Tasty Baked Tomato Goat Cheese Dip Recipe for Gatherings

Dipping into pure comfort, this mouthwatering baked tomato goat cheese dip delivers an explosion of Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

Sun-ripened tomatoes mingle with creamy, tangy goat cheese in a rustic, irresistible blend.

Herbs dance through the melted mixture, creating a rich, aromatic experience that beckons you closer.

Warm, crusty bread or crisp vegetable sticks become the perfect companions to this luscious appetizer.

Each spoonful promises a delightful balance of bright acidity and smooth, velvety texture.

Serve this crowd-pleasing dip as a stunning starter that turns any gathering into a gourmet celebration.

Get ready to savor every incredible bite of this simple yet sophisticated dish.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 9

Ingredients to Make Baked Tomato Goat Cheese Dip

• Ragú Sauce: Adds rich, tangy foundation with deep tomato essence, choose a high-quality jarred sauce for maximum flavor depth.
• Garlic: Provides intense aromatic punch, select fresh, firm cloves without green sprouts for pure, sharp taste.

• Goat Cheese: Creamy, tangy centerpiece that melts beautifully, pick fresh, soft variety with smooth texture.
• Thyme: Earthy, delicate herb that complements tomato and cheese, use fresh sprigs for most vibrant flavor.
• Basil: Bright, peppery green herb that adds fresh summer notes, choose bright green leaves without wilting.

• Baguette: Crisp, golden vehicle for dip, select crusty artisan bread with good crust and soft interior.
• Olive Oil: Smooth, rich lubricant that enhances toasting and adds luxurious finish, use extra virgin for best quality.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds subtle heat and complexity, choose high-quality flakes for balanced spiciness.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances overall seasoning, provides clean, pure saltiness without harsh mineral notes.
• Black Pepper: Adds warm, slightly spicy undertone, grind fresh for most intense flavor.

Tools You’ll Need for Baked Tomato Goat Cheese Dip

• Small Round Baking Dish: Essential for baking and presenting the tomato goat cheese dip.
• Baking Sheet: Perfect for toasting baguette slices into crispy crostini.
• Plastic Wrap: Helps shape the goat cheese disc smoothly and cleanly.
• Small Bowl: Used for mixing sauce ingredients and preparing the flavorful base.
• Cooking Spray: Ensures the baking dish is lightly greased for easy serving.
• Knife: Needed for chopping basil, garlic, and slicing baguette.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for preparing ingredients.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure olive oil and seasonings.
• Garlic Press or Grater: Useful for grating fresh garlic cloves.
• Tongs or Spatula: Helps flip baguette slices and serve the dip.

Baked Tomato Goat Cheese Dip Instructions

• Sauce Foundation

Create a flavorful base by mixing tomato sauce with minced garlic, fresh basil, and a touch of red pepper for subtle heat. Pour this vibrant mixture into a small round baking dish.

• Cheese Centerpiece

Shape soft goat cheese into a round disc that nestles perfectly in the sauce. Gently place the cheese at the center, drizzling with olive oil and sprinkling fragrant thyme on top.

• Baking Magic

Slide the dish into the oven and let the magic happen. The sauce will bubble and the cheese will become warm and inviting, creating a tantalizing aroma that fills the kitchen.

• Crispy Companions

While the dip transforms, prepare crostini by brushing baguette slices with olive oil. Toast until golden and crisp, then rub with a garlic clove for an extra flavor punch.

• Final Flourish

Sprinkle remaining basil over the dip and add blistered tomatoes if desired. Serve immediately with the crispy crostini, inviting friends to dive into this warm, comforting appetizer.

