Baked Goat Cheese
Baked Goat Cheese is the perfect easy appetizer, delicious any time of year. Simple ingredients come together perfectly to create this warm goat cheese dip. It is a favorite appetizer perfect for special occasions or a fancy snack when the craving hits.
The soft goat cheese, tomatoes, and fresh herbs create a delicious flavor that will make you want to eat the entire thing. It’s one of those easy recipes that tastes impressive without a lot of work.
You can serve this goat cheese appetizer during the holiday season, as a fun weekend party food, or even as a fancy game day dish. Pair the baked goat cheese dip with baguette slices for easy dipping.
Be sure to try this Fried Goat Cheese and this Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken for two other flavorful recipes using goat cheese.
Ingredients
- Olive oil – Use your favorite brand.
- Onion – Red or white is fine; slice thinly.
- Garlic clove – Peel and chop.
- Tomatoes – Slice and seed them.
- Salt and black pepper – For flavor.
- Dried oregano – For added flavor.
- Goat cheese – The star of the show. Use any brand from the grocery store.
- Fresh basil – Adds fresh flavor.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Baked Goat Cheese
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
Step One: Add the olive oil, onion, garlic, and salt to a small baking dish. Toss to combine. Bake to soften the onion.
Step Two: Add the tomatoes over the top of the mixture, then season.
Step Three: Cut the goat cheese into rounds and place over the tomatoes. Bake again until the tomatoes have softened and the cheese is hot.
Step Four: Drizzle with olive oil and seasonings. Serve warm.
Top Tip💡
If you don’t have a shallow baking dish, a casserole dish or any oven-safe dish will work. You just need it to be deep enough to hold the ingredients and withstand the heat of the oven.
Substitutions
- Veggies – Other than the red onion (or white), you can always add or swap in other options. A diced bell pepper goes well with the cheese mixture.
- Tomatoes – Halved grape or cherry tomatoes also work. Or use sun-dried tomatoes for a bolder tomato flavor.
- Sauce – If you don’t have fresh tomatoes, you can add a few dollops of marinara or vodka sauce.
Variations
- Spicy – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to kick up the heat.
- Cheese – If you like the sound of this dish but aren’t a fan of goat cheese, you can make it using another soft cheese like ricotta cheese, mascarpone, or cream cheese.
- Sweet – Leave out the onions, garlic, and tomatoes. Bake the goat cheese in a smaller dish until warm, then top with roasted salted pecans and a drizzle of honey. Adding glazed nuts and raspberry or fig jam is another great combo.
See this Tomato Salad with Goat Cheese for a light and easy dinner option.
Equipment
All you need to make this simple recipe using goat cheese is a baking dish and some heat-safe tongs or a rubber spatula.
Storage
Once this appetizer is served, store any leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. You’ll want to heat it back up again before serving since it’s supposed to be warm.
I don’t recommend freezing this dish as it can change the texture. It’s best enjoyed fresh and then eaten within 1-2 days.
Common Questions
You don’t want to keep heating this dish until the goat cheese completely melts. The heat from the oven will make the goat cheese soft, which is what you’re going for. Once it’s soft, it’s easy to dip into or spread onto garlic bread or any other type of bread.
You can’t go wrong with crusty bread, crackers, or crostini. You really can spread it onto any type or flavor of cracker that you like. If you want to try a sweet and salty type of dish, apple slices would also be a really fun option.
People tend to notice different flavor notes, but I think that it’s a bit tangy and salty. I like to pair it with other ingredients and seasonings because it can be overpowering on its own.
Since it needs to be served warm, it’s best served right out of the oven. However, you can prep and slice the onions, chop the garlic, and precook those to save on time. Layer the remaining ingredients and bake right before serving.
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Baked Goat Cheese
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400.
- Add 1 tablespoon olive oil, onion, garlic, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt to a small baking dish. Toss to combine.
- Bake for 10 minutes, or until the onion begins to soften.
- Arrange the tomatoes over the onion mixture. Sprinkle with the remaining salt, black pepper, and oregano.
- Cut the goat cheese into approximately 1-inch-thick rounds and arrange over the tomatoes.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the tomatoes have softened and the goat cheese is hot and soft.
- Drizzle with 2 teaspoons of olive oil, sprinkle with fresh basil and cracked pepper. Serve warm.
Nutrition
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