Description
Creamy goat cheese dip brings Mediterranean sunshine to your appetizer spread, blending tangy herbs with silky textures. Guests will savor each zesty bite, discovering a quick and elegant starter perfect for spontaneous gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) goat cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 15 ounces (425 grams) diced tomatoes
Seasonings and Herbs:
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Bread and Oil:
- 1 loaf bread (French, Italian, sourdough, etc.)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (1 tablespoon for dip, 1 tablespoon for toasting bread)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 375°F (190°C) for optimal baking conditions.
- Select a suitable baking vessel – preferably a 9×6-inch rectangular or 9×5-inch glass/ceramic loaf pan, carefully avoiding metal containers.
- Create a flavor-packed sauce by blending marinara, diced tomatoes, aromatic garlic, robust Italian seasoning, and complementary salt and pepper in a medium mixing bowl.
- Establish a savory foundation by spreading half of the tomato mixture across the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Position the goat cheese log centrally within the pan, ensuring even coverage.
- Cascade the remaining tomato mixture over the cheese, creating a complete flavor envelope.
- Enhance the dish’s complexity by delicately drizzling balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil across the surface.
- Garnish with vibrant, freshly chopped parsley to introduce a bright, herbaceous note.
- Transfer the pan to the preheated oven, allowing the contents to transform and bubble for 30-40 minutes until heated thoroughly.
- Present the dip immediately while warm, accompanied by crisp, golden toasted bread slices for optimal enjoyment.
Notes
- Customize the dip by experimenting with different herbs like basil, thyme, or oregano to enhance the flavor profile.
- Opt for fire-roasted diced tomatoes for a deeper, smokier taste that adds complexity to the sauce.
- Make it gluten-free by serving with gluten-free bread or crispy vegetable sticks like cucumber, bell peppers, or carrot slices.
- Reduce the baking time by 5-10 minutes if you prefer a slightly firmer goat cheese texture instead of a fully melted consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg