This baked goat cheese dip is a delicious blend of creamy goodness and zesty flavors, making it an ideal appetizer for any occasion. Picture a warm, bubbling dip, topped with fresh tomatoes and fragrant herbs, served alongside crispy crackers that just beg to be dunked.
This dip recipe solves issues of blandness and texture, offering a delicious, creamy appetizer that’s easy to prepare for any occasion.
I often whip up this dip for unexpected guests or casual family nights when I want something quick yet impressive. The struggle of balancing flavors can be tricky, especially with cheese that tends to overpower, but I found a way to create a blend that satisfies without being too much.
Ready in about 40 minutes from start to finish, this recipe provides a warm, comforting texture that keeps everyone coming back for more. You can mix up the toppings or even prepare it ahead of time for effortless serving.
If you’re looking for another delicious dip to share, check out my Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Dip for a great pairing!
Table of contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich and Tangy Flavor , The creamy goat cheese creates a bold, tangy base, complemented by the smoothness of sour cream and the savory notes from Parmesan. This depth of flavor makes it a standout dish.
- Freshness from Tomatoes and Basil , Diced tomatoes add a fresh burst, while the chopped basil infuses a herby aroma into the dip. Together, they lighten the dip, making it perfect for warm weather gatherings.
- Convenient Make-Ahead Option , You can prepare the cheese mixture in advance. Just assemble everything ahead of time and bake when you’re ready, making it an easy appetizer for busy days.
- Perfect for Pairing , The dip’s creamy texture matches wonderfully with crispy crackers, offering a satisfying crunch that contrasts nicely with the soft dip, making every bite an enjoyable experience.
Baked Goat Cheese Bruschetta Dip
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cool Time: 0 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious baked goat cheese bruschetta dip served with crackers, perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients
- 8 oz (227 g) Goat Cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) Sour Cream
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) Mayonnaise
- 1 cup (113 g) Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- 1/2 cup (50 g) Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1 cup (160 g) Diced Tomatoes (about 2 medium tomatoes), drained
- 1/4 cup (10 g) Fresh Basil, chopped (optional)
- 1 box Crackers (any variety), for serving
- 1/4 tsp (1.2 ml) Garlic Powder
- 1/4 tsp (1.2 ml) Dried Oregano
- Salt, to taste
- Black Pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) Olive Oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) so it reaches the right temperature to cook the dip evenly, resulting in a bubbly and golden finish.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the softened goat cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix with a hand mixer or fork until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes for best consistency.
- Step 3: Transfer the cheese mixture into the 8×8 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform baking for a gooey texture.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, combine the diced tomatoes with the chopped basil and olive oil. Drain any excess liquid from the tomatoes before mixing to keep the dip thick and prevent it from becoming watery during baking.
- Step 5: Spoon the tomato mixture gently over the cheese layer, being careful not to mix them together to maintain a distinct colorful top.
- Step 6: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The dip is done when bubbling around the edges and golden on top. Check early if your oven runs hot to avoid burning. Optionally, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end to brown the top, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Step 7: While baking, arrange your choice of crackers on a plate. If you want warm crackers, place them in the oven during the last few minutes of baking to heat through alongside the dip.
- Step 8: Allow the dip to cool for about a minute after removing from the oven, then serve warm with crackers. The dip tastes best immediately to enjoy its warm, creamy texture.
Notes
- Room Temperature: Store the dip in an airtight container at room temperature and consume within 2 days to avoid spoilage.
- Refrigeration: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring it is tightly covered to prevent drying out.
- Freezing: Place dip in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating.
- If the dip is too runny, ensure diced tomatoes are well drained by pressing out excess liquid before mixing in, to maintain thickness.
- To achieve a smoother cheese mixture, use a hand mixer for 2-3 minutes instead of mixing by hand with a fork.
- Prevent overflow during baking by filling the 8×8 inch baking dish only halfway; this allows room for expansion.
- Serve the dip in a warm dish or on a heating pad if it cools too quickly to keep it enjoyable for longer periods.
- Reheat gently in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid overheating to prevent the cheese from separating.
- Serve this baked goat cheese dip alongside gluten-free crackers or vegetable sticks such as cucumber rounds or roasted bell peppers. Garlic bread is also a complementary choice.
- This dip works well as a spread for gluten-free flatbreads or as stuffing for mushrooms. Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for extra flavor.
