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–+ servings
Baked Goat Cheese Dip 1

Baked Goat Cheese Dip

This warm and elegant appetizer strikes that elusive balance—simple to prepare yet impressively sophisticated. The creamy goat cheese bakes until perfectly soft and spreadable, creating an irresistible centerpiece for any gathering.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 8 servings
Calories 120 kcal

Equipment

  • Small Baking Dish

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz fresh goat cheese (chevre) at room temperature
  • 4 oz cream cheese softened
  • 2 tbsp olive oil plus more for drizzling
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves plus additional sprigs for garnish
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes adjust to taste
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt
  • 2 tbsp honey optional, for drizzling

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Select a small baking dish with about 2-cup capacity that can double as a serving vessel.
  • In a medium bowl, combine the room-temperature goat cheese and softened cream cheese.
  • Add the minced garlic, thyme leaves, lemon zest, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and salt to your cheese mixture.
  • Mix all ingredients until well combined but still textured. Use a rubber spatula and fold rather than beat the mixture to preserve the distinctive character of the goat cheese.
  • Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish and smooth the top with the back of a spoon. Create a slight depression in the center.
  • Drizzle the top with olive oil. Add a few extra sprigs of thyme for visual appeal.
  • Bake for 20 minutes, or until the edges begin to bubble and turn light golden brown.
  • Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. If desired, drizzle with honey and add a final light sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves and red pepper flakes.

Notes

For a lighter version, substitute half the cream cheese with Greek yogurt. For those monitoring sodium, reduce added salt and enhance flavor with additional herbs or lemon. Leftover dip keeps for up to 3 days when refrigerated in an airtight container. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven for 10-15 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 5gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 140mgSugar: 1g
Keyword Goat Cheese, Baked Dip, Cheese Dip, Appetizer
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