Baked Goat Cheese- This wonderfully gooey appetizer takes almost ZERO time to prep and will leave your guests drooling!
Goat cheese is the new Brie! And once you have a little slather of this soft gooey cheese you will never go back. It’s earthy and herbal, smooth and creamy. Imagine the texture of ricotta with tons of flavor.
If you are just starting to explore goat cheese, some of the milder flavored products can be found in your local grocer. But if you want to go big, head to Whole Foods or other high end grocers where there is a plethora of this addicting stuff and a cheese counter to help you pick just the right one. I used the Trader Joe’s brand as it’s relatively mild for my guests.
This beautiful hot appetizer has 3 ingredients. Goat cheese, marinara and kalamata olives. I buy really good marinara and it works great, but you can certainly make your own. It takes about 2 minutes to throw this together and toss in the oven.
We have been enjoying this appetizer for years at a little wine bar just outside of Seattle. I have always wanted to blog it…but, as you know, I am a lazy cook. I love good food but not a fan of fuss. The original recipe includes caramelized onions and whole roasted garlic cloves. I find it tastes darn near the same, with or without the onions and garlic so I opted to leave them out. Lazy cook prevailed. But if you have the time, roast one head of garlic and caramelize one onion. Mix in with the marinara before pouring into the dish.
Serve with sliced toasty bread, crackers or bread sticks.
I love this with a glass of Syrah…well I love everything with a glass of Syrah but thats a whole ‘nother post. See that beautiful glass of red in the back? How much you wanna bet it didn’t find it’s way back into the bottle? I mean who does that? Pours wine back in a bottle? It’s almost noon, I’m good! hiccup….
Hope you get a chance to give this super easy, and super flavorful appetizer a try!
If you are looking for a chilled appetizer dish to offset this warm one…try my Homemade French Onion Dip!
Clink!
Kathi
Baked Goat Cheese Appetizer
Ingredients
- 6-8 ounce of goat cheese
- 1 1/2 cups of good store bought marinara sauce
- 1/3 cup kalmata olives
- Extra add-ins: caramelized onion and roasted garlic
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degree
- Place cheese in center of your baking dish and press it down a bit, leaving edges around the dish.
- Pour your marinara around the goat cheese
- Sprinkle with kalmata's.
- Bake for about 25-30 minutes.
Nutrition
SsYouTube says
I just made the Baked Goat Cheese Appetizer for a gathering, and it was a hit! The flavors were amazing, and it was so easy to prepare. I loved the mix of herbs and the warm, gooey cheese. Definitely adding this to my party staples! Thank you for sharing!
Kathi & Rachel says
We are so glad you liked it! It’s one of my favorites! Kathi
Me Bryan Grenier says
Made this last night and took as an appetizer for a dinner party and was a huge hit! Thanks for sharing
S says
Which marinara sauces do you recommend?
Judy says
Victoria marinara found in Walmart.
Anne Murphy says
That sounds like a lovely combination! (I might just add the onion, though – I seem to be using it a lot!)
Kathi Kirk says
I’ll admit, the onion kicks it up a notch!
Teresa says
I love this recipe! But what’s not to love here: olives, goat cheese and marinara – YUM!
Kathi Kirk says
Thanks Teresa! Hope you get a chance to give it a try!
jacquee | i sugar coat it! says
I love me some baked cheese and the addition of olives and onions certainly sealed the deal. Happy New Year!
Kathi Kirk says
Thank you Jacquee! Happy New Year to you too! Could you please fed ex a shaker of those fabulous looking cocktails on your site? I’ll be waiting by the door!…clink!
Amanda {Striped Sptaula} says
Great recipe! This is also on the menu at a restaurant in my town (without olives, which sound like a fantastic addition!) and we always polish off the whole bowl. Isn’t it wonderful how the creamy goat cheese melts with the marinara? Swoon-worthy. 🙂
Kathi Kirk says
Hi Amanda! It is! I’m always surprised on how good it is! Thanks for your note!
Tracy @ Served From Scratch says
Goat cheese is totally my weakness! This looks so amazing!
Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy says
Totally LOVE all those elements….and I have them ALL to make…THANKS!!
Kathi Kirk says
Thanks Gloria! Hope you get a chance to make it!
Jolena @TheRubyKitchen says
This is gorgeous and sounds delicious!
Kathi Kirk says
Thanks Jolena! I think I replied to you regarding another question so if you see a weird email regarding Eggs Benedict Casserole…well, thats just me and my usual technical skills :)…
Smelly Kelli says
I hope this will be on the menu tomorrow:):)!!!!
Kathi Kirk says
It is!
Pat@savorthebest.com says
I love goat cheese! This is a great mix of ingredients and I love that it is baked like brie!
Merry Christmas, Kathi 🙂
Kathi Kirk says
Thank you Pat! Merry Christmas!