Easy Baked Italian Goat Cheese Dip Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick and easy appetizer that always impresses, this Warm Italian Goat Cheese Dip is about to become your new go-to recipe. Made with just two simple ingredients and ready in minutes, this creamy goat cheese dip is perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, game day snacks, and last-minute entertaining. The rich, tangy chèvre melts beautifully with Italian seasoning, creating a warm, bubbly dip that pairs perfectly with crostini, crackers, or rustic bread. If you love effortless recipes that taste gourmet, this irresistible party dip is one you’ll find yourself making again and again!

Why everyone loves this appetizer so much

What makes this appetizer perfect for any party? For starters, it’s incredibly scrumptious, and it is silly easy to make. I have literally whipped it up in less than five minutes when we’ve made last-minute plans for friends to stop over. San Chez is a long-standing favorite tapas restaurant in Grand Rapids near our home. It is where I first had this appetizer. They call it Queso de Cabra. After having it several times, I decided to try replicating it at home, and I’ll be darned; I did it on the first try! I opened a jar of my favorite thick marinara, crumbled goat cheese over it, sprinkled it with Italian seasoning, and baked it. I have served this with toasted crostinis, baguette slices, favorite crackers (Ritz), and crusty bread. Italian Chevre Dip is always the star of the show when you serve it. I have caught people eating it by the spoonfuls. It is that good! The best way to eat this cheesy dip is straight out of the oven. However, it’s still good at room temperature. Once you make this cheese dip, you will make it forevermore. You will be asked for the recipe every time you bring it somewhere. And when you tell them how easy it is, they will never believe you! 

Gather these ingredients

 

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Pour the marinara sauce in an even layer into a baking dish. A 9 inch pie plate or a baking dish that is 11×7, a 9×13 inch pan is a little too big.

 

Crumble goat cheese over marinara sauce. I like to use a fork it keeps one hand clean and the fork helps to break up the cheese more evenly.

Unfortunately, goat cheese normally comes in either 4 ounce or 10 ounce logs. Four ounces is not enough cheese and ten ounces is just a little bit too much. However, if you want to throw all caution to the wind, don’t let me stop you, go ahead and use a full 10 ounce log of cheese. Otherwise, purchase two smaller logs of goat cheese for the exact amount you need.

Once you have crumbled all the goat cheese or chevre over the thick marinara sauce place your baking dish in a preheated 400 degree oven and bake for 30 minutes or until the cheese is starting to brown and is bubbling.

 

At this point you can serve with chunks of fresh cut bread, crostinis, crackers, whatever your heard desires.

If you want to get extra fancy you can elevate this appetizer with a sprinkle of fresh herbs. If I have fresh basil I will chopped it up and sprinkle it over top of this baked appetizer or a sprinkle of Italian seasoning over the top is also nice.

Serve with…

This warm goat cheese dip is the perfect appetizer. Two ingredients are all you need for this ultra easy recipe. Golden brown baked goat cheese in thick marinara sauce topped with fresh herbs (if you have them!) and a side of homemade crostini for dipping. The perfect way to start any party! Warm Italian goat cheese dip is great along side a charcuterie board, because all the accompaniments crackers, fresh cut bread slices, crostinis, and pita chips all go well with this dip. I’m not kidding when I say this is my number one go to dip! I always have the ingredients on hand so I can whip it up at a moments notice. It also looks so festive at the holidays with the red, green and white.

Tips & Variations

• Tip 1: I love a few different brands of marinara. Rao’s brand marinara and Paul Newman’s Tomato Basil Sauce are two of my favorites, but you can use whatever brand you have on hand as long as it’s meatless.
• Tip 2: Use fresh chèvre: Soft, fresh goat cheese melts smoother and has the creamiest texture. Goat cheese is also called Chevre. Creamy Cheese is not all created equal. There are many tuypes of cheese, don’t try to use Boursin or flavored cream cheese in this appetizer; they will not hold up, nor will they taste as good.
• Tip 3: Serve immediately: This dip is best warm. If it firms up, simply rewarm it in the oven or microwave
• Variations 1: If you want your dip chunkier, add a drained can of petite diced tomatoes to the sauce. Mix them in the dish and proceed as usual. 
• Variation 2: When the dip is out of the oven, sprinkle it with shredded parmesan cheese and a couple of cracks of fresh ground black pepper. 
• Variation 3: Cut fresh basil into thin strips and sprinkle over the top after removing the dip from the oven. 
• Variation 4: Want a spicy kick sprinkle marinara with red pepper flakes before adding the crumbled goat cheese.
• Variation 5: Swirl a spoonful of pesto into the marinara sauce for extra oomph!

More easy appetizers & hearty dips

• Bruschetta recipe
• Homemade Crostini
• Creamy Queso Fundido
• Cowboy Caviar
• Roasted Vegetables with Hummus Dip
• Festive Feta Dip

I must tell you that if you happen to have any of this appetizer leftover (which I doubt you will) that it warms up wonderfully in the microwave for a tasty snack the next day!  I honestly could eat a whole dish of this all on my own.

I hope you give you enjoy this recipe, please give it a star rating below in the recipe card and PIN it to your favorite appetizer board. I really appreciate it! From my table to yours with love, Sheila