Roasted Garlic Goat Cheese Dip: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
This Roasted Garlic Goat Cheese Dip is a creamy, flavorful appetizer featuring soft goat cheese blended with roasted garlic, cream cheese, sour cream, and fresh thyme. Perfect for serving with fresh vegetables or crusty bread, this dip combines the rich tang of goat cheese with the mellow sweetness of caramelized garlic, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: About 2 cups (serves 6-8 as an appetizer) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
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, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
For Serving
- Fresh vegetables or bread
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the garlic.
- Prepare the Garlic: Slice the top off the head of garlic to expose the cloves, then wrap it tightly in aluminum foil and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to help the cloves roast evenly and develop a rich flavor.
- Roast the Garlic: Place the foil-wrapped garlic in the oven and roast for 30-35 minutes until the cloves are soft, golden, and fragrant. Remove from the oven and allow the garlic to cool slightly for handling.
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened goat cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to start forming the creamy base of the dip.
- Add Roasted Garlic: Gently squeeze the softened roasted garlic cloves out of their skins and add them to the cheese mixture for a deep, sweet garlic flavor.
- Seasoning: Stir in the fresh thyme, salt, and black pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning to your preference for balance and aroma.
- Blend Mixture: Using a hand mixer or food processor, blend all ingredients until the dip is smooth, creamy, and well combined.
- Transfer to a Serving Dish: Spoon the dip into a serving dish and smooth the surface with a spatula to prepare for presentation.
- Garnish: Optionally garnish the dip with additional thyme leaves or a light drizzle of olive oil for an appealing finish.
- Serve Warm or Room Temperature: Serve the dip warm directly or let it cool to room temperature; it tastes delicious either way alongside fresh vegetables or bread.
Notes
- Softening cheeses ahead of time helps to achieve a smooth blend.
- Roasted garlic can be made in advance and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Use fresh thyme for a brighter herbal flavor, but dried thyme works well in a pinch.
- Feel free to serve with an assortment of fresh veggies, crackers, or artisan breads.
- If you prefer a tangier dip, add a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
Keywords: Roasted garlic dip, goat cheese dip, creamy appetizer, party dip, vegetarian appetizer, garlic cheese spread
