Mediterranean Goat Cheese Spread with Artichokes and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Elevate your appetizer game with this vibrant Mediterranean Goat Cheese Spread. Packed with the bold flavors of artichoke hearts and sun-dried tomatoes, this creamy, tangy spread is perfect for entertaining. Serve it on toasted baguette slices for a classic bruschetta or use it as a filling for quesadillas, as I did for a delightful twist. Whether you're hosting a gathering or simply enjoying a cozy dinner at home, this versatile spread will satisfy your cravings for savory goodness. Customize it to your taste by adjusting the garlic and red pepper flakes for a little kick!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Artichoke hearts
1/2-3/4 cup (Frozen, preferably not marinated, thawed and drained.)
Sun-dried tomatoes
1/2 cup (Packed in oil, rinsed and chopped.)
Goat cheese
6-8 ounces (Softened.)
Kosher salt
to taste (Add gradually.)
Garlic
2-3 cloves (Minced, fresh only.)
Red pepper flakes
to taste (Use extra-hot if desired.)
Instructions
1
In a food processor, combine the artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, goat cheese, minced garlic, and a pinch of kosher salt.
2
Pulse until the mixture is smooth but still has some texture, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
3
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, garlic, and red pepper flakes until you reach your desired flavor.
4
Transfer the spread to a serving bowl, and let it sit for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator for the flavors to meld.
5
Serve chilled or at room temperature with your choice of bread, crackers, or as a filling for wraps and quesadillas.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary ingredients in this Mediterranean Goat Cheese Spread?
The spread is made with artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, goat cheese, garlic, kosher salt, and red pepper flakes.
What kind of artichoke hearts should I use?
The recipe recommends using frozen artichoke hearts, preferably not marinated, that have been thawed and drained.
How should I prepare the sun-dried tomatoes?
Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, rinse them, and then chop them before adding to the food processor.
What is the recommended amount of goat cheese for this recipe?
You should use between 6 to 8 ounces of softened goat cheese.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
The recipe specifically calls for 2 to 3 cloves of fresh minced garlic for the best flavor.
How do I mix the ingredients together?
Combine the ingredients in a food processor and pulse until smooth but still slightly textured.
How long should the spread sit before serving?
It is recommended to let the spread sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes for the flavors to meld.
What should I serve with this goat cheese spread?
It is excellent served with toasted baguette slices, crackers, or as a filling for wraps and quesadillas.
Can I make this spread spicy?
Yes, you can adjust the heat by adding red pepper flakes, even using extra-hot ones if desired.
Is this spread served hot or cold?
This spread can be served chilled or at room temperature.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 key ingredients in this recipe.
What is the best way to adjust the seasoning?
Taste the mixture after pulsing and add more salt, garlic, or red pepper flakes until it reaches your desired flavor.
Can I use this spread as a filling?
Yes, it works perfectly as a filling for quesadillas or wraps for a delightful twist.
Should the spread be completely smooth?
No, you should pulse it until it is smooth but still retains some texture from the artichokes and tomatoes.
How much artichoke heart is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 to 3/4 cup of artichoke hearts.
Is kosher salt necessary?
The recipe suggests kosher salt added to taste for the best flavor balance.
Do I need to scrape the food processor bowl?
Yes, you should scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed while pulsing to ensure even mixing.
Is this a good appetizer for parties?
Absolutely, it is described as a vibrant and versatile spread perfect for entertaining guests.
Can I use marinated artichokes if I cannot find frozen ones?
The recipe prefers non-marinated frozen ones, but if using marinated, ensure they are very well drained.
What flavor profile does this spread have?
It is a creamy and tangy spread with bold Mediterranean flavors from the artichokes and sun-dried tomatoes.
Is the goat cheese used hard or soft?
The goat cheese should be softened before you begin the recipe for easier blending.
How much sun-dried tomato is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of sun-dried tomatoes.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, based on the ingredients provided, this Mediterranean spread is vegetarian.
Can I use this for bruschetta?
Yes, it is a classic choice for topping toasted baguette slices to make bruschetta.
Can I add other herbs?
While the recipe focuses on garlic and red pepper flakes, you can customize it to your taste.
How do I store this spread?
Store the spread in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
Does the recipe require cooking?
No, this is a no-cook recipe that simply involves processing and chilling.
What is the texture of the finished product?
The texture is creamy but chunky enough to identify the Mediterranean ingredients.
Can I use this as a dip?
Yes, it functions well as a thick dip for sturdy crackers or vegetables.
How many servings does this make?
The specific serving count is not provided, but it uses 6-8 ounces of cheese and roughly 1.5 cups of vegetables.