Baked Goat Cheese Dip with Tomato and Herb Toasted Baguette Recipe
This cozy Baked Goat Cheese Dip combines creamy goat cheese with a savory tomato and herb sauce, perfectly complemented by toasted garlic baguette slices. Rich with Mediterranean flavors like oregano, thyme, and balsamic vinegar, this warm appetizer is ideal for sharing at gatherings or as a comforting snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Bread:
- 1 baguette, sliced
- Olive oil, for drizzling
For the Dip:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more for drizzling bread)
- 1/2 small white onion, roughly chopped
- 3 garlic cloves (2 minced, 1 whole)
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 4 ounce goat cheese log, sliced
- Chopped parsley for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set the oven temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare it for toasting the bread and baking the dip.
- Toast the baguette slices: Drizzle the sliced baguette with olive oil and arrange on a sheet pan. Toast in the oven about 7-8 minutes on each side until golden and crisp. Once toasted, rub each slice with the whole garlic clove to infuse the bread with aromatic garlic flavor.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the roughly chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, thyme, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Continue sautéing until fragrant, approximately 1 more minute.
- Add tomatoes and vinegar: Pour in the balsamic vinegar and the canned diced tomatoes. Let the mixture simmer to reduce and thicken for about 5 minutes, concentrating the flavors.
- Assemble the dip: In a baking dish, arrange sliced goat cheese and spoon the tomato mixture in between the cheese pieces and on top, making sure some cheese remains visible.
- Bake the dip: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the goat cheese is golden and bubbling around the edges.
- Broil for finish: Turn the oven broiler to high and broil the dish for 1-2 minutes with the baking dish on the top rack about 4-5 inches from the broiler. This will brown the edges of the cheese slightly to add a beautiful finish.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the baked goat cheese dip and serve warm alongside the toasted garlic baguette slices.
Notes
- Make sure to watch the dip closely during broiling to prevent burning.
- Substitute canned diced tomatoes with fresh diced tomatoes for a fresher flavor, but simmer a little longer to thicken.
- This dip pairs well with a variety of breads beyond baguette, such as pita or crostini.
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Leftover dip can be refrigerated and gently reheated before serving.
