Baked Goat Cheese Dip

This hot Baked Goat Cheese Dip is a gooey appetizer topped with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and cherry tomatoes. It’s an easy recipe that requires very little active prep and give you that epic cheese pull you’ve been craving. You can even make it ahead-of-time and bake just before guests arrive!

about this baked goat cheese appetizer

When friends show up hungry and conversation is flowing, this baked goat cheese dip delivers every single time. Creamy, tangy, and bubbling with garlic and a combination of cheeses, it’s the appetizer that makes everyone gather around the table even before dinner is ready.

The magic happens in the oven as the goat cheese softens to the perfect scoopable consistency. But the real showstopper? A vibrant topping of sun-dried tomatoes mixed with sweet cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and a kick of red pepper flakes that adds color, texture, and bold flavor to every scoop.

Serve it straight from the oven with crusty bread, apple slices, or whatever crunchy vehicle you have on hand. The contrast between the warm, melty center and the golden top is what makes this so irresistible. Plus, you can prep it ahead and pop it in the oven when guests arrive – which means more time enjoying your company and less time stuck in the kitchen.

ingredients

cheeses. You will need a combination of goat cheese, cream cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and grated parmesan cheese for this recipe. Make sure that you bring both the goat cheese and cream cheese to room temperature before starting this recipe!

yogurt. Use plain Greek yogurt for this recipe.

garlic. Grab your minced garlic! I prefer to purchase mine, but you can also mince your own by hand.

salt and pepper. Use fine kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to make this recipe.

tomatoes. You will need a combination of fresh cherry tomatoes and oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for the tomato topping mixture.

basil. Fresh basil is best for the topping! It has the best flavor. You can also use dried basil if you need to. Use only 1 tsp dried basil, if using.

red pepper flakes. While optional, I like the little kick that the crushed red pepper flakes bring to the tomato topping.

this recipe’s must-haves

For this recipe, you’ll need a set of mixing bowls and a wooden spoon to stir together the dip and the topping.

I like to bake this dip in a stoneware baking dish, but any baking dish will work as long as it holds about 1 to 1 1/2 quarts total.

here’s how to make this baked goat cheese dip

stir

Add goat cheese, cream cheese, mozzarella, parmesan, Greek yogurt, garlic, salt, and pepper to a large bowl. Mix together well until all the ingredients are well-combined.

Dump the mixture into a 1-quart baking dish. Spread into an even layer.

bake

Bake until bubbly and hot, about 20 to 25 minutes. The edges should be golden brown.

topping

While the dip bakes, make the topping. In a medium bowl, stir together sun-dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, if using.

Remove the dip from the oven. Top with the tomato topping. Serve with your favorite dippers!

variations

When it comes to variations, you can really make it your own when it comes to the topping! Here’s some ideas to try out:

• Use marinara sauce. Instead of making a tomato topping, spoon some marinara on top in an even layer and sprinkle with fresh basil after baking. You could even use vodka sauce or pesto!
• Add some jam. Top it off with a dollop of fig jam or raspberry jam after baking for a sweet and savory spin.
• Incorporate bacon/caramelized onion/more fresh herbs. Add some chopped bacon to the tomato mixture! Mix in some caramelized onion into the goat cheese dip. Sprinkle extra fresh herbs like fresh thyme on top.

More easy dips to dunk into: Whipped Goat Cheese Dip | Four Cheese Pizza Dip | Spicy Lasagna Dip | Chipotle Chili Cheese Dip

can I use flavored goat cheese?

You definitely can! While we haven’t tested the flavored goat cheese in this recipe, it should work just fine. Garlic and herb would be the best flavor to choose to match the other flavors in the recipe.

can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can make both the dip and the topping ahead of time if you want. We recommend storing them separately. Store the topping in an airtight container in the fridge. The goat cheese dip can be placed in the baking dish, then covered with aluminum foil or plastic wrap tightly. Store in the fridge for up to 1 day, then bake as instructed (you may have to add about 5 to 10 minutes to the cooking time).

Need some inspiration for appetizers? Check out my appetizer recipes page!

what to serve with this baked goat cheese appetizer

Serve this dip with all of your favorite dippers! We are partial to toasted baguette slices (crostini), but you can also use your favorite crackers, tortilla chips, or raw veggies like celery sticks and sliced bell peppers.

how to store

Store. I recommend storing any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat. You can reheat the dip in the microwave in a microwave-safe dish, or in the oven in a small baking dish at 350˚F for about 5 to 10 minutes, until bubbling.

more goat cheese recipes to enjoy

Spinach artichoke goat cheese dip is a tangy twist on the classic dip that everyone will love.

These savory and sweet cranberry goat cheese tarts is a light appetizer to open up any meal.

Black pepper goat cheese biscuits have a bit of spice, tang, and lots of layers of buttery goodness.

Finally, if you make this baked goat cheese recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a star recipe rating on the recipe card and/or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment.

Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!

Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!

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