If you are looking to wow your friends and family at your next get-together, try this delicious warm goat cheese dip with sauteed tomatoes and a tasty balsamic reduction.
Loaded with the flavors of garlic, fresh basil, and juicy cherry tomatoes, this is one dip that will have everyone asking for more.
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Why This Recipe Works
This recipe is excellent to serve as a snack or appetizer at your next get-together.
The cheese mixture is a great base to experiment with more flavors and create your own goat cheese dip. The tomato mixture is an excellent way to elevate a traditional goat cheese dip with fresh, vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Cheese:
The star of this goat cheese dip is obviously the goat cheese. The nice thing about that is there are different types of goat cheese you can experiment with in this recipe. You can even play with the flavors by adding different kinds of cheese to the mix, like parmesan or mozzarella.
The ricotta cheese adds moisture to the dip so that it doesn't dry out during cooking.
Herbs:
This is another area where you can play with the flavors by adding any herbs and spices you like. Dill, rosemary, and thyme are some of my favorites.
Tips
- The tomato mixture will be incredibly hot coming out of the oven and has the potential to burn your mouth pretty good. Pierce the tomatoes to release some of the trapped heat before serving to avoid injuring any of your guests with exploding, scolding tomato juices.
- You can substitute any of the fresh herbs and spices for dried or ground versions using the same measurements. For example, if you don't have fresh basil, dried basil will work just as well.
What to Serve With Goat Cheese Dip
This goat cheese dip is best served with things you can dip in it! One of my favorites to serve with this goat cheese dip is toasted rosemary bread or gluten-free bread. For some added flavor, cut a garlic clove and rub it on each piece of bread before you put them in the oven to toast.
This goat cheese dip is also an excellent appetizer to serve with smoked lasagna, baked ziti, or feta pasta.
FAQs
How long can goat cheese dip leftovers be stored?
If for some reason, you end up with leftovers of this yummy goat cheese dip, they will last for a couple of days in an airtight container stored in your fridge. This dish is, however, best served fresh and hot out of the oven.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it is gluten-free.
Can I serve this goat cheese dip without the tomatoes?
If you are not a fan of tomatoes, simply add the fresh basil and garlic to the cheese mixture and leave out the tomato mixture. You might also need to adjust your cook times accordingly.
More Dip Recipes
Dips are always a fan favorite at any gathering, and these dip recipes are some of my favorites to bring to potlucks and parties.
Goat Cheese Dip
Ingredients
Tomato Mixture
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 5 leaves fresh basil chiffonade cut
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt to taste
- ½ teaspoon pepper to taste
Cheese Mixture
- 8 ounces goat cheese
- 8 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley chopped
Balsamic Reduction (Optional)
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375F.
- In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add tomatoes.
- Once tomatoes begin to soften, add garlic, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for one more minute, then remove from heat.
- Combine goat cheese, ricotta, lemon juice, zest, and parsley in a medium bowl.
- Transfer the cheese mixture to a lightly greased baking dish, top it with the tomato mixture, then put it in the oven for 15-20 minutes. It's done when the cheese is bubbling, and the top begins to brown slightly.
- To make the balsamic reduction, bring the vinegar to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes until it has reached your desired thickness. The reduction will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Remove from the oven, drizzle with the balsamic reduction, and serve with your favorite crackers or toasted bread. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Notes
- The tomato mixture will be incredibly hot coming out of the oven and has the potential to burn your mouth pretty good. Pierce the tomatoes to release some of the trapped heat before serving to avoid injuring any of your guests with exploding, scolding tomato juices.
- You can substitute any of the fresh herbs and spices for dried or ground versions using the same measurements. For example, if you don't have fresh basil, dried basil will work just as well.