Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz fresh goat cheese (chèvre), softened to room temperature
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 3 cloves garlic, minced or finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons honey (for drizzling)
- Fresh herbs for garnish (thyme sprigs, rosemary)
- Crackers, baguette slices, or vegetables for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is perfect for getting a golden top while keeping the center creamy and smooth.
- Prepare the Garlic: In a small skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once warm, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and just beginning to turn golden. Be careful not to burn it! Remove from heat and let cool slightly. This step mellows the garlic’s sharpness and adds a wonderful roasted flavor.
- Mix the Cheese Base: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened goat cheese and cream cheese. Using a rubber spatula, hand mixer, or food processor, blend until completely smooth and creamy with no lumps remaining. This might take 2-3 minutes of mixing—patience here creates that luxurious texture everyone loves.
- Add Aromatics and Seasonings: To your cheese mixture, add the sautéed garlic (with any oil from the pan), fresh thyme, rosemary, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the cheese. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed—remember, flavors will mellow slightly as it bakes.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Lightly grease your small baking dish with a bit of olive oil or cooking spray. Spoon the cheese mixture into the dish and use your spatula to spread it evenly, smoothing the top. Create slight peaks and swirls on the surface—these will turn golden and crispy in the oven!
- Add Finishing Touches: Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the top of the cheese mixture. This helps create that gorgeous golden crust and adds richness.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. You’re looking for the dip to be heated through, bubbling gently around the edges, and developing golden-brown spots on top. The center should still be soft and creamy, not dried out.
- Add the Honey Drizzle: Remove the dish from the oven (careful—it’s hot!). Immediately drizzle the honey over the top in a back-and-forth motion. The warmth of the dip will help the honey spread slightly and create beautiful ribbons.
- Garnish and Serve: Top with fresh herb sprigs for a beautiful presentation. Serve immediately while hot and bubbly alongside your favorite crackers, toasted baguette slices, pita chips, or fresh vegetables like carrot sticks, cucumber rounds, and bell pepper strips.
Notes
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure both cheeses are at room temperature before mixing—this ensures a smooth, lump-free dip. Set them out 30-60 minutes before you start cooking.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your dip during the last few minutes of baking. Overbaking can cause the cheese to separate and become oily. It’s done when bubbly and just starting to brown.
- Serving Size Guidance: This recipe serves 8-10 people as an appetizer. If serving as part of a larger spread, it can stretch to serve 12-15.
- Herb Substitutions: Feel free to use whatever fresh herbs you have on hand—basil, oregano, chives, or sage all work wonderfully.
- Spice Level: Adjust the red pepper flakes based on your heat preference. For a milder dip, reduce to ⅛ teaspoon or omit entirely.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About ¼ cup (based on 10 servings)
- Calories: 156
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 218mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 28mg