Savory Roasted Red Pepper and Herb Goat Cheese Dip
This Savory Roasted Red Pepper and Herb Goat Cheese Dip is an irresistible blend of rich flavors that will elevate any gathering! The sweetness of roasted red bell peppers pairs perfectly with the creamy texture of goat cheese, while the roasted garlic adds depth and warmth. Fresh basil, oregano, and rosemary lend a delightful herbaceous note, making it a crowd-pleaser for holidays, parties, or casual get-togethers. Serve it alongside crispy pita chips, fresh vegetables, or slather it on sandwiches for a tantalizing treat that will have everyone coming back for more – it truly vanishes quickly!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
red bell peppers
4 (seeded, roasted, and peeled)
roasted garlic
2 heads (pulp squeezed and skin removed)
plain soft fresh goat cheese
8 ounces (softened)
virgin olive oil
6 tablespoons (divided)
fresh basil
7 tablespoons (chopped)
dried oregano
3 tablespoons (not required)
fresh rosemary
2 tablespoons (chopped)
kosher salt
to taste (not required)
fresh ground pepper
to taste (not required)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Cut the red bell peppers in half and place them cut-side up on a baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt.
3
Roast in the oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the skin is blistered and slightly charred. Remove from the oven, allow to cool, and then peel off the skin.
4
In a food processor, combine the roasted red peppers, roasted garlic pulp, and goat cheese. Pulse until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
5
Slowly drizzle in the remaining 4 tablespoons of olive oil while pulsing, ensuring the dip becomes well-emulsified.
6
Add the chopped basil, dried oregano, fresh rosemary, kosher salt, and fresh ground pepper. Pulse again until all ingredients are well combined.
7
Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl, and stir gently to create a homogenous dip.
8
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ingredients in this Savory Roasted Red Pepper and Herb Goat Cheese Dip?
The main ingredients include 4 red bell peppers, 2 heads of roasted garlic, 8 ounces of soft fresh goat cheese, and 6 tablespoons of virgin olive oil.
How do I prepare the red bell peppers for the dip?
Cut the peppers in half, seed them, and roast them at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes until the skin is blistered, then peel off the skin.
What herbs are used to flavor this goat cheese dip?
The dip is flavored with 7 tablespoons of fresh chopped basil, 3 tablespoons of dried oregano, and 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped rosemary.
How many heads of garlic are required?
The recipe calls for 2 full heads of roasted garlic, using the squeezed pulp.
At what temperature should the oven be set for roasting?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How long does the dip need to be refrigerated before serving?
It should be covered and refrigerated for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
What is the best way to combine the ingredients?
Use a food processor to pulse the peppers, garlic, and goat cheese until smooth, then slowly drizzle in olive oil while pulsing.
Is this roasted red pepper dip vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly.
What should I serve with this herb goat cheese dip?
It is excellent served with crispy pita chips, fresh vegetables, or as a spread on sandwiches.
How much goat cheese is needed?
The recipe requires 8 ounces of plain soft fresh goat cheese, ideally softened.
Do I use fresh or dried oregano?
The recipe specifies 3 tablespoons of dried oregano.
How much olive oil is added to the food processor?
While 2 tablespoons are used for roasting, the remaining 4 tablespoons are drizzled into the food processor.
Can I use fresh rosemary?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh rosemary.
How do I know when the roasted peppers are ready?
They are ready when the skin is blistered and slightly charred, which usually takes 30-35 minutes.
What seasoning is used?
The dip is seasoned with kosher salt and fresh ground pepper to taste.
Is the garlic roasted with the peppers?
The recipe uses roasted garlic pulp; you can roast the garlic heads alongside the peppers or separately until soft.
Do I need to peel the peppers before roasting?
No, you roast them first with the skin on and peel them after they have cooled and the skin has blistered.
Can I use a blender if I don't have a food processor?
Yes, a blender can be used to achieve the smooth and creamy texture required for the dip.
How many red peppers are used?
You will need 4 red bell peppers.
What kind of olive oil is recommended?
Virgin olive oil is recommended for this recipe.
Should the herbs be pulsed or stirred in?
The herbs should be pulsed into the mixture after the oil is emulsified until all ingredients are well combined.
How much fresh basil is included?
The recipe calls for 7 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil.
Is this dip served hot or cold?
This dip is served chilled after being refrigerated for at least 2 hours.
How do I prepare the garlic?
Squeeze the pulp from the roasted garlic heads and discard the skins before adding it to the food processor.
What makes the dip creamy?
The combination of soft goat cheese and the emulsification of olive oil creates a creamy texture.
Can this recipe be used as a sandwich spread?
Yes, it is versatile enough to be slathered on sandwiches for a tantalizing treat.
How should the peppers be placed on the baking sheet?
Place the halved and seeded peppers cut-side up on the baking sheet.
Do I add salt to the peppers before roasting?
Yes, drizzle the peppers with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt before putting them in the oven.
Is the dip homogenous?
Yes, after transferring to a serving bowl, you should stir it gently to ensure a homogenous mixture.
Why is it important to let the dip sit for 2 hours?
Chilling the dip for 2 hours allows the roasted garlic, red peppers, and fresh herbs to meld for a deeper flavor profile.