Baked Goat Cheese Recipe (2024)

Jump straight to the recipe here (but you'll miss a lot of good info)!

This easy Baked Goat Cheese recipe uses just three ingredients and takes just minutes to throw together. Serve on top of crostini, garlic bread or as a goat cheese dip!

There’s an appetizer at Mon Ami Gabi that must be ordered every time I walk through their front door.

Along with Mussels Marinière and Wild Escargots de Bourgogne is the Baked Goat Cheese Dip – all three are top choices and have been enjoyed over many a happy hour. But the Baked Goat Cheese tends to be the one that ends up on our table whether anyone is hungry or not – no one can resist it.

Baked Goat Cheese Recipe (1)

The buttery, garlicky baguette used to scoop up the soft goat cheese and silky tomato sauce makes an irresistible combination. Add a glass of white wine and I may never leave.

So I decided to create my own easy recipe for baked goat cheese at home. It’s slightly different in that I chose to use a chunky marinara and some crunchy crostini in place of the garlic bread but oh! is it good. Soft, smooth, warm goat cheese and bubbling marinara – all in under 30 minutes (25 of which is baking time!) – makes for a mouthwatering appetizer that’s perfect for almost any gathering.

Baked Goat Cheese Ingredients

  • Goat Cheese: Also known as Chèvre in French, use any brand of goat cheese you prefer. I prefer fresh chèvre in log form.
  • Marinara Sauce: Marinara is a traditional Italian tomato sauce often made with tomatoes, onions, olive oil, garlic, basil and other herbs.
  • Basil: A little green to garnish that also adds a sweet, peppery flavor with hints of mint.
  • Salt: Any coarse salt such as kosher or sea salt will work.

(Scroll down to the bottom for the printable recipe card with detailed recipe instructions.)

How to Make Baked Goat Cheese

With just three ingredients this easy appetizer (or dip) comes together in just 5 minutes, plus bake time.

  1. Press the goat cheese to fit the shape of your dish with spacing around the edge.
  2. Gently spoon the marinara around the border and sprinkle salt.
  3. Bake until the goat cheese is warm and soft and the marinara is hot and bubbling.

How to Serve Hot Goat Cheese

  • Chevre-and-bread: Spread over baguette slices or crostini.
  • Goat Cheese Dip: Serve as a dip with raw veggies (celery, carrots, bell pepper, endive leaves etc.), crusty bread, crackers, bagel chips, pita chips and much more.
  • Stuffed garlic bread: This stuffed garlic bread recipe is perfect with the baked goat cheese and highly recommended.
  • Use it with this stuffed zucchini recipe.

Goat Cheese Tips & Variations

  • I like to spoon the marinara just on the outside for a prettier presentation but you could cover the goat cheese completely if you prefer. It will bake up bubbly and delicious no matter how you prepare it!
  • It’s best to let your goat cheese soften a bit before spreading in your dish. You can skip it if you’re in a rush but goat cheese is much more spreadable when soft.
  • Make it spicy with jalapeno, red pepper flakes or mix the marinara with Calabrian chili paste.
  • Add bacon, olives or cherry tomatoes to the marinara sauce.
  • Make it creamier and substitute the marinara sauce for vodka sauce.
  • Add a dollop of basil pesto on top
  • I use plain goat cheese but feel free to experiment with flavored goat cheese varieties.
  • Serve in a slow cooker or Crock Pot to keep warm, if you prefer.

Make Ahead

This dish can be prepared and baked right before serving, simply mix everything together, cover and store in the refrigerator up to a day ahead. When ready, bake and serve!

Baked Goat Cheese Recipe (2)

Baked Goat Cheese

Yield: 4 servings

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Just 3 ingredients to a bubbling hot, cheesy Baked Goat Cheese appetizer! This stuffed garlic bread recipe is perfect with it.

Ingredients

  • 1 8 oz log goat cheese (softened)
  • 1 small box or jar marinara sauce (about 2 cups)
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil (cut into ribbons)
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher or sea salt

Instructions

    1. Preheat oven to 375F.
    2. In a small baking dish, press the goat cheese to fit the shape of your dish, leaving a 1-inch border around edge. Gently spoon the marinara around the border, taking care to cover the edge of goat cheese but not the middle (see photo). Sprinkle with the salt.
    3. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the goat cheese is warm and soft and the marinara is hot and bubbling.
    4. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with the basil. Serve immediately with crostini or garlic bread for dipping.
Nutrition Information:

Yield: 4Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 167Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 27mgSodium: 537mgCarbohydrates: 2gFiber: 1gSugar: 2gProtein: 11g

This data was provided and calculated by Nutritionix.

  • Author
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Kristy Bernardo

Kristy Bernardo is the recipe creator behind The Wicked Noodle. She's a five-time cookbook author, has taught cooking classes to both kids and adults, and has been creating recipes for nationwide brands since 2009. She learned most of her cooking skills from her mom and grandmother, then honed those skills at boot camp at the Culinary Institute of America.

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Baked Goat Cheese Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What happens when you heat goat cheese? ›

Goat cheese and ricotta are fresh cheeses, basically just whey, which are full of moisture. The moisture keeps them from melting. The just run when heated.

Is goat cheese healthier than regular cheese? ›

Nutritional value: Goat cheese contains essential nutrients such as vitamins A, B and D, and minerals such as calcium and phosphorus. Compared to regular cheese, goat cheese typically has fewer calories and fats. This makes goat cheese a healthier option for those watching their calorie intake.

Is goat cheese good for your heart? ›

Goat cheese normally has less sodium too, which can help control blood pressure and lower the risk of heart disease.

Are you meant to cook goats cheese? ›

Place the goats' cheese rounds onto a baking sheet and place under a moderate grill. Grill for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese has melted and begun to brown. To serve, place the salad leaves into a large serving bowl. Add the marinated vegetables and top with the grilled goats' cheese.

What makes goat cheese taste better? ›

So why does goats' cheese taste of 'goat'? The scientific reason behind the goat flavour in goats' cheese, is that their milk has a higher amount of three smaller-chain fatty acids (caproic, capric and caprylic fat) that give those 'goaty', 'barnyardy' flavours.

Is goat cheese good melted? ›

Not all cheeses melt equally, so steer clear of acid-set cheeses. Chevre goat cheese, farmers cheese, feta, halloumi, ricotta or paneer do become softer with heat, but they won't spread out and melt. Aged cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano aren't a great choice, either.

What is the unhealthiest cheese? ›

The least healthiest cheese overall is Double Gloucester, which contains the highest amount of calories (415 per 100 grams) and a whopping 21.9g of saturated fat – which is more than the NHS's recommended daily saturated fat limit for women.

Is goat cheese anti-inflammatory? ›

Many of the microorganisms present in goat milk cheese, yoghurt and other byproducts are beneficial to human health. In addition to their anti-inflammatory action, they promote positive effects on intestinal functions.

Is too much goat cheese bad for you? ›

Goat cheese can be high in fat, though not as high as cheeses made from cow's milk. Nevertheless, you should still consume it in moderation to avoid weight gain.

Is goat cheese OK for high blood pressure? ›

Some types are more likely to raise your blood pressure than others. Keep it down with cheeses that are naturally low in sodium, like Swiss, which has 75 milligrams per 1-ounce serving. Goat, ricotta, and fresh mozzarella are good, too. Processed and hard cheeses such as American and cottage cheese have more sodium.

What happens if you eat too much cheese in one sitting? ›

Cheese is a great source of protein and calcium but is often high in saturated fat and salt. This means eating too much could lead to high cholesterol and high blood pressure, increasing your risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

What are some fun facts about goat cheese? ›

Fun Fact about Goat cheese:

Compared to some cow's milk cheeses, goat cheese has double the protein and only half of the fat per ounce! Goat milk also has less lactose than cow's milk, making goat cheese much more comfortable to digest for people who have lactose intolerance.

What fruit goes with goat cheese? ›

Fresh berries balance perfectly with tangy goat cheese, honey, and a bit of flakey sea salt. This may become your go-to for anything from relaxing picnics to sophisticated book club get-togethers.

What crackers go best with goat cheese? ›

When you have a cheese as sharp and intense as a goat cheese, it's best not to compete too much. Goats cheese, without any accompaniments, is best served with a plain water cracker.

Does goat cheese melt when heated? ›

Made using acid rather than rennet, goat cheeses tend to become grainy and hold its shape when melted. But the water in a super young goat cheese will actually help the cheese melt easily.

Can you eat goat cheese warm? ›

So, although goats cheese can be eaten raw, this is a delicious compromise for those that don't like eating "just a cold salad". By making a typical French salade de chèvre chaud, the goat's cheese is melted under the grill over slices of toasted baguette. Hot melted cheese always works.

Can you warm up goat cheese in the microwave? ›

Directions: Place goat cheese on microwavable dish and pour jam on top. Heat in microwave for 35-45 seconds. Remove from microwave and serve warm with crackers, graham crackers or bread and enjoy!

What is the effect of heat on cheese? ›

When heated, the protein molecules break apart and become fluid. Melting, a phase change from a solid to a liquid isn't really happening, the cheese becomes fluid, much like what happens to plastic when it's heated. Apply Some Heat: At about 90°F (32°C) the fat in cheese begins to soften and melt.

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