Preheat the Oven: To get started, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s hot and ready for baking when you’ve assembled your dip.
Make the Cheese Mixture: In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the softened goat cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy, making sure everything is well-combined. This is the base of your dip, and it already smells amazing!
Transfer to Baking Dish: Next, spread the creamy cheese mixture into a small baking dish (about 8x8 inches or similar size). Use a spatula to smooth the top and create an even layer. You want every inch of this dip to bake to perfection.
Prepare the Topping: In a separate bowl, combine your diced tomatoes, fresh basil (if you're using it), and olive oil. Stir gently to combine the ingredients and season with salt and pepper to taste. This fresh tomato topping will add a burst of color and flavor to your dip!
Top the Dip: Spoon the tomato mixture evenly over the cheese mixture in your baking dish. The vibrant tomatoes and fresh basil will add a beautiful touch to the dip’s creamy base.
Bake: Now it’s time to bake! Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the dip is bubbly and golden on top. You'll know it’s ready when it’s got a lovely golden-brown crust and is bubbling with cheesy goodness.
Prepare the Crackers: While the dip is baking, take the opportunity to prepare your crackers. You can arrange them on a serving plate or bowl, and for extra crunch, try warming them in the oven for a couple of minutes. It will elevate their crispiness, making them the perfect companion for the dip.
Serve: Once the dip is out of the oven, let it cool for a minute or two. Serve it warm alongside your crackers for dipping. The combination of creamy goat cheese, fresh tomatoes, and crispy crackers is pure magic.
Enjoy! That’s it – your Baked Goat Cheese Bruschetta Dip with Crackers is ready to be devoured! It’s rich, creamy, and just the right amount of savory with the freshness of the tomatoes.