Pistachio Cream Goat Cheese has become my go-to appetizer, captivating guests with its unique flavor and creamy texture. This delicious and unique appetizer features mushrooms stuffed with a creamy mixture of goat cheese and pistachios, making it an elegant addition to any gathering. With a few simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, you can impress your friends and family with these delightful bites.
Why You’ll Love This Pistachio Cream Goat Cheese
This savory pistachio cheese blend is not only delicious but offers a variety of benefits. First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings. The pistachio spread adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, complementing the creamy goat cheese beautifully. Additionally, this dish is vegetarian-friendly, making it suitable for a wide range of diets. Whether you serve it as a pistachio and goat cheese dip or as stuffed mushrooms, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The combination of flavors delivers a gourmet experience that feels indulgent yet is simple to create. Plus, you can even customize it with different herbs or toppings to fit your palate.
Ingredients for Pistachio Cream Goat Cheese
Gather these items:
- 12 large cremini or white button mushrooms, stems removed and chopped
- 4 oz fresh goat cheese, softened to room temperature
- ½ cup roasted, shelled pistachios, divided
- ¼ cup heavy cream (plus a drizzle more for serving)
- 1 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, plus extra sprigs for garnish
- Zest of ½ lemon
- Salt & freshly cracked black pepper
- Olive oil, for drizzling
How to Make Pistachio Cream Goat Cheese Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a small skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until foaming slightly.
- Step 3: Add minced garlic and chopped mushroom stems, sautéing for about 1 minute until garlic is fragrant and stems begin to soften.
- Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Step 5: Stir in ⅓ cup of pistachios (pulsed to a coarse meal), lemon zest, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Step 6: Set pistachio cream aside to cool and thicken slightly.
- Step 7: In a bowl, fold softened goat cheese with fresh thyme and black pepper until smooth.
- Step 8: Rinse mushroom caps, pat dry, and arrange on the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 9: Drizzle each cap with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
- Step 10: Spoon a generous dollop of goat cheese mixture into each mushroom cavity.
- Step 11: Drizzle about a teaspoon of pistachio cream over each filled mushroom.
- Step 12: Bake for 15-18 minutes, until mushrooms are tender and cheese is melty with golden edges.
- Step 13: Garnish with remaining chopped pistachios, fresh thyme sprigs, and an optional drizzle of heavy cream.
- Step 14: Serve immediately while hot.
Pro Tips for the Best Pistachio Cream Goat Cheese
Keep these in mind:
- This dish works well as an appetizer for parties.
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- For added flavor, try adding a bit of fresh basil or dill to the goat cheese mixture.
- Experiment with different types of nuts for a unique twist on this creamy pistachio cheese.
Best Ways to Serve Pistachio Cream Goat Cheese
There are countless ways to enjoy this delightful dish. Serve the pistachio cheese for appetizers alongside an assortment of crackers or crusty bread. This creamy cheese also pairs wonderfully with fresh vegetables for a healthier option. For a gourmet touch, consider drizzling honey over the stuffed mushrooms just before serving, enhancing their sweetness and contrast with the savory flavors. Lastly, a glass of white wine complements the dish beautifully, making it an ideal pairing for gatherings.
How to Store and Reheat Pistachio Cream Goat Cheese
To store leftovers, place the stuffed mushrooms in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. This dish also works well for meal prep, as you can prepare the filling ahead of time and stuff the mushrooms just before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pistachio Cream Goat Cheese
What’s the secret to perfect Pistachio Cream Goat Cheese?
The key to perfect goat cheese with pistachios is balancing the flavors. Ensure your pistachios are freshly roasted for maximum flavor and combine them well with the cream and goat cheese for a smooth consistency.
Can I make Pistachio Cream Goat Cheese ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and stuff the mushrooms a few hours in advance. Just keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Pistachio Cream Goat Cheese?
To avoid common pitfalls, don’t overfill the mushroom caps and make sure to bake them until just tender. This prevents them from becoming soggy and keeps the texture delightful.
Variations of Pistachio Cream Goat Cheese You Can Try
There are several delicious variations you can try. For a spicy kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the goat cheese mixture. Alternatively, use flavored oils or vinegars to enhance the taste further. If you’re looking for a vegan alternative to pistachio goat cheese, consider using cashews blended with similar spices and flavorings. Each variation offers a unique twist on this already delightful dish.
For more recipes like this, check out our recipe collection. If you’re interested in other appetizers, you might enjoy our Jalapeno Buffalo Chicken Casserole or Teriyaki Chicken Sheet Pan Supper. For tips on meal prep, visit our about page for insights.
For more information on the health benefits of pistachios, you can refer to this Healthline article.
PrintPistachio Cream Goat Cheese: 12 Irresistible Appetizers
A delicious and unique appetizer featuring mushrooms stuffed with a creamy mixture of goat cheese and pistachios.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 12 large cremini or white button mushrooms, stems removed and chopped
- 4 oz fresh goat cheese, softened to room temperature
- ½ cup roasted, shelled pistachios, divided
- ¼ cup heavy cream (plus a drizzle more for serving)
- 1 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, plus extra sprigs for garnish
- Zest of ½ lemon
- Salt & freshly cracked black pepper
- Olive oil, for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until foaming slightly.
- Add minced garlic and chopped mushroom stems, sautéing for about 1 minute until garlic is fragrant and stems begin to soften.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in ⅓ cup of pistachios (pulsed to a coarse meal), lemon zest, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Set pistachio cream aside to cool and thicken slightly.
- In a bowl, fold softened goat cheese with fresh thyme and black pepper until smooth.
- Rinse mushroom caps, pat dry, and arrange on the prepared baking sheet.
- Drizzle each cap with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
- Spoon a generous dollop of goat cheese mixture into each mushroom cavity.
- Drizzle about a teaspoon of pistachio cream over each filled mushroom.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, until mushrooms are tender and cheese is melty with golden edges.
- Garnish with remaining chopped pistachios, fresh thyme sprigs, and an optional drizzle of heavy cream.
- Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- This dish works well as an appetizer for parties. <li.Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. <li.Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed mushrooms
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg

