This is hands-down one of the prettiest summer appetizers I’ve ever made — and honestly, it couldn’t be simpler. These Watermelon & Goat’s Cheese Appetizers are elegant enough for dinner parties, yet quick enough to pull together for a weekend brunch or spontaneous get-together. The contrast of juicy watermelon with creamy goat’s cheese, crunchy walnuts, and a touch of balsamic glaze is just… chef’s kiss.
It’s one of those Pinterest-worthy ideas that actually turns out even better in real life. And if you use a cookie cutter for the watermelon? Total showstopper.
What You’ll Need
You’ll only need a few key ingredients: watermelon, goat cheese, Greek yogurt, balsamic glaze, fresh mint, and walnuts. The combo is simple but hits all the right notes: sweet, tangy, creamy, and crunchy.
How to Prepare the Goat Cheese Cream
To make the base for the topping, cut your goat cheese into chunks and place it into a small food processor. Add one tablespoon of Greek yogurt and start blending. Depending on the type of cheese you’re using (some are firmer than others), you may need to add more yogurt — but go slowly, one spoonful at a time.
Scrape down the sides as you blend. You’re aiming for a smooth, spreadable consistency that’s not too runny. If it’s too thick, it won’t spoon easily; if it’s too thin, it will slide off your watermelon. Once the cream is soft, fluffy, and holds a little shape, you’re ready to go.
This part takes a bit of patience, especially if you’re using traditional goat cheese instead of the pre-whipped variety, but the payoff is worth it!
Assembling the Appetizers
Start with thick watermelon slices — at least ¾ inch — so they can hold the topping. Use a cookie cutter to punch out pretty shapes (stars, circles, hearts, anything you like!). This gives you consistent sizes and makes the presentation even more charming.
Arrange the watermelon pieces on a platter. Top each one with a generous spoonful of the goat cheese cream. Then drizzle with homemade balsamic glaze, sprinkle on shredded mint, and finish with a few crushed walnut pieces for crunch.
Serve immediately, or within an hour of assembly to keep everything fresh and vibrant.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Visually stunning – perfect for summer parties, baby showers, brunch spreads
- Flavor balanced – sweet watermelon, tangy goat cheese, sharp balsamic, and herby mint
- Fast and easy – no cooking, just blending and assembling
- Naturally gluten-free and low carb
- Customizable – swap walnuts for pistachios, or mint for basil
Tips for Success
- Use seedless watermelon for easier prep
- Chill everything before assembling so the cheese holds better
- Don’t over-blend the goat cheese — stop once it’s creamy and smooth
- Use a squeeze bottle for balsamic drizzle if you want it to look extra clean
- Assemble close to serving time for best texture and presentation
📌 Watermelon & Goat’s Cheese Appetizers (Recipe Card)
Servings: ~12 appetizers (4–6 people)
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2–3 thick slices of watermelon
- 2 oz goat cheese (about 50 g)
- 2–3 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
- Balsamic glaze, for drizzling
- A few fresh mint leaves, shredded
- 2 tablespoons chopped or crushed walnuts
Equipment:
- Mini food processor
- Cookie cutter
- Serving platter
- Spoon or small scoop
Instructions:
- Cut watermelon into thick slices (¾ inch) and use a cookie cutter to create shapes. Set aside on a serving tray.
- In a mini food processor, blend goat cheese with 1 tablespoon yogurt. Add more yogurt gradually, blending until smooth, creamy, and slightly thick. Scrape down sides as needed.
- Spoon a dollop of goat cheese cream onto each watermelon piece.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze.
- Garnish with shredded mint and crushed walnuts.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
