This baked goat cheese dip is a super simple, delicious appetizer recipe that’s easy to throw together at the last minute with just 3 ingredients! Chevre is baked in marinara sauce until hot and bubbly – Perfect for spreading on crusty bread or crostini.
With the holiday season upon us, I think we can all use some quick and easy appetizer recipes in our arsenal, right?
That’s exactly why I’m sharing this baked goat cheese log appetizer. There’s absolutely nothing complicated about this recipe. With just 3-simple ingredients, and very few steps, this is an appetizer recipe that’s about as simple as they come.
Another highlight? You can do all the work before your guests arrive, then just pop it into the oven when you’re ready to serve. Making it the perfect holiday appetizer, since we’re already busy in the kitchen or socializing with friends.
Baked Goat Cheese Dip ingredients:
- Marinara Sauce
- Goat Cheese
- Garlic
When making this recipe, be sure to choose a good-quality marinara sauce that you enjoy. You can either use store-bought tomato sauce, or make your own at home using this easy marinara sauce recipe.
Then, just grate in a clove of garlic. Top it off with goat cheese. And bake in the oven until it’s bubbly and delicious.
Goat cheese comes in different forms. You will find it in a log form or in a tub. Either variety is great for this recipe. Before baking, you’ll want to flatten the soft goat cheese to about 1-inch thickness and shape it so that there is at least a 1-inch border around your small baking dish. Ramekins (like the ones you’d use for making creme brulee) or any small shallow baking dish work great for this recipe. You’ll just want to be sure that your dish is oven safe.
How long to bake goat cheese:
- Bake for about 25 minutes in a 375-degree oven to ensure your melted goat cheese is warm throughout and the tomato sauce is bubbly.
As much as I could simply eat this baked goat cheese appetizer with a spoon, I figured some crunchy crostini would be the perfect vehicle for piling on this creamy goodness.
To make the crostini, just slice a baguette on the bias, drizzle it with some extra virgin olive oil, sprinkle with salt and add the crostini to the oven during the last ten minutes of baking time, until they are golden and crisp.
To make things even more simple, you can forgo making the crostini and simply serve it with your favorite crackers or baguette slices.
Once your goat cheese is nice and golden and bubbly, it’s ready to eat! I topped my warm goat cheese with a bit of fresh basil and halved grape tomatoes for added color and a bit of extra flavor, but you can totally skip this step too.
Variations:
- Top your creamy goat cheese with kalamata olives, caramelized onions or herbs like fresh thyme or fresh rosemary.
- Swap out the plain goat cheese for a flavored variety.
- Don’t love goat cheese, you can also make this recipe with a soft cheese like feta or cream cheese.
If you loved this Goat Cheese Appetizer recipe I would appreciate it so much if you would give it a star review! Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #platingsandpairings and tagging me @platingsandpairings.
For more great Platings and Pairings recipes, be sure to follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.
Wine pairings for goat cheese:
- Pair goat cheese with a nice glass of wine – Barolo and Chianti are great options.
More easy appetizer recipes:
- Prosciutto Wrapped Avocado Bites
- Pasta Chips
- Prosciutto Wrapped Grana Padano
- Baked Brie in Puff Pastry
- Pan Con Tomate Recipe (Pa Amb Tomàquet)
- Crostini Lasagna Appetizer Recipe
- Baked Goat Cheese Appetizer
- Steak Bites with Garlic Butter & Mustard Dipping Sauce
Goat Cheese Appetizer Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups Lucini Organic Rustic Tomato Basil Sauce
- 1 clove garlic (grated)
- 8 ounces goat cheese (pressed 1-inch thick and leaving 1-inch border around baking dish)
- 1 baguette
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- Coarse salt (for sprinkling)
- Basil leaves (optional garnish)
- Cherry tomatoes (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Combine Lucini tomato sauce and garlic in a baking dish and top with goat cheese.
- Bake, uncovered, until the sauce begins to bubble at edges and the cheese is hot, about 25 minutes.
- Meanwhile, slice baguette on a bias and place on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with coarse salt.
- During the last 10 minutes of baking time, add bread to oven and toast until golden brown, about 10 minutes.
- Garnish cheese with basil and cherry tomatoes, if desired. Serve warm.
Nutrition
This post was originally published in 2018. It was updated in 2021 to add new information. The recipe remains unchanged. Enjoy!
Be still my heart. That looks heavenly. I’m a fan of anything goat cheese and this looks so indulgent and delicious. I’m defintley saving this to try out this holiday season.
Thanks Mary – Cheers!
Yum! What a perfect appetizer to throw together for a holiday party! Definitely going to be keeping this one in my back pocket.
Thanks Hillary – This is definitely a simple recipe that’s perfect for last minute planning!
This is the kind of appetizer that I could seriously just sit down and eat as a meal. It looks SO delicious!
Thanks Marlynn – I’m with you. I could call this a meal too, as long as I have a comfy couch, Netflix and a glass of wine I’m good!
Sounds so good! And crazy easy. I will have to make this soon. Thanks!
I am making this!!! Sounds wonderful, and easy 🙂 I love your recipes!! Thank You!
I’m so glad you liked it Lisa!!! Thanks for stopping by!
Can’t wait to make this! But what is that bowl – I must have it!
Hi Emily – The bowl is from West Elm: https://www.westelm.com/products/kanto-dinnerware-warm-sand-d7658/?pkey=ckanto-dinnerware
This recipe is a must make! Goat cheese is delicious and with this recipe, its the way to go!
Thank you Ana!