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Creamy-dreamy, perfectly tangy, and downright irresistible—this Baked Goat Cheese Dip is the ultimate appetizer! Featuring a luscious blend of goats cheese and cream cheese with salty parmesan cheese, fragrant basil, aromatic fresh herbs, and a vibrant tomato topping, it delivers delightful flavor in every warm, golden bite! Whether you’re hosting a crowd or simply craving something special, this indulgent dip recipe will have you coming back for more.

“This dip = WOW! Incredibly tasty and unique! Thanks!!”

– LILLY
Overhead photo of goat cheese dip garnished with tomatoes and balsamic vinegar in a baking dish.

Update: This recipe was originally published in November 2017. I made tweaks to perfect the recipe and made updates to the article below to include more information about this easy dip with goat cheese.

Hi there, friends! Since we are smack-dab in the midst of the holiday entertaining season, I thought it would be the perfect time to share a delicious quick and easy recipe for a warm cheese appetizer. Because, just because you could have a party without a little cheese, it doesn’t mean you should. 😉

Table of Contents

About this baked goat cheese dip

Light, airy, fabulously flavorful, and perfectly rich, this recipe for goat cheese dip features tangy, decadent goat cheese whipped with creamy cream cheese and salty parmesan; studded with chewy, sweet sun-dried tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and aromatic fresh herbs. Baked until golden and melty, then topped with juicy vine ripe tomatoes and more chopped herbs, this dip is what I like to call easy elegance.

This dip isn’t just easy on the eyes and perfectly delicious, but it’s also an absolute breeze to throw together. Most of the hands on work is done quickly in the food processor, so you can prep, bake and get this goat cheese dip recipe on the table in under 30 minutes, flat. Which is perfect, because I don’t know about you, but I actually want to enjoy my own party, and not spend my time slaving away in the kitchen!

If you’re looking for more deliciously creamy cheese dips, check out these favorites next: Whipped Ricotta Cheese Dip, Everything Bagel Dip with Cream Cheese, and Fried Pickle Ranch Dip.

Why you’ll love this recipe

  • Beautiful Creamy Texture. The combination of rich goat cheese and creamy cream cheese creates a luxuriously smooth, velvety cheese dip.
  • Harmony of Delicious Flavors. With tangy goat cheese, mellow cream cheese, fragrant garlic, sweet tomatoes, and fresh herbs, this dip is layered with ALL the flavors.
  • Super Quick and Easy to Prepare. Ready in 30 minutes or less and made with pantry staples along with goats cheese, this goats cheese dip recipe is perfect for last-minute entertaining.
  • Total Crowd-Pleaser. Rich, comforting, warm, and perfectly cheesy, the flavors in this baked goat cheese appetizer appeal to a wide range of eaters.
Action photo of fresh herbs being added to a food processor bowl with goat cheese and cream cheese.

Ingredients for goats cheese dip

  • Goat Cheese. Also known as chèvre, goats cheese is the star of this recipe. Use a log of goat cheese (versus the crumbled stuff) for the smoothest texture.
  • Cream Cheese. Lends extra smoothness, while the richness balances the tangy goat cheese.
  • Parmesan Cheese. Provides a slightly nutty, salty, umami flavor.
  • Garlic. Make sure you use fresh chopped garlic cloves, that stuff in a jar lacks the same punchy flavor.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes. For a little sweetness, robust savoriness, and a hint of delightful chewy texture to offset all the creaminess.
  • Kosher Salt and Ground Black Pepper. To enhance all the flavors.
  • Fresh Herbs. While I like to use a combination of basil, chives, and parsley or fresh thyme, feel free to mix and match your favorite herbs for herbaceous freshness.
  • Tomato Topping. A simple tomato garnish lends a delicious contrast to this baked goat cheese recipe. A simple topping halved cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes and a drizzle of balsamic works great. Or top the dip with tomato balsamic bruschetta or vinegar marinated tomatoes for more flavor.

Recipe variations

  • Spicy Kick. Simply add a pinch or two of red pepper flakes to the actual dip for a touch of heat. Or, Drizzle a little sticky, sweet hot honey sauce over the baked goat cheese before serving.
  • Nutty Crunchy Topping. If you’re looking for a little crunch, consider topping the baked goat cheese appetizer with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or even toasted walnuts.
  • Roasted Garlic Goat Cheese Dip. Ditch the raw garlic and opt for oven roasted garlic for a rich, yet mellow sweetness.
  • Vegan Goats Cheese Dip. Swap out the regular cream cheese and goat milk for vegan cream cheese and a plant-based chèvre.
  • Marinara Goat Cheese Dip. Add a layer of tomato marinara sauce to the bottom of the dish before baking the goats cheese.
Close-up photo of goat cheese and cream cheese dip topped with quartered cherry tomatoes.

