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Homemade Whipped Goat Cheese and Calabrian Chile Oil Dip. photo
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Whipped Goat Cheese and Calabrian Chile Oil Dip.

This Whipped Goat Cheese and Calabrian Chile Oil Dip is a flavor-packed delight that's perfect for any gathering!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 to 3 tablespoons crushed Calabrian chile peppers to taste
  • 14 cloves garlic peeled
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 sprigs fresh oregano leaves
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • fine pink Himalayan salt
  • 10 ounces goat cheese at room temperature
  • 4 ounces cream cheese at room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons honey
  • basil leaves for serving
  • crunchy vegetables/crackers/bread for serving

Instructions

  • In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of extra-virgin olive oil and 1 to 3 tablespoons of crushed Calabrian chile peppers, adjusting the heat level to your preference.
  • Add 14 peeled garlic cloves, leaves from 4 sprigs of fresh thyme, and leaves from 2 sprigs of fresh oregano to the saucepan.
  • Place the saucepan over low heat and gently warm the mixture for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Be careful not to let the oil boil.
  • Once the oil is infused, remove it from heat and strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, discarding the solids.
  • In a food processor, combine 10 ounces of room-temperature goat cheese, 4 ounces of room-temperature cream cheese, 2 teaspoons of honey, and 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
  • Process the cheese mixture until it becomes creamy and smooth. Taste and add fine pink Himalayan salt as needed.
  • Transfer the whipped cheese to a serving bowl, drizzle the infused Calabrian chile oil generously on top, and garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.
  • Present the dip with an assortment of crunchy vegetables, crackers, or slices of fresh bread for dipping.

Equipment

  • Food Processor
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Serving Platter
  • Knife and cutting board

Notes

  • For a deeper flavor, try toasting the Calabrian chiles in the olive oil before adding garlic and herbs.
  • You can adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of honey—feel free to skip it for a more savory dip.
  • This dip can be made ahead of time; simply store the whipped cheese and the chile oil separately, then combine when ready to serve.