Easy Baked Goat Cheese Dip
Every holiday season deserves a restaurant-quality dip, and this easy baked goat cheese dip is the one I make again and again. In particular, creamy goat cheese bakes in marinara sauce until it is melty and bubbling, then gets scooped up with crisp crostini. If you love goat cheese, try my baked goat cheese bruschetta dip and my fried goat cheese board.
With this in mind, the prep is minimal and you may already have the ingredients on hand, which makes this a great last-minute appetizer. What is more, the rich, creamy cheese balances the acidity of the tomatoes. I love serving it with my creamy spinach dip and my hot crab dip for a full dip spread.
As a result, this is not only easy but also a dip guests rave about. Furthermore, it pairs well with my blackberry goat cheese mint crostini, and my easy holiday entertaining tips will help you plan the rest of the night.
What Is Baked Goat Cheese Dip?
Baked goat cheese dip is a warm appetizer made by baking a round of goat cheese in marinara sauce until the cheese is soft and the sauce is bubbling. It is finished with Italian seasoning and parsley and served with toasted bread for dipping.
Ingredients (With Purpose & Flavor Notes)
- Marinara sauce (1 jar): The base of the dip. Use a jar you love, since it carries the flavor.
- Goat cheese log (8 ounces, softened): Turns creamy and spreadable in the oven.
- French bread (1 loaf): Sliced and toasted into crostini.
- Olive oil: Brushed on the bread so it crisps.
- Italian seasoning: Adds herb flavor on top.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
- Fresh parsley: A bright garnish.
Everything I Love for This Recipe
This post contains affiliate links. I only share products I personally use and genuinely love. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Small Baking Dish
An oven-to-table dish for the dip.
Rimmed Baking Sheet
For toasting the crostini.
Bread Knife
Cuts thin, even slices.
Pastry Brush
For brushing olive oil on the bread.
Olive Oil Dispenser
Makes drizzling easy.
Wooden Serving Board
For the dish and crostini together.
Wooden Trivet
For setting the hot dish down.
Cheese Spreaders
For scooping the warm cheese.
Oven Mitts
The dish comes out hot.
Herb Scissors
For snipping the parsley.
Small Appetizer Plates
For guests.
Cocktail Napkins
A must for dips.
How To Make Baked Goat Cheese Dip
Step 1: Heat the Oven
Heat the oven to 400°F.
Step 2: Add the Sauce
Pour the marinara sauce into the bottom of a baking dish.
Step 3: Add the Cheese
Flatten the goat cheese log into a circle and place it on top of the sauce.
Step 4: Bake
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the goat cheese is melty and the sauce is bubbling.
Step 5: Toast the Crostini
Slice the bread diagonally into 1/4-inch slices. Lightly brush both sides with olive oil and bake at 400°F for 2 to 4 minutes.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Season the baked cheese with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Top with parsley and serve with the crostini.
Easy Baked Goat Cheese Dip
Ingredients
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- 1 (8-ounce) goat cheese log softened
- 1 loaf French bread
- olive oil for brushing
- Italian seasoning to taste
- salt and pepper to taste
- fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 400°F.
- Pour the marinara sauce into the bottom of a baking dish.
- Flatten the goat cheese log into a circle and place it on top of the sauce.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the goat cheese is melty and the sauce is bubbling.
- While the dip bakes, slice the bread diagonally into 1/4-inch slices. Lightly brush both sides with olive oil and arrange on a baking sheet.
- Bake the crostini at 400°F for 2 to 4 minutes, until lightly toasted.
- Season the baked cheese with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Top with parsley and serve with the crostini for dipping.
KEEP HOSTING
More to make and share — warm dips and savory party bites.
Creamy Baked Spinach Dip
A warm, cheesy spinach dip that’s always the first to disappear.
Get the Recipe →
Baked Goat Cheese Bruschetta Dip with Crackers: The Ultimate Appetizer
Warm goat cheese baked with bruschetta and served with crackers.
Get the Recipe →
The Best Hot Crab Dip
A rich, bubbly crab dip that brings serious flavor to any gathering.
Get the Recipe →Variations
Add Heat
Sprinkle with red pepper flakes.
Pesto
Add a spoonful of pesto on top of the cheese before serving.
Cheese Swap
Use fresh mozzarella or ricotta in place of goat cheese.
Hot Honey
Drizzle with hot honey right before serving.
When I Love Serving Baked Goat Cheese Dip
Holiday Parties
A warm dip is welcome on any holiday table.
Date Night In
Small, simple, and great with wine.
Wine Night
For a night out instead, see my must-visit wine bars in Atlanta.
Supper Club
An easy starter while guests arrive.
Game Night
Great for an elevated game night.
Last-Minute Guests
Equally important, it comes together with pantry ingredients.
What To Serve With Baked Goat Cheese Dip
Dippers
Crostini, crackers, or homemade garlic knots. For good bread, see where to find fresh bread in Atlanta.
More Appetizers
Add tomato basil mozzarella puff pastry, whipped ricotta with roasted grapes and hot honey, prosciutto fig crackers, or a cheese platter.
Mains
Follow it with easy sausage rigatoni or spinach and ricotta stuffed shells.
Shelf Life & Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftover dip in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbling.
- Crostini: Store toasted bread at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Make ahead: Assemble the sauce and cheese in the dish, cover, and refrigerate. Bake right before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use crumbled goat cheese?
A log works best because it bakes into a creamy round, but crumbles will still melt into the sauce.
What size dish should I use?
A small baking dish or skillet, so the sauce comes up around the cheese.
What can I serve with it besides bread?
Crackers, pita chips, or vegetables all work.
Can I make my own sauce?
Yes. Any marinara you like works here.
Final Thoughts
All things considered, this easy baked goat cheese dip is proof that a few simple ingredients can make a great appetizer. Without a doubt, warm goat cheese and marinara with crisp crostini is always a hit. If you make it, tag me so I can see, and keep hosting.
SAVE NOW, MAKE LATER!
