Description
A creamy and flavorful Goat Cheese & Marinara Dip perfect for entertaining or enjoying as a savory snack. This easy-to-make dip combines tangy goat cheese with rich marinara sauce, baked to bubbly perfection and served with crispy crostini or crackers.
Ingredients
Scale
Dip 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
Crostini Ingredients
- Baguette sliced into 1/2 inch slices
- Olive oil for drizzling/brushing
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and grease an 8-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Dip Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine softened goat cheese, cream cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and dried basil. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well incorporated.
- Assemble Dip: Spread the cheese mixture evenly into the center of the baking dish, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges. Spoon the marinara sauce into the border surrounding the cheese mixture and sprinkle a pinch of kosher salt over the top.
- Bake Dip: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 minutes, or until the marinara sauce is bubbly and the cheese mixture is golden brown on top.
- Prepare Crostini: While the dip is baking, arrange baguette slices on a large baking sheet. Drizzle or brush both sides with olive oil. Bake in the oven for 7 minutes, then flip the slices and bake for an additional 4 minutes until both sides are golden and crisp.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the dip from the oven and garnish with fresh basil ribbons (chiffonade). Serve immediately alongside the warm crostini or crisp crackers for dipping.
Notes
- Serve with crostini, crackers, or celery sticks for a variety of dipping options.
- If jarred marinara is unavailable, homemade marinara sauce can be used as a substitute.
- Ensure cheeses are softened to room temperature for easier mixing and creamier texture.
- Watch the dip closely near the end of baking to avoid over-browning.
- The crostini can be toasted simultaneously with the dip to save time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 340 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
