Creamy whipped ricotta and tangy goat cheese come together in this effortlessly elegant appetizer. Finished with fresh herbs, lemon zest, crunchy pistachios, and a drizzle of olive oil, then sprinkled with Simpli Spiced Razzle Dazzle Red Wine Sea Salt for a savory finishing touch. Perfect for holiday entertaining or serving with warm crusty bread!
Ingredients
For the Whipped Cheese
1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
4 oz goat cheese, softened
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp fresh lemon zest
1 tsp fresh lemon juice
½ tsp honey (optional)
For the Topping
2 tbsp chopped toasted pistachios
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
1–2 tsp extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
2 tbsp pomegranite seeds
¼–½ tsp Simpli Spiced Razzle Dazzle Red Wine Sea Salt, to taste
Freshly cracked black pepper (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the cheese. Add ricotta, softened goat cheese, olive oil, lemon zest, and lemon juice to a food processor. Blend for 1–2 minutes until smooth, light, and fluffy, scraping down the sides as needed.
Taste and adjust: Taste the whipped cheese and adjust with additional lemon juice if desired. Add a drizzle of honey for subtle sweetness, if using.
Toast the pistachios: In a small dry skillet over medium-low heat, toast the chopped pistachios for 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Set aside to cool.
Plate the spread. Spoon the whipped cheese onto a shallow serving bowl or platter. Using the back of a spoon, create decorative swirls and shallow wells to catch the olive oil and toppings. Add the toppings: Scatter the pomegranate seeds, toasted pistachios, fresh thyme, and chopped parsley evenly over the cheese.
Finish with Razzle Dazzle: Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with Simpli Spiced Razzle Dazzle Red Wine Sea Salt just before serving.
Serve. Pair with toasted baguette slices, crostini, crackers, or fresh vegetables.
Cooking Tips
For the creamiest texture: drain any excess liquid from the ricotta before whipping.
Make ahead of time: The spread can be prepared up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated in an airtight container. Bring it out 15–20 minutes before serving, then add the toppings and Razzle Dazzle just before enjoying.
Simple Pairings
Holiday appetizer boards: Serve alongside cheeses, olives, & crackers.
Wine Pairing: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc, dry Rosé, or light-bodied Pinot Noir to complement the creamy cheese, tart pomegranate, and subtle red wine notes.
Serve: with toasted crostini, rosemary focaccia, fresh pear slices, or crisp endive leaves for an elegant holiday appetizer.