Chef expert tips for perfect results every time

  • Room Temperature Cheeses. To ensure a light and airy dip, make sure you allow both the goat cheese and cream cheese to come to room temperature by removing them from the refrigerator and placing them on the counter for 30 minutes or so.
  • Fresh Herbs. You can use any combination of fresh herbs, or just one single herb that is your favorite in this recipe for goat cheese dip. If you are using a stronger herb, such as rosemary or thyme, use a smaller amount. I typically use 1 ½ tablespoon of basil, 1 tablespoon oregano, 1 tablespoon shives and ½ tablespoon thyme.
  • Experiment with Add-Ins. This is a super customizable recipe! Try adding caramelized onions, diced roasted red peppers, or sliced sautéed mushrooms for a unique twist.
  • Broil for Crispness. If you like a darker, golden brown color to the top of your dip, switch the oven to broil during the last few minutes of cooking. Just make sure you watch the goat cheese appetizer carefully, as it can go from golden brown and delicious to burnt in matter of seconds!
  • Let it Cool Slightly. Make sure you let the cheese dip rest for a few minutes after baking and before serving—no one wants to burn the roof of their mouth.
  • Top Creatively. Garnishes and toppings are the easiest way to really make a dish your own. I recommend topping your baked goats cheese dip with diced tomatoes or bruschetta, but even a simple drizzle of balsamic reduction will add a lovely and tasty flare.

FAQs: frequently asked questions

You’ve got questions? I’ve got answers! If you have a question you don’t see listed below, please drop them in the comments section. I’m happy to help when I can! 

Can I use low fat cheese?

While you are more than welcome to try using low-fat cheeses in this baked goat cheese appetizer, please note that full-fat cheeses will give the best texture. Using low-fat cheeses may result in a less creamy goats cheese dip.

Can you bake goat cheese?

I feel like the answer to this is fairly obvious, but yes! You can safely bake goat cheese!

However, baked goat cheese isn’t just limited to this dip which is a mixture of goat cheese, cream cheese, sun dry tomatoes, and herbs. You can also cut goat cheese into rounds, coat them breadcrumbs and then bake them, like the baked goat cheese in this salad. And you can crumble the goat cheese, stuff it inside phyllo cups, and bake them, like these filo pastry appetizers.

If you love this tangy cheese, check out this risotto with goat cheese next

What temperature to bake goat cheese dip?

This recipe (and in the above linked recipe) calls for baking goat cheese dip at 400-degrees Fahrenheit. However, the temperature and length of time really depends on the individual recipe.

Can I make this dip recipe ahead of time?

You sure can! Simply prepare the dip up to the point of baking and stop. Then cover the dip and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake and serve, be sure to let the dip sit on the counter for about 30 minutes before baking.

Overhead baked goat cheese dip garnished with chopped tomatoes and basil in a small baking dish.

Serving goat cheese dip recipes

  • Crackers and Bread: Serve your cheese dip alongside a variety or crackers, crostini baguette slices, or roasted garlic bread to pick up all this goat cheese goodness.
  • Chips: Salty chips are another no brainer for baked cheese dips. Any sturdy chip, such as thick-cut tortillas, Fritos, and pita chips will work best.
  • Fresh Veggies:  Keep things wholesome and serve your dip with your vegetable sticks, like carrots and celery, or fresh raw veggies, like broccoli, cauliflower, and/or mini sweet peppers.

Unique serving ideas

  • Inside a Bread Bowl: Serve your goat cheese dip inside a bread boule for a fun and pretty presentation. Plus, the dip soaked bread tastes pretty fantastic.
  • Filling for Mushrooms: Make the goat cheese dip, but skip the baking part. Instead, stuff the dip inside mushrooms and bake for a quick and easy appetizer idea.
  • Potato Skins: If you have never tried topping your baked potato skins with goats cheese you are missing out. This is truly a match made in culinary heaven.

Storing leftovers

  • Refrigerator Storage. Allow the goat cheese dip to cool completely to room temperature before storing in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Freezer Storage. I do not recommend storing this or any dairy-based dips and recipes in the freezer as the texture will change upon thawing.
  • Reheating. You can either reheat this dip recipe in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or nuke in short bursts in the microwave.
Angled, close-up photo of a crostini toast dipped into a baked goat cheese appetizer.

This baked tomato and goat cheese dip is a guaranteed crowd pleaser! Serve it with a few bottles of wine and you have the perfect pairing for your next holiday party or festive gathering!

Until Monday, friends, cheers – to the dynamic duo of wine and cheese!

Cheyanne

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More warm cheesy dips!

