Description
Delicious baked goat cheese bruschetta dip served with crackers, perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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