Baked Goat Cheese Tomato Dip Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it’s the perfect blend of creamy goat cheese and tangy marinara, making every bite feel like a comforting hug. Plus, the burst of flavors from the fresh basil and blistered cherry tomatoes makes it feel like a fancy appetizer without all the fuss!

I adore developing recipes that unite deep flavors with pure, healthy elements, like this Goat Cheese Tomato Dip. The 8 ounces of soft goat cheese that I blend with cream cheese (in total, a dip that 16 ounces of cheese!), plus a touch of fresh basil, makes for an unbelievably creamy, rich dip that I’m not ashamed to say I’ve eaten for dinner.

Nevertheless, I did serve it with nutrient-dense tomatoes.

Ingredients

Chevre: Full of protein and good fats, this adds a creamy, tangy flavor.

Cream cheese contributes a smooth texture and mild flavor that balances the tartness of the dish.

Parmesan cheese: Contributes umami, a saltiness, and richness in flavor.

Sauce Marinara: Delivers sweetness and acidity, has potent tomato antioxidants.

Basil adds aromatic freshness and an abundance of vitamins A and K.

Olive oil: Healthy monounsaturated fats, add richness and depth.

Garlic: Imparts a sharp flavor; provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory perks.

Red Pepper Flakes: Provide spiciness, enhance metabolism, and add layers of flavor.

The high vitamin C content and dazzling juiciness of cherry tomatoes take a dish to the next level.

Ingredient Quantities

• 8 ounces of goat cheese, softened
• 4 ounces of cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup of marinara sauce
• 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes
• 8 ounces of cherry tomatoes, halved
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Bread or crackers for serving

Instructions

1. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a bowl, combine the softened goat cheese, cream cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese, and mix them until smooth and well blended.

3. Evenly spread the cheese mixture in a baking dish.

4. Gently spread the marinara sauce over the cheese mixture, using a spoon to help distribute the sauce.

5. In a tiny mixing bowl, mix the fresh basil, olive oil, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes.

6. Spread the halves of the cherry tomatoes atop the marinara sauce.

7. Basil and olive oil are mixed together; they are drizzled over the cherry tomatoes.

8. Top with salt and pepper to taste.

9. In a preheated oven, bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the tomatoes are slightly blistered.

10. Warm the dip and serve it with your selection of bread or crackers. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Medium bowl
3. Spoon
4. Small mixing bowl
5. Baking dish

FAQ

• Q: Can I use a different type of cheese instead of goat cheese?A: Yes, you can use feta or ricotta instead of goat cheese for a different flavor, but goat cheese brings a distinctive kind of tanginess that really makes it work with the tomatoes.
• Q: Is it necessary to soften the cream cheese and goat cheese?A: Making the cheeses softer helps them combine more smoothly, guaranteeing a creamy dip. You can leave them at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing.
• Q: Can I use dried basil instead of fresh basil?B: The flavor is enhanced by the use of fresh basil, but if you can’t find it, dried basil will work. Use 1 tablespoon of dried basil for every 1/4 cup of fresh basil called for in a recipe.
• Q: How can I make the dip spicier?A: To increase the spicy flavor, mix in more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when you’re blending the ingredients.
• Q: Can the dip be made ahead of time?You can indeed prepare the dip a day in advance. Cover it well, and refrigerate it. Just before serving, bake it for the best texture and flavor.
• Q: What type of bread pairs well with this dip?B: Sturdy crackers, like sesame or seed varieties, can take the creamy dip. For a more tender option, crusty sourdough bread holds up well and tastes fantastic. Finally, for something a little different, try scooping the dip with a pita chip.
• Q: Can this dip be served cold?You can serve the dip cold, but it’s a warm dish that really wows the taste buds, as it transitions from the melt-in-your-mouth stage and gathers intensity of flavor in the baked state.

Substitutions and Variations

Use feta cheese instead of goat cheese for a tangy alternative.
Substitute ricotta for cream cheese to achieve a lighter texture.
Crushed tomatoes infused with Italian herbs make a fresh substitute for marinara sauce.
Substitute fresh parsley for fresh basil leaves for an alternative herbaceous flavor.
Cayenne pepper can be used in place of red pepper flakes. It provides a similar kind of heat.

Pro Tips

1. Preheat Prep Ensure your oven is fully preheated to 375°F (190°C) before placing the dip in to achieve an even and thorough bake.

2. Even Mixing For a creamier texture, use an electric mixer to blend the goat cheese, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese, ensuring the mixture is perfectly smooth with no lumps.

3. Enhanced Marinara Before spreading over the cheese mixture, consider warming your marinara sauce gently and adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of sugar to enhance the flavors.

4. Herb Infusion Allow the basil, olive oil, garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes to sit together for at least 10 minutes before drizzling them over the tomatoes. This will let the flavors meld for a more aromatic topping.

5. Tomato Treatment For an extra burst of flavor, roast the cherry tomatoes separately with a touch of olive oil and salt for about 10 minutes before adding them to the dish. This will intensify their natural sweetness and ensure they’re nicely blistered during baking.