If you’ve ever been on the hunt for that perfect appetizer to wow your guests or just treat yourself, then you’re in for a real treat with this Baked Goat Cheese Dip with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that comes together quickly but tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. Creamy, tangy goat cheese melded with a rich blend of mozzarella, asiago, and cream cheese, all nestled in a bath of zesty marinara and topped with sweet, roasted cherry tomatoes—trust me, you’re going to want to make this again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy Prep: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for last-minute gatherings or weeknight treats.
- Bursting with Flavor: The mix of cheeses combined with fresh cherry tomatoes and marinara creates a rich, tangy, and savory dip.
- Versatile Dippers: Pair it with crostini, veggies, or pretzels – there’s a dipper for everyone.
- Beautiful Presentation: Roasted cherry tomatoes glossed with olive oil make this dip as pretty as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Baked Goat Cheese Dip with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients that work beautifully together. You’ll want to pick good-quality cheeses and fresh cherry tomatoes for the best results. Don’t worry—the ingredient list is straightforward and easy to shop for.
- Plain Goat Cheese: The star of the dip with its creamy, tangy flavor—try to get a fresh log for the best texture.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Adds gooey meltiness without overpowering the goat cheese.
- Asiago Cheese: Brings a slightly nutty, sharper tone for depth.
- Cream Cheese: Helps blend everything into a smooth, luscious dip.
- Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite jarred or homemade marinara for that tangy tomato goodness.
- Sea Salt: Enhances all the rich flavors.
- Ground Black Pepper: For just the right hint of spice.
- Garlic (Minced): Fresh garlic amps up the aroma and taste.
- Balsamic Vinegar: I discovered this little addition adds a subtle sweetness and acidity that balances the dip perfectly.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh and bursting with juice, these get roasted on top which transforms their sweetness.
- Olive Oil: A drizzle on the tomatoes pre-bake to help them roast beautifully.
- Fresh Basil (Optional): Adds a pop of herbal freshness as a garnish.
- Crushed Red Pepper (Optional): Sprinkle a little on if you want that extra kick.
- Crostini, Fresh Crusty Bread, or Veggie Sticks: The perfect dippers to scoop up all that cheesy goodness.
Variations
One of my favorite things about this Baked Goat Cheese Dip with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a cozy night in, feel free to tweak it to your liking!
- Spicy Twist: I love throwing in a pinch of red pepper flakes into the cheese mixture to add a gentle heat—perfect for spice lovers.
- Herb Infusion: Sometimes I mix fresh thyme or oregano into the dip for an earthy aroma that pairs beautifully with the tomatoes.
- Dairy-Free Version: If you want to skip dairy, try blending in a cashew cream base and using vegan cheeses—results vary, but it can be surprisingly good!
- Seasonal Tomatoes: When cherry tomatoes aren’t in season, I’ve swapped in roasted bell peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for an equally rich flavor.
How to Make Baked Goat Cheese Dip with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F—this is just the right temperature for bubbly, golden cheese without overcooking the tomatoes. Give your 1 ½ quart baking dish a good spray with cooking oil so the dip won’t stick, and you can serve it straight from the dish (less mess, yay!).
Step 2: Combine Your Cheeses
Grab a large bowl and mix together the goat cheese, mozzarella, asiago, and cream cheese. I like using a spoon, but a hand mixer works wonders here if you want it extra silky. The beauty of this blend is how the tangy goat cheese balances perfectly with the melty mozzarella and the bite of asiago.
Step 3: Prep the Cherry Tomatoes
Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and remove any little stems. These juicy jewels roast right on top of your dip, turning sweet and caramelized as they bake.
Step 4: Mix Marinara and Flavorings
In a small bowl, stir together the marinara sauce, sea salt, minced garlic, black pepper, and balsamic vinegar. That balsamic kick is something I learned very recently and it really deepens the flavor profile. Pour this sauce into the bottom of your baking dish, spreading it mostly around the edges to create a flavorful moat around the cheesy center.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Spoon the cheese mixture right into the center of the sauce, leaving about an inch of sauce visible around the edges. Spread it evenly with a fork or spoon, then scatter the halved tomatoes on top and drizzle with olive oil to help them roast beautifully. Pop the whole dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly and the sauce is sizzling.
Once it’s out of the oven, give it a few minutes to cool slightly (if you can wait!) before serving warm with crusty bread or your favorite dippers.
Pro Tips for Making Baked Goat Cheese Dip with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
- Room Temp Cheeses: Let your cheeses sit out for about 15 minutes before mixing—they blend more smoothly and bake better.
- Fresh Garlic Impact: Don’t skip the fresh minced garlic; it makes a world of difference over pre-minced or powder.
- Sauce Placement: Pouring marinara mostly around the edges rather than under the cheese helps prevent sogginess and keeps that bright tomato flavor distinct.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cheese near the 20-minute mark—it should be golden but not browned or dry.
How to Serve Baked Goat Cheese Dip with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping this dip with fresh basil leaves—it adds a fragrant freshness and a nice pop of color. A little crushed red pepper flake works wonders if you like a bit of heat. Sometimes I finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to give it that glossy, restaurant-quality look.
