Description
This Warm Goat Cheese Dip is a creamy and flavorful appetizer perfect for gatherings and parties. Blending softened goat cheese and cream cheese with fresh herbs, garlic, and a touch of heat, then baked until bubbly and golden, it pairs beautifully with baguette slices, crackers, and fresh vegetables for dipping. Easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious, this dip is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Mixture
- 4 ounces goat cheese, softened
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Flavorings
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Other
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- Baguette slices, for serving
- Crackers, for serving
- Crudités (carrots, celery, cucumber), for serving
- Honey, for drizzling (optional)
- Toasted walnuts, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Soften the Cheeses: Ensure both goat cheese and cream cheese are softened to room temperature to allow easy mixing and a smooth texture.
- Combine the Cheeses: In a medium bowl, blend the softened goat cheese and cream cheese together using a fork or hand mixer until fully combined and creamy.
- Add the Heavy Cream: Gently mix in the heavy cream until the mixture is well incorporated and smooth.
- Incorporate the Garlic and Herbs: Stir in the minced garlic, fresh thyme leaves, chopped rosemary, and red pepper flakes if using, to infuse the dip with robust flavors.
- Season to Perfection: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, and mix thoroughly for an even flavor profile.
- Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the dip.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a small oven-safe baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and add richness.
- Transfer the Mixture: Pour the cheese mixture into the baking dish, spreading it evenly for uniform cooking.
- Drizzle with Olive Oil: Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the top of the dip to add moisture and enhance flavor.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the dip is hot, bubbly around the edges, and lightly golden on top.
- Broiling for Extra Color (Optional): For a golden-brown crust, broil the dip for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Remove from Oven: Carefully take the dish out of the oven and allow it to cool slightly for a few minutes, as it will be very hot.
- Garnish Generously: Sprinkle toasted walnuts on top, if desired, for added crunch and nutty flavor.
- Drizzle with Honey (Optional): Add a light drizzle of honey over the dip for a subtle sweetness that balances the savory flavors.
- Serve Immediately: Present the warm goat cheese dip with baguette slices, crackers, and crudités for dipping, and enjoy right away.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Make sure cheeses are softened to avoid lumps in the dip.
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor; dried herbs can be substituted but use half the quantity.
- If you prefer a thicker dip, reduce the heavy cream slightly.
- Serve immediately for best texture; the dip thickens as it cools.
