Creamy Goat Cheese Bagel Spread With Honey And Pistachios Recipe
I absolutely love this recipe because the blend of creamy goat cheese and honey creates the perfect balance of tangy and sweet, making every bite a delightful experience. Plus, the crunchy pistachios on top add an irresistible texture that elevates my bagel game to a whole new level!
I enjoy developing recipes that elevate the everyday dining experience, and this Creamy Goat Cheese Bagel Spread hits that mark perfectly. With 8 oz of softened goat cheese, a hint of lemon zest, and 3 tablespoons of honey, it’s a delightful blend of flavors.
The cheese is front and center, but we also have a couple of other very important players in this spread. First, let’s talk about the crushed pistachios.
They add a wonderful crunch that makes every bite of this spread that much more enjoyable. There’s also salt and freshly ground black pepper, which take the flavor of this spread to another level.
And speaking of flavors, let me tell you: This is a breakfast that will carry you through to lunchtime.
Ingredients
Goat Cheese:
Nourishing and satisfying; a source of protein and calcium.
Cream Cheese:
Provides a velvety mouthfeel; contains lipids and a smattering of amino acids.
Honey:
Sweetener derived from nature; contains antioxidants and natural sugars.
Lemon Zest:
Adds citrus flavor; vitamin C high.
Pistachios:
Crunchy and nutty; they are a source of healthy fats and fiber.
Ingredient Quantities
- 8 oz goat cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- 3 tablespoons honey, plus more for drizzling
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup crushed pistachios
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. In a bowl of medium size, mix together the goat cheese and cream cheese until the mixture is smooth and creamy. You can do this with a fork, but a hand mixer is really the best tool for the job.
2. Combine the cheese mixture and 3 tablespoons of honey. Blend them until they are fully melded together.
3. Mix in the lemon zest, making sure it is evenly spread throughout the mixture.
4. To taste, season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper. To combine the flavors, mix well.
5. To allow the flavors to meld, chill the spread in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Make sure the bowl is covered with plastic wrap before placing the spread in the refrigerator.
6. Prior to serving, stir the spread quickly to refresh its texture.
7. Evenly spread the creamy goat cheese mixture onto your favorite bagels.
8. Syringe more honey into the tops of the bagels.
9. Generously sprinkle the crushed pistachios over the bagels to add a wonderful crunch.
10. Serve right away and relish this delectably nutty and creamy spread on any of your beloved bagels!
Equipment Needed
1. Medium-sized mixing bowl
2. Fork or hand mixer
3. Zester (for lemon zest)
4. Measuring spoons
5. Plastic wrap
6. Spoon or spatula (for stirring and spreading)
7. Knife or spatula (for spreading on bagels)
8. Syringe or squeeze bottle (optional, for drizzling honey)
9. Cutting board (for crushing pistachios, if not pre-crushed)
10. Bagel slicing knife (if bagels are not pre-sliced)
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of cheese instead of goat cheese?You may replace goat cheese with cream cheese or ricotta in order to achieve a more subdued flavor; however, this will create a texture and taste that is somewhat different from that of the original dish.
- Is there an alternative to pistachios?Indeed, walnuts, almonds, or pecans may be used if you so choose, but it is the distinctive flavor and color of pistachios that make this a truly intriguing dish.
- How long will the spread last?Keep the spread in an airtight container in the fridge for one week at the most.
- Can I make this recipe vegan?To create a vegan version, use plant-based cream cheese and a substitute for goat cheese, and replace honey with either maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Should the goat cheese and cream cheese be at room temperature?Indeed, it’s ideal to bring them to room temperature for easy mixing and a smoother texture.
- What type of bagels pair best with this spread?Whole grain, everything, or plain bagels are excellent vehicles for these flavors; however, any bagel you deem suitable will work.
- Can I add other toppings?Certainly! Think about incorporating new berries, figs, or a dusting of cinnamon to enhance flavor.
Substitutions and Variations
Goat Cheese:
Substituting with cream cheese or ricotta gives you a milder flavor and a creamier texture.
Honey:
If you would like to achieve a different sweet note, you can substitute maple syrup or agave syrup.
Lemon Zest:
A similar citrusy flavor can be obtained using lime zest or lemon juice.
Pistachios:
Chopped walnuts or almonds can provide a good substitute for the same crunch.
Salt:
Sea salt or kosher salt may be used as substitutes, depending on which you prefer.
Pro Tips
1. Enhance Texture and Flavor: For a smoother and richer texture, let both the goat cheese and cream cheese come to room temperature before mixing. This will also help in blending the flavors more effectively.
2. Zesty Upgrade: Consider adding a small amount of freshly squeezed lemon juice in addition to the zest to brighten up the flavor. Be cautious to not add too much to prevent the mixture from becoming too runny.
3. Nutty Boost: To intensify the pistachio flavor, lightly toast the crushed pistachios in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes before sprinkling them over the bagels. This will enhance their nuttiness and crunch.
4. Herbal Infusion: Incorporate a dash of fresh herbs like thyme or chives into the cheese mixture for an additional layer of flavor. These herbs would complement the tangy goat cheese and sweet honey beautifully.
5. Presentation Perfection: For a more elegant presentation, serve the spread in a decorative bowl with the pistachios sprinkled on top as a garnish. Drizzle extra honey artistically over the spread right before serving for a touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
Creamy Goat Cheese Bagel Spread With Honey And Pistachios Recipe
My favorite Creamy Goat Cheese Bagel Spread With Honey And Pistachios Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Medium-sized mixing bowl
2. Fork or hand mixer
3. Zester (for lemon zest)
4. Measuring spoons
5. Plastic wrap
6. Spoon or spatula (for stirring and spreading)
7. Knife or spatula (for spreading on bagels)
8. Syringe or squeeze bottle (optional, for drizzling honey)
9. Cutting board (for crushing pistachios, if not pre-crushed)
10. Bagel slicing knife (if bagels are not pre-sliced)
Ingredients:
- 8 oz goat cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- 3 tablespoons honey, plus more for drizzling
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup crushed pistachios
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a bowl of medium size, mix together the goat cheese and cream cheese until the mixture is smooth and creamy. You can do this with a fork, but a hand mixer is really the best tool for the job.
2. Combine the cheese mixture and 3 tablespoons of honey. Blend them until they are fully melded together.
3. Mix in the lemon zest, making sure it is evenly spread throughout the mixture.
4. To taste, season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper. To combine the flavors, mix well.
5. To allow the flavors to meld, chill the spread in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Make sure the bowl is covered with plastic wrap before placing the spread in the refrigerator.
6. Prior to serving, stir the spread quickly to refresh its texture.
7. Evenly spread the creamy goat cheese mixture onto your favorite bagels.
8. Syringe more honey into the tops of the bagels.
9. Generously sprinkle the crushed pistachios over the bagels to add a wonderful crunch.
10. Serve right away and relish this delectably nutty and creamy spread on any of your beloved bagels!