Baked Tomato Goat Cheese Dip

Irresistible Baked Tomato Goat Cheese Dip

There’s nothing quite like the comforting warmth of a baked dip, especially one that combines the creaminess of goat cheese with the rich, flavorful profile of tomato sauce. This Baked Tomato Goat Cheese Dip is a perfect centerpiece for any gathering, blending savory herbs, a touch of spice, and the delightful tang of goat cheese. Served with golden, crispy crostini, it’s a crowd-pleaser you’ll return to again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This baked dip is incredibly easy to put together, yet it offers complex flavors that taste like you spent hours in the kitchen. With the help of RAGÚ Simply® Traditional Sauce and fresh herbs, you get a robust tomato flavor that complements the smooth, slightly tangy goat cheese. This dish is ideal as a starter or a centerpiece on an appetizer spread, and the crostini add just the right amount of crunch to balance the dip’s creaminess.

Ingredients

• 2 cups RAGÚ Simply® Traditional Sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, divided
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
• ⅛-¼ tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 (10-10.5 oz) log goat cheese, softened
• ¼ tsp fresh thyme
• Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 large baguette, sliced on the bias
• Olive oil, as needed
• Blistered tomatoes, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

1. Position one oven rack in the upper third and another in the lower third of the oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly spray a small round baking dish with cooking spray.
3. In a small bowl, combine the RAGÚ Simply® Traditional Sauce, 2 cloves of grated garlic, half of the chopped basil, and red pepper flakes.
4. Pour the sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Goat Cheese

1. Form the goat cheese into a ball, then flatten it between two sheets of plastic wrap to create a thick disc about 1 inch smaller in diameter than the baking dish.
2. Remove the plastic wrap and carefully place the cheese disc in the center of the sauce.
3. Drizzle with 2 tsp olive oil, sprinkle with thyme, and season with kosher salt and fresh pepper.

Step 3: Bake the Dip

1. Place the baking dish on the lower oven rack, uncovered, and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the sauce is bubbling and the goat cheese is warmed through.

Step 4: Make the Crostini

1. While the dip bakes, arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet. Drizzle or brush each slice with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt.
2. During the last 10-12 minutes of the dip’s baking time, place the baking sheet on the upper oven rack. Flip the slices halfway through for even toasting.
3. Once the baguette slices are golden and crispy, rub each with a halved garlic clove for extra flavor.

Step 5: Serve

1. Top the baked dip with the remaining chopped basil and garnish with blistered tomatoes if desired.
2. Serve the dip warm with the crostini on the side for dipping.

Recipe Notes

• Herb Options: Fresh thyme adds a lovely aroma, but rosemary or oregano would work well too.
• Serving Suggestions: If you’d like a touch of sweetness, drizzle honey over the goat cheese before baking. You can also add a handful of blistered cherry tomatoes for extra color and flavor.
• Make-Ahead Tip: This dip can be assembled a few hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Simply bake it right before serving.

Nutrition Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Calories: 180 kcal per serving
• Servings: 6 servings

Final Thoughts

This Baked Tomato Goat Cheese Dip is a versatile and impressive dish that can easily become a favorite at any event or family meal. The combination of creamy goat cheese, robust tomato sauce, and aromatic herbs makes it a recipe that will surely make it into your regular rotation. Serve it with fresh crostini, sit back, and enjoy as everyone digs into this warm, flavorful dip!

Baked Tomato Goat Cheese Dip

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• Author: Dulcia
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

This Baked Tomato Goat Cheese Dip brings a delicious blend of flavors with warm, melted goat cheese nestled in a tangy tomato sauce, accented by fresh basil and a hint of red pepper flakes. Paired with crispy, garlicky crostini, this dip is ideal for a cozy appetizer that’s as beautiful as it is flavorful. The creamy texture of the goat cheese complements the rich tomato sauce, making each bite warm and satisfying.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 cups RAGÚ Simply® Traditional Sauce
3 cloves garlic, divided
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
⅛–¼ tsp red pepper flakes
1 (10-10.5 oz) log goat cheese, softened
¼ tsp fresh thyme
Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
1 large baguette, sliced on the bias
Olive oil, as needed
Blistered tomatoes, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Baking Dish: Position a rack in the upper third and one in the lower third of the oven. Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a small round baking dish with cooking spray. In a small bowl, mix the RAGÚ sauce, grated garlic (2 cloves), half of the chopped basil, and red pepper flakes. Pour the sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Prepare the Goat Cheese: Form the goat cheese into a ball, then flatten it between two sheets of plastic wrap to form a thick, round disc about 1 inch smaller in diameter than the baking dish. Remove plastic wrap and place the cheese disc in the center of the sauce. Drizzle with 2 tsp olive oil, sprinkle with thyme, and season with kosher salt and fresh pepper.
Bake the Dip: Place the baking dish in the lower third of the oven, uncovered, and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the goat cheese is warmed through.
Make the Crostini: While the dip bakes, arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet. Drizzle or brush each slice with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt. Place the baking sheet in the upper third of the oven during the last 10-12 minutes of baking. Flip halfway through for even toasting. Once golden and crispy, rub each slice with a halved garlic clove for added flavor.
Serve: Top the dip with the remaining chopped basil and garnish with blistered tomatoes, if desired. Serve warm with crostini on the side.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes

Nutrition

• Calories: 180