Goat Cheese Wreath Recipe

Introduction

This Goat Cheese “Wreath” is a festive and creamy appetizer perfect for gatherings or holiday celebrations. Blending tangy goat cheese with ricotta, fresh herbs, and bright orange zest, it’s both beautiful and delicious. Serve it with crackers or baguette for an easy crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• 2 (10.5-ounce) logs fresh goat cheese, at room temperature
• 1 cup whole-milk ricotta
• 2 teaspoons thyme leaves, finely chopped, plus small thyme or rosemary sprigs for decorating
• 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest, plus more for decorating
• Dried cranberries, for decorating
• Honey, for drizzling
• Crackers or sliced baguette, for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a stand mixer, beat the goat cheese and ricotta on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 1 to 2 minutes. Add the chopped thyme and orange zest, then beat again until fully incorporated.
2. Step 2: Line a Bundt or tube pan with plastic wrap. Spoon the cheese mixture into the pan in dollops. Using damp hands, shape and press the mixture evenly into a ring. Cover lightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 2 days.
3. Step 3: When ready to serve, carefully unwrap the plastic and invert the ring onto a serving plate. Remove the remaining plastic wrap. Decorate with dried cranberries and thyme or rosemary sprigs to resemble holly. Sprinkle with additional orange zest and drizzle with honey if desired. Serve with crackers or sliced baguette.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder flavor, substitute fresh thyme with finely chopped basil or chives.
• Add chopped nuts like pistachios or walnuts to the cheese mixture for extra texture.
• If you don’t have a Bundt pan, a round cake pan or even a small bowl lined with plastic wrap can work to shape the wreath.

Storage

Store the goat cheese wreath covered in plastic wrap or an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best served chilled but can be taken out about 15 minutes before serving to soften slightly. Leftovers can be kept refrigerated and enjoyed the next day but are best eaten within this time.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this wreath ahead of time?

Yes, the goat cheese wreath can be assembled and refrigerated for up to 2 days before serving, making it a convenient make-ahead appetizer.

What can I serve with the goat cheese wreath?

This cheese wreath pairs beautifully with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetable sticks for dipping. You can also accompany it with a glass of crisp white wine for a complete snack.

Goat Cheese Wreath Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.7 from 83 reviews

• Author: lina
• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 to 10 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

This festive Goat Cheese Wreath is a creamy, tangy cheese spread flavored with fresh thyme and bright orange zest, shaped into a decorative ring and adorned with dried cranberries and herbs. Perfect for holiday gatherings, it pairs wonderfully with crackers or sliced baguette, offering a beautiful and delicious appetizer that’s easy to prepare ahead.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese Mixture

• 2 10.5-ounce logs fresh goat cheese, at room temperature
• 1 cup whole-milk ricotta
• 2 teaspoons thyme leaves, finely chopped, plus small thyme sprigs for decorating
• 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest, plus more zest for decorating

Garnish and Serving

• Dried cranberries, for decorating
• Honey, for drizzling
• Crackers or sliced baguette, for serving

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the cheese mixture: In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the goat cheese and ricotta on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 1 to 2 minutes. Add the finely chopped thyme leaves and the grated orange zest, then continue beating until the flavors are evenly incorporated into the mixture.
2. Shape the wreath: Line a Bundt or tube pan with plastic wrap, ensuring there’s enough overhang to cover the cheese later. Spoon the cheese mixture into the pan in dollops, then use damp hands to press and shape it evenly into a ring form. Cover lightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow it to firm up, or for up to 2 days if preparing in advance.
3. Decorate and serve: When ready to serve, carefully unwrap the plastic and invert the cheese ring onto a serving plate. Peel off any remaining plastic wrap. Decorate the wreath with dried cranberries and thyme sprigs arranged to resemble holly berries and leaves. Sprinkle additional orange zest on top and drizzle with honey if desired. Serve the wreath alongside crackers or sliced baguette for guests to enjoy.

Notes

• Bring cheeses to room temperature before mixing for a smoother, creamier texture.
• The wreath can be prepared up to two days in advance and kept refrigerated, making it ideal for entertaining.
• Use damp hands when shaping to prevent sticking and ensure an even ring.
• If you prefer, rosemary sprigs can be used instead of thyme for a different herbal aroma.
• Adjust the amount of honey drizzle to taste for added sweetness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: goat cheese wreath, cheese ball recipe, holiday appetizer, ricotta spread, festive cheese plate, easy cheese appetizer, no-cook appetizer