- Substitute fresh basil with 1 tsp dried oregano or fresh thyme for a different herbal note.
- Use cherry tomatoes quartered instead of diced medium tomatoes for a sweeter, juicier topping.
- Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt of equal quantity for a lower-fat alternative.
- Use a good quality, creamy goat cheese for optimal melting and tangy flavor.
- Choose ripe, juicy tomatoes for balanced sweetness and moisture; if using cherry tomatoes, quarter them for even coverage.
- Fresh basil leaves provide essential fragrance and color; avoid dried basil as it lacks the bright flavor needed for this dip.
- Select high-quality extra virgin olive oil with fruity notes to complement the toppings.
- Fresh garlic is preferable when adding to this dip. Mince it finely to avoid bitterness and enhance flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Ingredient Notes
- Goat cheese: Choose a good quality, creamy goat cheese for the best flavor. It melts beautifully, creating a rich, tangy base for your dip.
- Tomatoes: Opt for ripe, juicy tomatoes. They bring sweetness and moisture. Cherry tomatoes are great; just quarter them for even distribution.
- Fresh basil: Use vibrant green basil leaves for a fragrant touch. Freshness matters! Dried basil won’t give you the same bright flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is key here. Mince it finely to release its flavor. Remember, overcooking can make it bitter, so keep it in check!
- Olive oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil adds richness and enhances the flavors. Look for something with fruity notes to complement the dip.
- Balsamic vinegar: Use a good quality balsamic for a tangy depth. If you prefer, you can substitute it with red wine vinegar for a different zing.
- Crostini: Choose a sturdy baguette for your crostini. It should be toasted until crispy to hold up against the dip without getting soggy.
- Goat cheese: Choose a good quality, creamy goat cheese for the best flavor. It melts beautifully, creating a rich, tangy base for your dip.
- Tomatoes: Opt for ripe, juicy tomatoes. They bring sweetness and moisture. Cherry tomatoes are great; just quarter them for even distribution.
- Fresh basil: Use vibrant green basil leaves for a fragrant touch. Freshness matters! Dried basil won’t give you the same bright flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is key here. Mince it finely to release its flavor. Remember, overcooking can make it bitter, so keep it in check!
- Olive oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil adds richness and enhances the flavors. Look for something with fruity notes to complement the dip.
- Balsamic vinegar: Use a good quality balsamic for a tangy depth. If you prefer, you can substitute it with red wine vinegar for a different zing.
- Crostini: Choose a sturdy baguette for your crostini. It should be toasted until crispy to hold up against the dip without getting soggy.
Recipe Tips
- If your dip is too runny, drain the diced tomatoes well, pressing out excess liquid before mixing them in to maintain a thicker texture.
- When cheese mixture doesn’t blend smoothly, use a hand mixer for 2-3 minutes until creamy, instead of just a fork, to achieve desired consistency.
- If the dip overflows during baking, use an 8×8 inch baking dish and fill only halfway to allow expansions without spillage while cooking.
- For a golden top, broil the dip for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking; watch closely to avoid burning.
- If your dip cools too quickly, serve it in a warm dish and place it on a heating pad to help maintain temperature while serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this goat cheese dip with gluten-free crackers or vegetable sticks for dipping. A side of roasted bell peppers, garlic bread, or fresh cucumber rounds complements the dish well.
Use to make stuffed mushrooms or spread over gluten-free flatbreads. You can also mix it into baked pasta dishes or serve alongside grilled chicken.
Top with cherry tomatoes and fresh basil for a burst of flavor. A drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper adds a nice finishing touch.
Recipe variations
- You can use cream cheese instead of goat cheese for a milder flavor in this baked goat cheese dip. Substitute 8 oz cream cheese, softened, in the base mixture.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika to the cheese blend for a spicy variation to the dip’s seasoning profile.
- Either fresh diced tomatoes or a cup of jarred bruschetta topping can be used for the tomato layer; fresh basil remains optional to maintain freshness.
- If serving a larger group, double ingredient amounts and bake in a 9×13-inch dish, extending baking time to about 30 minutes until golden and bubbling.
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How to Store?
To keep your Baked Goat Cheese Bruschetta Dip fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
Room Temperature: Place the dip in an airtight container, keep at room temperature, and consume within 2 days to avoid spoilage.
Refrigeration: Store the dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 5 days, covering it tightly to prevent drying out.
Freezing: Transfer dip into a freezer-safe container or bag, freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
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