Herbed Marinated Goat Cheese Delight
Indulge in this Herbed Marinated Goat Cheese Delight, a luxurious and creamy spread that’s bound to impress your guests at potlucks, dinner parties, or simply as a special treat for yourself. This rich concoction harmoniously blends the tanginess of goat cheese with the briny flavor of Kalamata olives and the sun-dried tomatoes' sweetness. With a medley of fresh herbs, garlic, and a splash of balsamic vinegar, each bite offers a tantalizing burst of flavor. This dip pairs perfectly with whole grain crackers or grilled bread, making it a versatile addition to any appetizer spread. A heartfelt thank you to my talented co-worker Melanie for sharing this incredible recipe. If you find yourself short on fresh herbs, feel free to use 1/2 cup of prepared pesto as a fantastic time-saving alternative!
10
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Soft fresh goat cheese
8 ounces (sliced)
Kalamata olives
1/2 cup (sliced)
Sun-dried tomatoes in oil
2 tablespoons (sliced)
Fresh basil
1/4 cup (chopped)
Balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons (n/a)
Garlic cloves
2 (minced)
Fresh rosemary
1 tablespoon (chopped)
Fresh thyme
1 tablespoon (chopped)
Fresh coarse ground black pepper
1 teaspoon (n/a)
Extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons (additional as needed)
Instructions
1
Start by arranging the sliced goat cheese in a shallow dish, ensuring it's in a single layer for even marination.
2
Scatter the sliced Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and chopped fresh basil generously over the cheese.
3
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, and coarse ground black pepper until well combined.
4
Drizzle the marinade mixture generously over the cheese, allowing the flavors to infuse.
5
Cover the dish and refrigerate to marinate for at least 2 hours, or for an even richer flavor, overnight.
6
Before serving, bring the spread to room temperature for optimal taste. Serve alongside grilled bread or whole grain crackers for the perfect pairing.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Herbed Marinated Goat Cheese Delight?
It is a luxurious and creamy spread that blends tangy goat cheese with briny Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and a medley of fresh herbs.
What kind of cheese is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of soft fresh goat cheese, sliced for marination.
What can I use if I do not have fresh herbs?
You can use 1/2 cup of prepared pesto as a fantastic time-saving alternative to fresh herbs.
How long should the goat cheese marinate?
The cheese should marinate for at least 2 hours, but for an even richer flavor, you can leave it overnight.
What should I serve with this goat cheese spread?
It pairs perfectly with whole grain crackers or grilled bread.
Should this dish be served cold?
For optimal taste, it is recommended to bring the spread to room temperature before serving.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 10 servings.
What type of olives are used?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of sliced Kalamata olives.
What are the main components of the marinade?
The marinade consists of balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, and black pepper.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
You will need 2 minced garlic cloves for the marinade.
What kind of oil is best for this recipe?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for the best flavor.
How much balsamic vinegar is used?
The recipe requires 3 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar.
What herbs are included in the fresh herb medley?
The recipe includes fresh basil, fresh rosemary, and fresh thyme.
How should the goat cheese be arranged in the dish?
Arrange the sliced goat cheese in a single layer in a shallow dish to ensure even marination.
Are the sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil?
Yes, the recipe specifies 2 tablespoons of sun-dried tomatoes in oil, sliced.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The serving size is not specifically defined, but the recipe is designed for 10 servings as an appetizer.
Can I add extra olive oil?
Yes, you can add additional extra virgin olive oil as needed during the preparation.
Is this recipe suitable for parties?
Yes, it is an impressive appetizer bound to please guests at dinner parties or potlucks.
What type of black pepper should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of fresh coarse ground black pepper.
How much fresh basil is required?
You will need 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil.
How much rosemary should be added?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh rosemary.
How much thyme is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh thyme.
Who provided this recipe?
The recipe was shared by a talented co-worker named Melanie.
What is the recipe category?
This recipe is categorized under Spreads.
How do I prepare the marinade?
Whisk together the vinegar, oil, garlic, herbs, and pepper in a small bowl until well combined.
Is it necessary to cover the dish while marinating?
Yes, you should cover the dish before placing it in the refrigerator to marinate.
Can this be used as a dip?
Yes, it functions beautifully as a dip for various crackers and breads.
What is the texture of the goat cheese in this dish?
The goat cheese remains soft and becomes creamy and infused with the flavors of the marinade.
Is this a Mediterranean-style dish?
Yes, with ingredients like Kalamata olives, garlic, and olive oil, it has a clear Mediterranean profile.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, making it ahead of time is recommended so the flavors have plenty of time to meld.