Recipe: Baked Goat Cheese Dip with Salsa, Jalapeno, and Cilantro

Happy Friday!

As the weekend quickly approaches, I wanted to share one of my new favorite recipes. It is perfect for serving at a party, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy this on a night in with your significant other. I totally would.

I’m talking about a baked goat cheese dip with salsa, jalapeno, and cilantro. I’m drooling just thinking about it.

What I love about this dip is that it is VERY simple to make, but the flavor packs an enormous punch. The steps can be completed in a flash: all you have to do is spread the cheese mixture on the bottom of a pie plate, leaving a ring of space clear around the rim…then you fill in that ring with salsa/tomatoes/jalapenos:

There’s the rich and creamy texture and a tangy flavor with the goat cheese…contrasted by the fresh tomato flavor of the salsa and cilantro. The first time I made it, the dip was consumed within minutes. Addicting. Make it…now. Trust me, it’ll be amazing.

***adapted from Salsas That Cook***

Recipe: Baked Goat Cheese Dip with Salsa, Jalapeno, and Cilantro

 

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Author: Katie Compton

Ingredients

• 4 oz goat cheese, softened
• 3 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1.5 cups salsa (if you're buying a jar, I suggest Pace's Pico de Gallo)
• 10-15 cherry tomatoes, quartered (optional)
• 1 small jalapeno, diced (optional)
• 1 cup fresh cilantro, coarsely chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. In a bowl, mix together the softened goat cheese and cream cheese until combined. Spread the mixture on the bottom of a pie plate (or other small baking dish), leaving a ring of empty space around the edge (about 2 inches wide).
3. Pour the salsa in the ring of empty space around the goat cheese mixture. Add the chopped cherry tomatoes and diced jalapenos (if desired) on top.
4. Place in the oven and bake until heated through; about 15 minutes.
5. When dip is removed from the oven, sprinkle the chopped cilantro on top. Serve with tortilla chips.

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Honestly, this dip is such a favorite in our household. I love that you can really punch it up if you want: you can make fresh salsa instead of store bought (Pioneer Woman’s Restaurant Style Salsa is my #1 favorite), and the addition of fresh cherry tomatoes and jalapeno really kick it up a notch. However, using store bought salsa doesn’t take away from the recipe, and while the cherry tomatoes/jalapeno are wonderful, they are not 100% necessary. I just like them.

Do you have a favorite dip recipe?