Tomato-Goat Cheese Spread: A Creamy and Tangy Appetizer

Tomato-Goat Cheese Spread is a creamy, tangy, and savory appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. This simple yet flavorful spread combines the rich creaminess of fresh goat cheese with the sun-dried tomatoes’ sweet and tangy punch. Whether served with crackers or fresh bread, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s both easy to make and delicious. The addition of garlic and parsley brings a delightful fresh touch that enhances the overall flavor.

In this article, we’ll show you how to prepare this mouthwatering spread, explore some advanced techniques, offer tips for storage, and provide dietary adaptations to suit any preference. By the end, you’ll be able to make the perfect Tomato-Goat Cheese Spread to impress your guests.

For more tasty spread ideas, check out these easy cheese spreads or these Mediterranean dip recipes.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

This Tomato-Goat Cheese Spread is perfect for entertaining or as a quick and flavorful snack. It’s incredibly simple to make but full of rich, savory flavors.

Tomato-Goat Cheese Spread Recipe: Creamy, Savory, and Tangy

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• Author: Jennifer Mitchell
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Tomato-Goat Cheese Spread is a rich, creamy, and tangy appetizer perfect for any occasion. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, fresh goat cheese, and garlic creates a flavorful spread that pairs wonderfully with an array of crackers. Garnished with fresh parsley, it’s an easy and delicious starter for parties or casual gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 jar (8-1/2 ounces) julienned oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 log (11 ounces) fresh goat cheese
• Minced fresh parsley (optional)
• Assorted crackers

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Instructions

1. Prepare the sun-dried tomatoes: Drain the oil from the jar of sun-dried tomatoes and reserve a little of the oil for extra flavor if desired. Chop the sun-dried tomatoes into small pieces.
2. Mix the spread: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, and fresh goat cheese. Use a fork or spoon to mash and blend the ingredients together until smooth and well combined.
3. Optional garnish: If desired, sprinkle minced fresh parsley on top of the spread for a pop of color and extra freshness.
4. Serve: Transfer the spread to a serving dish and serve with an assortment of crackers.

Notes

• If you prefer a creamier spread, you can add a small amount of the reserved oil from the sun-dried tomatoes or a bit of olive oil.
• This spread can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 2 days. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving for the best texture.
• Try pairing the spread with different types of crackers, such as whole grain, water crackers, or even sliced baguette for variety.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: None
• Category: Appetizer, Snack
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean, American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 tablespoon of spread
• Calories: 90
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: Tomato-Goat Cheese Spread

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Drain the jar of sun-dried tomatoes, reserving a bit of the oil for extra flavor if desired. Chop the tomatoes into smaller pieces if they are large, and set them aside.
2. Combine the Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the fresh goat cheese and minced garlic. Use a fork or hand mixer to mash or blend the cheese until it becomes creamy and smooth.
3. Add the Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir the chopped sun-dried tomatoes into the goat cheese mixture. Mix until the tomatoes are evenly distributed throughout the spread.
4. Season and Garnish: Taste the spread and add a pinch of salt and pepper, if necessary. If you’d like an extra burst of freshness, stir in a small amount of freshly chopped parsley.
5. Serve: Transfer the spread to a serving dish and serve with your favorite crackers or fresh bread. You can also add extra parsley as a garnish for a beautiful finishing touch.
6. Enjoy: Enjoy the creamy, tangy, and savory Tomato-Goat Cheese Spread as an appetizer or snack!

Advanced Techniques

While the basic Tomato-Goat Cheese Spread is delicious on its own, here are a few advanced techniques to elevate the flavor and presentation.

Infuse the Sun-Dried Tomatoes

For extra depth of flavor, you can infuse the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme before mixing it into the spread. Gently heat the oil with the herbs and let it cool before drizzling it into the spread. This will add a wonderful aromatic quality to the dish.

Roast the Garlic

Instead of using raw garlic, you can roast the garlic for a milder, sweeter flavor. To roast garlic, wrap a whole garlic bulb in foil and bake it at 400°F (200°C) for about 30 minutes, until soft. Squeeze out the roasted garlic cloves and add them to the goat cheese for a richer, more nuanced flavor.

Add Extra Cheese

For a more complex flavor, you can add other cheeses like cream cheese, ricotta, or even Parmesan to the spread. A small amount of cream cheese will make the spread even creamier, while Parmesan adds a salty, nutty element that complements the tanginess of the goat cheese.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

While this Tomato-Goat Cheese Spread is best enjoyed fresh, you can store any leftovers and keep them tasting great for later.

How to Store Leftovers

Store the spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days. When ready to enjoy, give it a good stir to smooth out any separation, as the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes might settle at the top.

Freezing

While this spread can be frozen, the texture might change slightly upon thawing. The goat cheese may become crumbly and lose some of its creaminess. If you want to freeze it, portion the spread into smaller containers and freeze for up to 1 month. Let it thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Make Ahead

This spread can be made ahead of time. In fact, letting it sit in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight allows the flavors to meld together even better, giving it an extra burst of flavor.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

This Tomato-Goat Cheese Spread is versatile and can be adapted to fit a variety of dietary needs.

Dairy-Free Version

For a dairy-free version, you can replace the goat cheese with a plant-based alternative like dairy-free cream cheese or cashew cheese. Many dairy-free cheeses have a similar texture and tanginess to goat cheese, making them a great substitute.

Vegan Version

To make this spread vegan, follow the dairy-free suggestion above and ensure that your crackers are vegan-friendly. Some crackers may contain dairy, so look for vegan crackers or serve with raw vegetables like carrots, cucumber, or bell peppers for dipping.

Low-Carb Version

For a low-carb version, serve the spread with fresh veggies instead of crackers. Sliced cucumber, celery sticks, or bell pepper strips are all great options to keep the dish low in carbs.

FAQs About Tomato-Goat Cheese Spread

1. Can I use dried sun-dried tomatoes instead of oil-packed ones?

Yes, you can. If you use dried sun-dried tomatoes, be sure to rehydrate them by soaking them in warm water for about 20 minutes. Once softened, chop them and mix them into the spread.

2. Can I use flavored goat cheese?

Absolutely! If you want to experiment with different flavors, you can use herbed or garlic-flavored goat cheese. Just be mindful that the flavor of the spread will change depending on the cheese you choose.

3. Can I make this spread spicy?

If you enjoy a little heat, you can add crushed red pepper flakes to the spread, or even a small amount of finely diced jalapeños or hot pepper oil for a spicy kick.

4. Can I serve this with something other than crackers?

Yes, this spread goes great with a variety of items. You can serve it with sliced baguette, crostini, or fresh vegetables like cucumber, carrots, and cherry tomatoes for dipping.

5. How can I make this spread creamier?

If you want a creamier texture, you can add a small amount of cream cheese, ricotta, or Greek yogurt. These will all help to create a richer, smoother texture.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

The Tomato-Goat Cheese Spread is a quick, easy, and flavorful appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. The creamy goat cheese paired with the tangy sun-dried tomatoes creates a balanced, delicious spread that pairs wonderfully with crackers or fresh bread. Whether you’re preparing it for a gathering or simply enjoying it as a snack, this spread will never disappoint.

With a few advanced techniques, dietary adaptations, and tips for storage, you can make this spread your own and enjoy it any time. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to indulge in this creamy, savory Tomato-Goat Cheese Spread!