Side Dishes
Serving this with toasted crostini or fresh crusty bread is a must. For a lighter touch, carrot sticks, celery, broccoli florets or even pretzel rods add crunch and contrast. I usually set out a variety of dippers so everyone can pick their favorite.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve served this dip in mini ramekins to make individual portions—everyone loves the cute presentation. Another idea is layering the dip in a glass dish so the vibrant tomato sauce and cheese blend are visible from the sides. Garnish with colorful herbs or edible flowers for a party wow-factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After you enjoy your dip, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I’ve found the flavor deepens overnight, and the texture holds up well as long as it’s covered tightly.
Freezing
While I don’t typically freeze this dip because fresh roasted tomatoes change texture, you can freeze the cheese mixture separately. Thaw and combine with fresh marinara and tomatoes when ready to bake for best results.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, place the dip in an oven-safe dish and warm at 350 degrees F for about 10 minutes until bubbly. Avoid microwaving if you can, as the texture can get a bit uneven. Re-heating in the oven brings back that fresh-baked goodness effortlessly.
FAQs
-
Can I use other types of tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?
Absolutely! While cherry tomatoes roast beautifully and hold their shape, grape tomatoes or halved roma tomatoes also work well. Just keep in mind that larger tomato varieties may release more juice and could make the dip a little wetter.
-
Is it possible to make this dip ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the dip up to 24 hours ahead, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you’re ready, bake it fresh—this actually enhances the flavors. Just add the olive oil drizzle right before baking.
-
What can I serve with Baked Goat Cheese Dip?
This dip pairs wonderfully with toasted baguette slices, pita chips, fresh veggies like carrots and celery, and even pretzel rods. I like offering a variety so guests can choose their favorite.
-
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
While this recipe is cheese-heavy, you can experiment with vegan cheese alternatives and cashew cream bases. Keep in mind the flavor and texture won’t be quite the same, but it can be a tasty option for those with dietary restrictions.
-
How long does the dip keep once baked?
Once baked, the dip is best eaten within 2-3 days if refrigerated properly. It reheats nicely but is definitely best on the first day for optimal texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Baked Goat Cheese Dip with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe brings people together—whether it’s a casual night with friends or a fancy gathering. The creamy, tangy cheese, the sweet roasted tomatoes, and that vibrant marinara sauce? It’s such a comforting and impressive dish. I used to struggle finding appetizers that were both quick and special, but this one really nailed it for me. Give it a try—you’ll see why my family goes crazy for it every single time!
Print
Baked Goat Cheese Dip with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Baked Goat Cheese Dip is a creamy, savory appetizer perfect for parties or casual gatherings. Combining four types of cheese with zesty marinara sauce and fresh cherry tomatoes, it’s baked until bubbly and golden, then served warm with crusty bread or fresh veggies for dipping.
Ingredients
Cheese Mixture
- 8 Oz Plain Goat Cheese
- 1/4 Cup Mozzarella Cheese (Shredded)
- 1/4 Cup Asiago Cheese (Shredded)
- 4 Oz Cream Cheese
Sauce and Seasonings
- 12 Oz Marinara Sauce
- 1/4 Tsp Sea Salt
- 1/2 Tsp Ground Black Pepper
- 2 Cloves Garlic (Minced)
- 1 Tsp Balsamic Vinegar
Toppings and Garnish
- 1 Cup Cherry Tomatoes (halved)
- 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
- Fresh Basil (Optional for topping)
- Crushed Red Pepper (Optional for topping)
Dippers
- Crostini
- Fresh Crusty Bread
- Carrot Sticks
- Raw Broccoli
- Celery Sticks
- Pretzel Rods
Instructions
- Prepare baking dish and oven: Spray a 1 1/2 quart baking dish with cooking spray and preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the dip.
- Mix cheeses: In a large bowl, combine goat cheese, mozzarella, Asiago, and cream cheese. Stir with a spoon or blend with a hand mixer until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Set aside this creamy base.
- Prepare tomatoes: Halve the cherry tomatoes and remove any stems to ensure fresh, bite-sized pieces. Set them aside for topping the dip later.
- Mix sauce and seasonings: In a small bowl, combine marinara sauce, sea salt, minced garlic, black pepper, and balsamic vinegar. Stir well to incorporate all flavors evenly.
- Assemble the dip: Pour the seasoned marinara sauce into the prepared baking dish, spreading it to cover the bottom and concentrating sauce more around the edges. Then, scoop the cheese mixture into the center of the dish, leaving about an inch of sauce visible around the edges. Spread the cheese layer evenly.
- Add toppings: Top the cheese layer with the halved cherry tomatoes and drizzle with olive oil to enhance flavor and moisture.
- Bake the dip: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the marinara sauce bubbles and the cheese is lightly golden and hot throughout.
- Serve warm: Remove from the oven and serve the baked goat cheese dip warm. Accompany it with your choice of crostini, crusty bread, or fresh veggie sticks for dipping. Optionally garnish with fresh basil leaves and crushed red pepper for added flavor and color. Enjoy!
Notes
- This recipe takes about 30 minutes total, making it a quick and easy appetizer option.
- The dip pairs excellently with a variety of dippers such as toasted bread, vegetables, or pretzel rods.
- Using a hand mixer helps achieve a smoother cheese texture for easy spreading.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper to control the heat according to your preference.
- For best results, serve immediately while warm and bubbly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 218 kcal
- Sugar: 4.7 g
- Sodium: 487 mg
- Fat: 16.6 g
- Saturated Fat: 9.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7.8 g
- Fiber: 1.4 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 31 mg