Tips to Elevate Your Baked Tomato Goat Cheese Dip

• Swap goat cheese with creamy feta or rich ricotta for a delightful flavor twist that keeps the dip exciting and personalized.
• Add extra heat by increasing red pepper flakes or incorporating diced jalapeños directly into the sauce for those who love a zesty kick.
• Experiment with fresh herbs like oregano, rosemary, or parsley to create unique flavor profiles that complement the tomato and cheese base.
• Prepare the dip components up to 24 hours in advance, storing sauce and cheese separately in the refrigerator, then assemble and bake just before serving for stress-free entertaining.
• Replace traditional baguette crostini with gluten-free bread slices or swap for vegetable dippers like sliced zucchini, bell peppers, or crispy cucumber rounds for a lighter approach.

How to Serve Baked Tomato Goat Cheese Dip Hot

• Party Platter Perfection: Create a stunning appetizer spread by arranging the baked tomato goat cheese dip as the centerpiece, surrounded by additional crostini, olives, and a small charcuterie selection for guests to enjoy.
• Mediterranean Meal Companion: Pair this dip with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Greek salad to complement the rich, tangy flavors of the goat cheese and tomato sauce.
• Crowd-Pleasing Variations: Customize the dip by adding crumbled bacon, roasted red peppers, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like oregano to give the dish a personal touch that will wow your dinner guests.
• Brunch Breakthrough: Transform this appetizer into a morning favorite by serving it alongside scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and fresh fruit for a decadent weekend brunch that feels both elegant and comforting.

Keeping Baked Tomato Goat Cheese Dip Fresh

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The goat cheese and tomato sauce maintain their delicious flavor when chilled properly.
• Quick Reheating Technique: Warm the dip in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, ensuring it's heated evenly. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent excessive drying and preserve moisture.
• Party Prep Shortcut: Assemble the dip ingredients up to 24 hours before baking. Keep the prepared dish covered in the refrigerator, then bake directly when ready to serve for maximum convenience.
• Ingredient Freshness Tip: Select ripe, firm tomatoes and use fresh basil within 2-3 days of purchase. Check goat cheese expiration date and store in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maintain optimal taste and texture.

Velvety Baked Tomato Goat Cheese Dip

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4.5 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Creamy goat cheese dip with roasted Mediterranean tomatoes creates a perfect appetizer for casual gatherings. Herbs and garlic elevate this simple recipe, inviting you to savor each spoonful with crusty bread.

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Ingredients

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• 1 10-10.5 oz (298–298.5 g) log goat cheese, softened
• 2 cups (473 mL) RAGÚ Simply® Traditional Sauce
• 1 large baguette, sliced on the bias
• 3 cloves garlic, divided
• 0.25 cup (59 mL) fresh basil, chopped
• 0.25 teaspoon fresh thyme
• 0.125–0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
• Olive oil, as needed
• Blistered tomatoes, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) with racks positioned in upper and lower thirds. Coat a small round baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Sauce Creation: Blend RAGÚ, minced garlic, half of chopped basil, and red pepper flakes in a mixing bowl, spreading evenly across the baking dish bottom.
3. Cheese Placement: Shape goat cheese into a flattened disc slightly smaller than the baking dish, positioning it centrally in the sauce. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle thyme, kosher salt, and fresh ground pepper.
4. Baking Process: Bake uncovered on lower oven rack for 20-25 minutes until sauce bubbles and cheese warms through. Simultaneously, prepare crostini by arranging baguette slices on a baking sheet, brushing with olive oil and kosher salt.
5. Crostini Preparation: Toast baguette slices on upper oven rack during final 10-12 minutes, flipping midway for even golden crispness. Rub toasted slices with halved garlic clove to enhance flavor.
6. Finishing Touch: Garnish dip with remaining chopped basil and optional blistered tomatoes. Serve warm alongside crispy crostini for an appetizing experience.

Notes

• Cheese Temperature Tip: Let goat cheese sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before preparing to ensure smooth spreading and better melting.
• Sauce Depth Strategy: Use high-quality RAGÚ and fresh garlic for robust flavor complexity that elevates the entire dip.
• Toasting Precision: Watch crostini closely during final 10-12 minutes to prevent burning; golden edges indicate perfect crispness.
• Serving Recommendation: Consume immediately after baking to experience optimal texture and temperature of melted cheese and bubbling sauce.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg