Name: Baked Goat Cheese and Marinara Dip Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 ounces goat cheese softened; 4 ounces cream cheese softened; 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 1/2 cups jarred marinara sauce; Pinch of kosher salt; Fresh basil for garnish; Baguette sliced into 1/2 inch slices; Olive oil for drizzling/brushing

Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 24 reviews

If you love cozy, gooey dips that bring friends together, you’re going to adore this Baked Goat Cheese and Marinara Dip Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of tangy goat cheese, creamy cream cheese, and rich marinara baked until bubbling and golden — basically a warm hug in appetizer form. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to have it on repeat for every get-together or casual night in.

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Why This Recipe Works

Creamy Tang with a Kick: The goat cheese and cream cheese combo creates this rich yet tangy base that balances perfectly with the bright marinara.
Easy Yet Impressive: It’s a one-dish bake that looks fancy but is super simple to pull together in about 30 minutes.
Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Whether you’re serving crostini, crackers, or fresh veggies, everyone loves dunking into this dip.
Customizable Flavors: You can easily swap herbs or vary the cheese ratios to suit your taste or pantry supplies.

Baked Goat Cheese and Marinara Dip, goat cheese appetizer, creamy baked dip, easy party appetizers, cheesy tomato dip - A close-up image shows a white oval dish filled with a tomato sauce layer that is thick and red, topped with a baked layer of melted cheese that is golden and slightly browned. Thin strips of fresh green basil are scattered over the cheese and sauce, adding a fresh touch. A woman's hand is dipping a small, golden toasted bread slice into the sauce on the left side of the dish. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface with more toasted bread slices visible around it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Baked Goat Cheese and Marinara Dip Recipe lies in its simplicity and how these ingredients come together. The goat cheese gives it that luxurious tang, cream cheese adds smooth richness, and Parmesan brings a nutty depth. Plus, the marinara wraps it all in a zesty tomato hug.

Baked Goat Cheese and Marinara Dip, goat cheese appetizer, creamy baked dip, easy party appetizers, cheesy tomato dip - Flat lay of fresh goat cheese log, soft cream cheese in a small white bowl, a small white bowl filled with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, dried basil sprinkled neatly on a white ceramic plate, a small white bowl of bright red marinara sauce, a pinch of coarse kosher salt arranged artfully on a white dish, fresh green basil leaves loosely stacked, several toasted golden crostini slices arranged in a fan shape on a white plate, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Goat cheese: Use softened, fresh goat cheese for that creamy, tangy foundation—avoid crumbly aged types here.
Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese balances goat cheese’s tang with mellow richness and a smooth texture.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds umami and depth; pre-grated won’t melt quite the same.
Dried basil: Just a teaspoon gives a herby rustic note; feel free to swap for oregano or Italian seasoning if you prefer.
Marinara sauce: Choose a quality jarred sauce or homemade if you have it—it’s the bright tomato element that makes this pop.
Kosher salt: A pinch enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
Fresh basil for garnish: Adds freshness and a lovely color contrast when serving.
Crostini or crisp crackers: Ideal for scooping up the dip—homemade crostini elevate the dish but store-bought crackers work in a pinch.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

What I really love about this Baked Goat Cheese and Marinara Dip Recipe is how adaptable it is—so feel free to get creative! I often play with the herb blend or add a bit of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat when I’m feeling spicy.

Variation: Once, I tossed in some chopped roasted red peppers for extra color and sweetness, and it was a hit at a summer party.
Dietary swap: To make it gluten-free, just swap crostini for gluten-free crackers or veggie sticks—it still tastes just as amazing.
Cheese options: If you don’t have goat cheese on hand, a mix of ricotta and cream cheese works in a pinch, but you’ll lose some signature tang.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Baked Goat Cheese and Marinara Dip Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F. Greasing an 8-inch baking dish with cooking spray is key here to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. It’s a small dish, so if you have a mini cast iron or ceramic one, that works beautifully.

Step 2: Whip Up the Cheese Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine your softened goat cheese, cream cheese, grated Parmesan, and dried basil. I like to use a spoon or small spatula to mix until it’s smooth and fully blended. Make sure your cheeses are truly softened—that way, you avoid lumps and get that velvety consistency.

Step 3: Spread and Surround with Marinara

Spread the cheese mixture evenly into the center of your baking dish, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. This little border is important because you’ll spoon your marinara sauce around the cheese without mixing it in. Sprinkle a pinch of kosher salt over the marinara to enhance the flavor before baking.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pop your dish into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for the sauce to bubble and the cheese top to turn a lovely golden brown. Sometimes ovens vary, so start checking at 20 minutes—you want it hot and melty, not dried out. This step fills your kitchen with the tastiest aroma, so be prepared!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve Immediately

Once out of the oven, garnish with fresh basil chiffonade to add a pop of herbaceous brightness and color. Serve right away with crostini or your dipping vessel of choice. I usually pair this with homemade crostini for the perfect crunch and flavor match.

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Pro Tips for Making Baked Goat Cheese and Marinara Dip Recipe

Softening Cheeses: Let your goat and cream cheese sit at room temp for at least 30 minutes for easy mixing and smoother dip texture.
Avoid Watery Marinara: If you use jarred sauce, drain excess liquid or simmer it briefly to thicken up—this keeps your dip from getting soggy.
Crostini Timing: Bake your crostini at the same time as the dip to serve both warm and fresh, impressing your guests with minimal extra effort.
Watch the Bake Time: Baking just long enough for bubbling and browning prevents the cheese from drying out or cracking on top.

How to Serve Baked Goat Cheese and Marinara Dip Recipe

Baked Goat Cheese and Marinara Dip, goat cheese appetizer, creamy baked dip, easy party appetizers, cheesy tomato dip - A white bowl filled with rich red tomato sauce that has a smooth texture and is slightly chunky around the edges. On top of the sauce, there is a large round layer of melted cheese with golden brown spots, giving it a bubbly and creamy look. Scattered over the cheese are thin green strips of fresh basil leaves, with one whole green basil leaf placed in the center as decoration. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I’m always partial to fresh basil ribbons on top—they add that bright color and fresh herbal punch that complements the warm, cheesy dip. Sometimes I toss a few chili flakes or a drizzle of good olive oil if I want a little extra richness and zing.

Side Dishes

I tend to serve this dip alongside a simple green salad dressed with balsamic vinegar to balance the richness. For larger spreads, roasted veggies or a charcuterie board with cured meats and olives pair super nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I love serving the dip in miniature individual ramekins or hollowed-out mini bread bowls—that always gets a wow from guests. You can also layer it in a shallow, rustic earthenware dish for a cozy, homey vibe that invites everyone to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Because of the cheese and sauce combo, the dip thickens up—perfect for reheating later.

Freezing

While I haven’t frozen the dip often, I’ve had success freezing it in small portions for up to a month. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to bring it back to life. Expect a slight texture change, but the flavor holds up well.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat is in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and bubbly. I avoid microwaving because it can get uneven or rubbery. Adding a fresh sprinkle of fresh basil after reheating perks it up beautifully.

FAQs

Can I make Baked Goat Cheese and Marinara Dip Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cheese mixture and assemble the dip in your baking dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if baking straight from chilled.
What can I use instead of goat cheese?

If goat cheese isn’t your favorite or not available, ricotta cheese mixed with cream cheese can be a good substitute, though the dip won’t have the same tangy depth. For a stronger flavor, feta can also work but expect a saltier taste.
Is this dip gluten-free?

The baked goat cheese and marinara dip itself is naturally gluten-free. Just be mindful to serve it with gluten-free crackers or veggies instead of traditional crostini.
How spicy is the dip?

The base recipe isn’t spicy at all—it’s tangy and savory with herbal notes. However, you can easily add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinara for a spicy kick if you want.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Baked Goat Cheese and Marinara Dip Recipe has become one of my top go-to snacks whenever friends drop by. Its cozy, creamy, and freshness-packed flavors just make any moment feel special—and it’s so easy to throw together that you don’t need to stress about it. I promise, once you try this dip warmed up and gooey, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again. So grab your cheeses, sauce, and baking dish, and let’s get dipping!