Baked Goat Cheese Bruschetta Dip is a warm, cheesy, and flavorful appetizer that brings together creamy goat cheese, tangy tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. This dish is perfect for entertaining or as a cozy snack at home. Served with toasted baguette slices, it’s an irresistible crowd-pleaser that will disappear quickly from the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients come together for a restaurant-quality dip.
- Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer – A guaranteed hit at parties and gatherings.
- Rich and Flavorful – Creamy goat cheese, roasted tomatoes, and fresh basil create a delightful combination.
- Versatile – Serve with bread, crackers, or even fresh vegetables.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Prepare in advance and bake when ready to serve.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Goat cheese
- Cream cheese
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Cherry tomatoes
- Balsamic vinegar
- Fresh basil
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
- Baguette or crackers for serving
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix goat cheese, cream cheese, minced garlic, olive oil, and Italian seasoning until smooth.
- Transfer the cheese mixture to a baking dish and spread evenly.
- In a separate bowl, toss cherry tomatoes with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the tomatoes over the cheese mixture.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the tomatoes are slightly roasted.
- Remove from the oven, top with fresh basil, and let cool slightly.
- Serve warm with toasted baguette slices or crackers.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version – Add red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Herb-Infused – Mix in fresh rosemary or thyme for extra flavor.
- Pesto Twist – Swirl in some basil pesto before baking.
- Vegan Option – Use plant-based cheese substitutes.
- Protein Boost – Add crumbled cooked bacon or prosciutto on top.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals.
- Freezing: Not recommended as the texture may change.
FAQs
How do I prevent the cheese from drying out?
Cover the dip with foil while baking to keep the moisture locked in, then uncover for the last few minutes for a golden finish.
Can I use feta instead of goat cheese?
Yes, but it will have a stronger, saltier flavor. You may want to mix it with cream cheese for a creamier texture.
What can I use instead of cherry tomatoes?
Diced Roma or grape tomatoes work well as substitutes.
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
What’s the best bread for serving?
A toasted baguette works best, but ciabatta or sourdough are also great options.
Can I make this dip on the stovetop?
Yes, you can melt the cheese mixture in a skillet over low heat, then add the tomatoes until warmed through.
Is this dip gluten-free?
The dip itself is gluten-free, but be sure to serve it with gluten-free bread or crackers.
What wine pairs well with this dip?
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red like Pinot Noir pairs beautifully.
Can I add caramelized onions?
Absolutely! Caramelized onions add a sweet depth of flavor that complements the cheese.
How do I make it creamier?
Add a splash of heavy cream or a little extra olive oil to the cheese mixture before baking.
Conclusion
Baked Goat Cheese Bruschetta Dip is a must-try appetizer that combines creamy, tangy, and savory flavors into one irresistible dish. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply treating yourself, this dip is easy to prepare and always a hit. Serve it warm with crispy bread, and watch it disappear in no time!
PrintBaked Goat Cheese Bruschetta Dip
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Description
This Baked Goat Cheese Bruschetta Dip is a deliciously creamy and tangy appetizer, combining warm goat cheese with juicy tomatoes, garlic, and basil. It’s baked until bubbly and served with toasted baguette slices or crackers. This easy-to-make dip is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
- For the Dip:
- 8 oz goat cheese (softened)
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- For the Bruschetta Topping:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (diced)
- 2 tbsp fresh basil (chopped)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- For Serving:
- Baguette slices or crackers
- Extra fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Dip: In a bowl, mix the goat cheese, cream cheese, Parmesan, olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Bake: Spread the mixture into a small baking dish and bake for 15–20 minutes, until hot and slightly golden on top.
- Make the Bruschetta Topping: While the dip bakes, mix the diced tomatoes, basil, garlic, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Assemble: Remove the baked goat cheese dip from the oven and top with the fresh bruschetta mixture.
- Serve: Garnish with extra basil and serve warm with toasted baguette slices or crackers.
Notes
- Add a drizzle of honey before serving for a sweet contrast.
- Swap cream cheese with ricotta for a lighter texture.
- For extra crunch, top with toasted pine nuts.
- Recipe Details
Nutrition
- Calories: ~180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
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