This one is creamy Goat Cheese Sauce Paired with balsamic vinegar and a sweet tomato topping it will be the star of this year's Christmas menu. Get ready for crispy pita bread or toast!
Why you’ll love this goat cheese dip
You'll be swapping out your usual dip for this sweet and salty goat cheese dip in no time.
- Fast. Ready in just 35 minutes!
- Creamy. Process the goat cheese and cream cheese together until extra soft and smooth.
- Perfect for the holidays. This is a fancy yet simple appetizer that will impress all of your guests this holiday season.
- Be prepared to be friendly. Assemble this spread the day before the event and pop it in the oven before dinner.
what do you need
Balsamic vinegar is the secret to the sweet and delicious tomato chili topping. Check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact measurements.
Goat Cheese Sauce
- Goat cheese – Please feel free to use whichever type you like.
- cream cheese – Either full-fat or low-fat can serve this purpose.
- Parmesan cheese – Make sure it's freshly grated and not bottled cheese.
- Olive oil – Coconut oil and avocado oil are great interchangeables.
- Black pepper – I prefer fresh as it's spicier.
- fresh basil – If using dried basil, reduce the amount by half.
Balsamic Vinegar Tomato Topping
- Olive oil – Vegetable, corn, or canola oil will also work.
- yellow chili—— Use bell peppers of your favorite color.
- chili – Small green peppers are a good swap.
- Grape tomatoes – These are also known as “cherry tomatoes.”
- Balsamic Vinegar – It adds complex sweetness and mellow tartness. Don't skip it.
decorate
- basil – Feel free to use fresh parsley.
- Chinese chives – Chopped scallions will also work.
How to Make Roasted Goat Cheese Sauce
If you don't want to use a food processor or don't have one, you can mix the base with a spatula. Check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for more detailed instructions.
- Do the basics. Preheat oven to 400F. Place goat cheese, cream cheese, olive oil, basil, and pepper in a food processor and pulse until smooth.
- Spread it. Pour the mixture into the baking dish and spread evenly, leaving a small indentation in the center for the peppercorn topping. It's okay if you forget the well/dent, your soak will survive without it.
- Bake it. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15-17 minutes or until lightly browned.
- Cook the peppers. Place a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add olive oil, red pepper and yellow pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes.
- Add tomatoes. Add tomatoes and sauté for another 3 minutes. Add the balsamic vinegar, stir well, and sauté for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Assemble it. Remove the baked dip from the oven and top with a generous amount of the tomato-chili mixture. Pile it towards the middle, where you will leave a small indentation.
- Serve. Let the sauce cool for 10 minutes, then serve with pita chips or sliced grilled sticks.
Tips and variations
Just keep an eye on the timing and your roasted goat cheese dip will be perfect.
- Add a hint of sweetness. A drizzle of hot honey, raw honey, or maple syrup can add a touch of sweetness to your dip.
- Make it spicy. Adding red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or chili oil for flavor adds extra heat.
- Add crunch. Stir 1/4 cup toasted chopped pecans, almonds, walnuts, or macadamia nuts into the goat cheese mixture for added texture.
- Don't over bake. Set a timer and remove from the oven when the time is up or the dip may separate.
- Use more vegetables. Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and leeks will add even more flavor to every bite.
- Adds umami flavor. Stir 1/2-1 tablespoon sun-dried tomato oil into vegetables to add umami and unlock new flavors.
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Absolutely! Beat the holiday rush by assembling the dip a day early. Bake before dinner for best results. If you also want to bake it ahead of time, follow the reheating instructions at the bottom of the post.
What to Serve with Goat Cheese Sauce
This creamy goat cheese dip is perfect for my Festive Appetizers Christmas Wreath Another appetizer option. For main course ideas, turkey is a must.mine Maple Smoked Turkey and Garlic Herb Turkey marvelous.mine Thanksgiving Turkey Hassle-Free Also a family favorite.If you want beef, try mine Grilled Beef Tenderloin with Herbs.For side dishes, go to mine Honey carrots and Cranberry Kale Salad.
How to store leftovers
Only leave what you're actually going to eat on the counter, as temperature changes can shorten the life of your dip.
- in the refrigerator: Refrigerate cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 7 days. It can also be stored in a baking dish if covered with plastic wrap; this method also makes reheating easier.
- To reheat: Place in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes, stirring gently, then reheat for 5-10 minutes. The microwave will also operate in 30-second intervals until hot.
More delicious dip recipes
describe
This soft goat cheese dip with sweet tomato and pepper toppings is the perfect sweet and savory appetizer for the holidays.
Goat Cheese Sauce:
Balsamic Tomato Ingredients:
decorate:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- In a food processor, combine goat cheese, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, basil, and pepper.
- Spread out on a baking sheet, making sure to create a “valley” in the center for adding the ingredients later.
- Bake for 15-17 minutes, until cheese is lightly browned.
- Meanwhile, heat a medium skillet to medium-high heat. Add olive oil, red pepper and yellow pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the grape tomatoes and sauté for 3 minutes, then add the balsamic vinegar. Sauté for another 2 minutes and let sit.
- Remove the cheese from the oven and top with the balsamic vinegar, pepper, and tomato mixture.
- Serve with pita chips or toasted French bread.
Keywords: Goat cheese dip, grilled goat cheese, grilled goat cheese dip