If you’re looking for more warm, cheesy dips be sure to try these reader favorites next:

Overhead baked goat cheese dip garnished with chopped tomatoes and basil in a small baking dish.

Baked Goat Cheese Dip

5 from 9 votes
Author: Cheyanne Holzworth
Total Time: 25 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Creamy-dreamy, perfectly tangy, and downright irresistible—this Baked Goat Cheese Dip is the ultimate appetizer! Featuring a luscious blend of goats cheese and cream cheese with salty parmesan cheese, fragrant basil, aromatic fresh herbs, and a vibrant tomato topping, it delivers delightful flavor in every warm, golden bite! Whether you're hosting a crowd or simply craving something special, this indulgent dip recipe will have you coming back for more.

Equipment

  • 1 Food Processor – for making goat cheese dip
  • 1 One Quart Baking Dish – for baking goat cheese dip

Ingredients 

  • 1 (10 ounce) Log Goat Cheese – at room temperature
  • 4 ounces Cream Cheese – at room temperature
  • ¼ Cup Parmesan Cheese – freshly grated, plus more for garnish
  • 1 large Clove Garlic – peeled & roughly chopped
  • ¼ Cup Sun Dried Tomatoes in Oil – drained and roughly chopped (about 6 tomatoes), plus 1 TABLESPOONS OIL
  • as needed Kosher Salt and Freshly Ground Pepper
  • ¼ Cup Chopped Fresh Herbs – such as: Thyme, Basil, Chives, Parsley, Oregano and/or Rosemary
  • Topping Suggestion Bruschetta Topping or Marinated Tomatoes
  • Serving Suggestions Crostini

Instructions

  • Preheat Oven: Arrange the oven rack to the center position and then preheat the oven to 400-degrees F.
    Brush a small 1-quart baking dish with oil or spray with non-stick cooking spray and then set aside
  • Start Goat Cheese Dip: To the bowl of a small food processor fitted with a metal blade, add the goat cheese, cream cheese, parmesan, garlic, 1 tablespoon of sun-dried tomato oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
    Cover the food processor and process until the ingredients are completely smooth.
  • Add Sun Dried Tomatoes and Herbs: Remove the cover and add the sun dried tomatoes and fresh herbs to the food processor bowl.
    Use a rubber spatula or spoon and stir the ingredients well to combine. Alternatively, you can pulse the ingredients together – just be very careful not to over-process the dip.
  • Bake Goat Cheese: Transfer the goat cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish. Then, use your rubber spatula to smooth the top.
    Transfer the goat cheese to the oven and bake until golden, bubbly and slightly golden in color, about 12-18 minutes.
    OPTIONAL: For a darker golden top, switch the oven to broil during the last few minutes of baking. (SEE NOTES)
  • Cool Slightly, Then Serve Dip: Remove the goats cheese dip from the oven and place onto a wire rack. Let the dip cool slightly, about 2-5 minutes, before topping with optional tomato topping. Serve with toasted baguette or crackers. Enjoy immediately!
    Overhead baked goat cheese dip garnished with chopped tomatoes and basil in a small baking dish.

Video

Notes

  • Room Temp Cheeses: To ensure the baked cheese dip gets light and airy once whipped, make sure you allow your goat cheese and cream cheese to come to room temperature by removing them from the refrigerator and placing them on the counter for 30 minutes or so.
  • Fresh Herbs: You can use any combination of fresh herbs, or just one single herb that is your favorite in this recipe. If you are using a stronger herb, such as rosemary or thyme, use a smaller amount. I used 1 ½ TBS Basil, 1 TBS Oregano, 1 TBS Chives and ½ TBS Thyme in mine.
  • Broiling Dip: If you like a darker, golden brown color to the top of your dip, switch the oven to broil during the last few minutes of cooking. Just make sure you watch the dip carefully, as it can go from golden brown and delicious to burnt in matter of seconds!
  • Need to Scale the Recipe? Hover your mouse over the number of servings in the recipe card. You’ll see a sliding scale pop up, you can use that to scale the recipe up or down as needed.
  • Got questions? I’ve got answers! If you ever run into an issue, have a question, or need any clarification – please feel free to drop them in the comments section. I’m happy to help when I can!
  • Yield:  Roughly 2 Cups
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and the nutrition facts are an estimate based upon 6 servings. Exact information will depend upon the brands of ingredients and precise measurements used.

Nutrition

Calories: 48kcal    Carbohydrates: 3g    Protein: 5g    Fat: 2g    Saturated Fat: 1g    Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g    Monounsaturated Fat: 1g    Cholesterol: 5mg    Sodium: 214mg    Potassium: 144mg    Fiber: 0.4g    Sugar: 1g    Vitamin A: 314IU    Vitamin C: 8mg    Calcium: 122mg    Iron: 0.4mg
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American

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