheese melt when heated? ›

How well a cheese can melt depends on its moisture content, age, and acidity. Old, grate-ables like Parmigiano aren't flexible enough to melt. Tangy freshies like feta and goat cheese soften, but won't get gooey. And squishies like brie and Taleggio liquefy into an oozing puddle when heated.

How long does goats cheese take to warm up? ›

Preheat a non-stick pan over low heat at least 5 minutes. Then add goat cheese balls and cover with a lid. Once they just start to lose shape because they want to melt, remove from the pan and add to a plate or your salad. This will only take about 3-5 minutes.

What cracker goes with goat cheese? ›

Chevre with Water Crackers

When you have a cheese as sharp and intense as a goat cheese, it's best not to compete too much. Goats cheese, without any accompaniments, is best served with a plain water cracker.

Is goat cheese served warm or cold? ›

Always serve goat cheese at room temperature. Bring it out of the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving, if possible. Remember, goat cheese is great at almost any time of day and goes well in so many recipes, making the simplest foods spectacular.

How do you reheat goat cheese? ›

SEAL THEM IN A HOT PAN WITH OIL FOR 1-2 MINS EACH SIDE, THEN PLACE IN AN OVEN UNTIL YOU DESIRE IT TO BE COOKED.

How long to leave goat cheese out to soften? ›

Leave cheese for at least 1 hour

As a rule of thumb, we recommend taking your cheese out of the fridge for at least an hour before serving.

Can you eat goats cheese cold? ›

Since goat cheese can be used in both hot and cold culinary applications, you can dream up diverse recipes for appetisers, starters, mains or desserts. Use together with lentils or avocado in a salad, with duck and pumpkin as a gratin, or mixed with crème fraîche and herbs.

What to avoid with goat? ›

But, just like other animals, goats shouldn't consume things like garlic, onion, chocolate or any source of caffeine, to name a few. Although most goats wouldn't eat leftover meat scraps, they shouldn't be offered them either. Citrus fruits should also be avoided, as they can really upset the rumen.

How to make goat cheese taste better? ›

Adding Flavors

You can mix herbs, fruit, jam, nuts, seeds, or even balsamic vinegar right into the goat cheese. To get a swirly ribbon of honey, jam, or balsamic, put a layer of cheese down, then drizzle your preferred sauce on top, then another layer of cheese to fully cover the sauce.

Does goat cheese pair well with apples? ›

Mellow and vanilla-like, Gala apples taste even sweeter when paired with creamy-sharp goat cheese and a sweet yet light wine like Pinot Grigio. Pairing soft flavors with the Gala apple will let its low-key deliciousness shine in this combination!

Should goat cheese be served cold? ›

Fresh goat cheese can be served straight from the fridge because it warms up quite quickly. Aged goat cheeses, on the other hand, should always come to room temperature for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Is it okay to melt goat cheese? ›

The best way to soften goat cheese is by removing it from the fridge 30 minutes before you are ready to use it. Can you melt goat cheese? Goat cheese will not melt like mozzarella cheese. Instead, when heated, it will get a creamy spreadable texture.

Can you eat cooked goat cheese? ›

You can tell whether a cheese is pasteurized by looking at its label. Keep in mind that cooking kills harmful bacteria, including Listeria. Thus, a sauce or tart containing goat cheese, or a pizza topped with it, are typically safe to eat.

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