Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 heads garlic
- 4 teaspoons olive oil, divided
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Fresh cracked pepper, to taste
- 10 oz. goat cheese, room temperature
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons whole milk
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
- 1/2 cup grape tomatoes
- Sliced French bread or crostini for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare garlic: Heat your oven to 400°F. Slice the top off each garlic head to expose the cloves. Drizzle 1 teaspoon of olive oil over the cut side and season generously with kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper.
- Roast garlic: Place the garlic heads cut side down on a baking sheet. Roast for about 30 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and caramelized. Remove from oven and allow to cool enough to handle safely.
- Lower oven temperature and prepare cheese mixture: Reduce oven temperature to 350°F. In a medium bowl, combine the softened goat cheese, shredded Parmesan, whole milk, and fresh thyme leaves.
- Incorporate roasted garlic: Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins directly into the bowl with the cheese mixture. Stir thoroughly to blend all ingredients evenly. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Prepare baking dish: Lightly oil a small baking dish with 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Spread the goat cheese mixture evenly in the dish.
- Add tomatoes and finish seasoning: Top the cheese mixture with halved grape tomatoes. Drizzle the remaining 1 teaspoon of olive oil over the tomatoes and season again with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Bake and broil: Bake the dip for 20 minutes until warmed through. For a golden-brown top, broil the dip for 1 to 2 minutes carefully watching to avoid burning.
- Garnish and serve: Once broiled, drizzle a little extra olive oil and sprinkle fresh thyme over the dip if desired. Serve warm alongside sliced French bread or crostini and crackers for dipping.
Notes
- Roasted garlic becomes sweet and creamy, which balances the tangy goat cheese perfectly.
- If you prefer a smoother dip, you can mash the roasted garlic cloves before mixing into the cheese.
- This dip can be made a few hours ahead and reheated before serving.
- Use fresh thyme for the best flavor, but dried thyme can substitute in a pinch.
- Ensure goat cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing and creamier texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
