Roasted Garlic Goat Cheese Dip Recipe
This Roasted Garlic Goat Cheese Dip is a creamy, flavorful appetizer perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. Roasting the garlic mellows its flavor, blending beautifully with smooth goat cheese, cream cheese, and a hint of fresh thyme. Serve it warm or at room temperature with fresh vegetables or crusty bread for dipping.
- Author: Marco
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Main Ingredients
- 1 head of garlic
- 8 ounces goat cheese, softened
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Serving
- Fresh vegetables or bread
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it ready for roasting the garlic.
- Prepare the Garlic: Slice the top off the garlic head to expose the cloves. Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to keep it moist while roasting.
- Roast the Garlic: Place the foil-wrapped garlic in the oven and roast for 30-35 minutes until the cloves become soft, golden, and fragrant. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly for handling.
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, add the softened goat cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, and the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. This combination creates a creamy base for the dip.
- Add Roasted Garlic: Squeeze the soft roasted garlic cloves out of their skins and into the cheese mixture, infusing a rich, mellow garlic flavor.
- Seasoning: Stir in fresh thyme leaves, and season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the flavor as needed.
- Blend Mixture: Use a hand mixer or food processor to blend all ingredients until the dip is smooth, creamy, and well combined.
- Transfer to a Serving Dish: Spoon the dip into your chosen serving dish and smooth the surface with a spatula for a polished look.
- Garnish: Optionally, garnish the top with extra thyme leaves or a drizzle of olive oil to enhance presentation and flavor.
- Serve Warm or Room Temperature: The dip can be served warm directly or allowed to cool to room temperature. Both ways deliver delicious results when served with fresh vegetables or bread for dipping.
Notes
- Roasting garlic mellows its pungency and adds a sweet, nutty depth to the dip.
- Use fresh thyme for a brighter herbal note; dried thyme works well too but is more concentrated.
- For extra creaminess, ensure all cheeses are softened to room temperature before mixing.
- This dip can be made a few hours ahead and refrigerated; bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.
- Try serving with pita chips, crackers, or a medley of colorful fresh veggies for variety.
Keywords: Roasted garlic dip, goat cheese dip, appetizer, party dip, cream cheese dip, garlic appetizer