How long it takes: 22 minutes Equipment you’ll need: food processor, baking dish Servings: 8 I love that you can make this easy dip ahead and simply pop it in the oven when your guests arrive so it’s perfectly warm and ready to share. Mmmmm, it’s so good with a cherry spritzer, pomegranate mojito or an orange G & T. Or enjoy it with a glass of wine, too, either red or white.
How To Make Baked goat cheese dip
You’ll need a food processor for a really creamy texture. Simply combine all the ingredients in the bowl of the food processor, except for the herbs and lemon zest. Blend the mixture until it’s nice and smooth, take out the blade, and stir in finely chopped parsley, fresh thyme, and finely grated lemon zest. Spread the dip in a shallow baking dish. Choose a dish that you can serve it from, too! Bake the goat cheese dip briefly until it’s warm and just beginning to bubble around the edges.
Ingredient Notes
Goat cheese: Buy a large 10.5 oz. log, not the crumbles. Cream cheese: Soften the cream cheese at room temperature for an hour or so. Parmesan cheese: Use grated cheese. For this recipe, shelf-stable cheese is fine. Extra virgin olive oil Garlic: I use one clove of garlic for savory flavor. Fresh parsley and thyme: You really need fresh herbs for this recipe. Dried herbs won’t have the same flavor. Finely grated lemon zest: A bit of lemon brightens the flavor of the dip.
Serving Suggestions
Try homemade crostini for a perfect pairing. Or choose your favorite crackers or other dippers. Include this warm dip with your cheese board, along with kalamata olives or other types of olives, sliced apples or pears, dried cherries or apricots, grapes, jam, chutney, roasted almonds or spiced pecans, and additional varieties of cheese.
Recipe Variations
Add a sweet topping. After removing the dip from the oven, drizzle it with honey or top it with fig jam or bacon jam to add a sweet component to the dip. Not a garlic fan? Just omit it, the dip has plenty of flavor without it. Another goat cheese appetizer. Fried goat cheese is always a hit.
Storage Tips
Storage: Once the dip has been heated, it is best eaten right away. Leftovers can be covered tightly and stored in the fridge for a couple of days. Make ahead: Prepare the dip but don’t bake it. Store in a covered container for up to two days. When ready to serve, spread the dip in an oven safe container and heat. Quick-Start Guide!
