Baked Goat Cheese with Rich Tomato Sauce
Indulge in the delight of Spanish tapas with this baked goat cheese served in a velvety marinara sauce. This dish features creamy, warm goat cheese nestled in a vibrant tomato sauce, perfect for dipping with crispy, toasted garlic bread. A combination of rich flavors and textures makes it a show-stopping appetizer that's easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress. Serve it at your next gathering and watch it disappear in no time!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
olive oil
1/4 cup (none)
baguette
1 (sliced)
goat cheese
8 ounces (softened)
marinara sauce or pasta sauce
1 - 1 1/2 cups (none)
basil leaves
to taste (chopped (optional))
Instructions
1
Preheat your conventional or toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic and olive oil. Generously brush this mixture over the sliced baguette pieces, ensuring an even coating.
3
Arrange the garlic-coated bread slices on a baking sheet in a single layer.
4
Shape the goat cheese into a flat, round 'pancake' about 1/2-inch thick and place it in a shallow baking dish that's suitable for the oven.
5
Carefully pour the marinara (or pasta) sauce into the baking dish, allowing it to come up just to the edge of the goat cheese, ensuring the cheese remains exposed.
6
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for approximately 25 minutes, or until you see the sauce bubbling at the edges and the cheese is warm throughout.
7
While the cheese is baking, pop the garlic bread slices into the oven to toast during the final 10 minutes, until they are golden brown and crispy.
8
Once done, remove the baking dish from the oven, garnish the melted goat cheese with chopped basil (if desired), and serve immediately alongside the hot, crispy garlic bread for dipping.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Baked Goat Cheese with Rich Tomato Sauce?
It is a Spanish-inspired tapas appetizer featuring warm, creamy goat cheese nestled in a vibrant marinara sauce and served with toasted garlic bread.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your conventional or toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish is classified as vegetarian.
What kind of cheese should I use?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of softened goat cheese.
How should I shape the goat cheese before baking?
Shape the goat cheese into a flat, round pancake about 1/2-inch thick.
Can I use pasta sauce instead of marinara?
Yes, you can use either marinara sauce or your favorite pasta sauce.
How long does the goat cheese need to bake?
Bake the cheese and sauce for approximately 25 minutes.
How do I prepare the garlic bread?
Combine minced garlic and olive oil, brush it over sliced baguette pieces, and toast them until golden brown.
When should I put the garlic bread in the oven?
Place the bread in the oven during the final 10 minutes of the cheese's baking time.
How much olive oil is required?
You will need 1/4 cup of olive oil for the garlic bread mixture.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe uses 2 minced garlic cloves.
How do I know when the dish is ready to be removed from the oven?
The dish is ready when the sauce is bubbling at the edges and the cheese is warm throughout.
Should the baking dish be covered?
No, the dish should be baked uncovered.
What should the sauce-to-cheese ratio look like in the dish?
Pour 1 to 1.5 cups of sauce around the cheese so it comes up to the edge but leaves the top of the cheese exposed.
What type of bread is best for this recipe?
A sliced baguette is recommended for making the crispy garlic bread.
Is the basil mandatory?
No, the chopped basil leaves are an optional garnish used to taste.
Can this be made in a toaster oven?
Yes, this recipe is suitable for both conventional and toaster ovens.
What is the total ingredient count for this dish?
There are 6 main ingredients used in this recipe.
Is this a difficult recipe to prepare?
No, it is tagged as an easy recipe and is designed to be simple yet impressive.
What category of cuisine does this recipe fall under?
This is a Spanish cuisine recipe, specifically inspired by tapas.
Can I prepare the garlic oil in advance?
Yes, you can mince the garlic and mix it with the olive oil ahead of time.
How should the dish be served?
Serve it immediately while the cheese is melted and the garlic bread is hot and crispy.
What is the texture of the finished goat cheese?
The finished cheese should be creamy and warm throughout.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food.
Is this recipe good for parties?
Yes, it is highly recommended as party food or a show-stopping appetizer.
How much sauce is needed?
Between 1 and 1 1/2 cups of marinara or pasta sauce are required.
Does the recipe include nutritional information like calories or fat?
No, nutritional values such as calories, fat, and protein are not provided in the current recipe data.
What type of baking dish should I use?
Use a shallow baking dish that is suitable for the oven.
What is the preparation for the garlic?
The garlic cloves should be minced before being mixed with the olive oil.