Imagine the aroma of sweet, caramelized garlic wafting through your kitchen, mingling with the creamy richness of goat's cheese and fresh herbs. This delightful combination is not only a feast for the senses but also a simple yet elegant dish that will impress your guests and elevate any gathering. In just 50 minutes, you can create a mouthwatering appetizer that pairs perfectly with toasted bread or fresh vegetables. Ready to discover the secret to this irresistible roasted garlic with goat's cheese? Let’s dive into the recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 bulb of garlic
- 200g goat's cheese
- Olive oil
- Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). This temperature is ideal for roasting garlic, allowing it to become soft and caramelized.
- While the oven is heating, prepare the garlic. Take one bulb of garlic and slice off the top (the pointed end) to expose the individual cloves. This will help the garlic roast evenly and make it easier to squeeze out the cloves once cooked.
- Place the bulb of garlic on a piece of aluminum foil. Drizzle a generous amount of olive oil over the exposed cloves, ensuring they are well coated. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
- Wrap the garlic bulb tightly in the aluminum foil, creating a sealed pouch. This will trap the steam and help the garlic roast perfectly.
- Place the wrapped garlic in the preheated oven and roast for about 30-40 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and golden brown. Check for doneness by carefully unwrapping the foil and squeezing a clove; it should be tender and easily pop out of its skin.
- While the garlic is roasting, prepare the goat's cheese. In a small bowl, crumble the goat's cheese and mix it with a drizzle of olive oil, finely chopped fresh herbs (such as thyme and rosemary), and a pinch of salt and pepper. This will enhance the flavor of the cheese and make it creamy.
- Once the garlic is roasted, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Carefully unwrap the foil, being cautious of the hot steam. Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins and into a bowl. Mash them with a fork until smooth.
- Combine the mashed roasted garlic with the herbed goat's cheese mixture, stirring until well blended. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
- To serve, spread the roasted garlic and goat's cheese mixture on toasted bread or crackers, or serve it as a dip with fresh vegetables. Garnish with extra fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.
- Enjoy your delicious roasted garlic with goat's cheese as a flavorful appetizer or snack!
Tips
- Choosing the Right Garlic: Opt for a fresh bulb of garlic that feels firm and has no soft spots. The fresher the garlic, the better the flavor!
- Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with different herbs. While thyme and rosemary are classic choices, basil or oregano can also add a unique twist to the goat's cheese mixture.
- Perfect Roasting: To ensure even roasting, make sure the garlic bulb is tightly wrapped in foil. This will trap steam and help achieve that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Serving Suggestions: For a gourmet touch, serve the roasted garlic and goat's cheese spread with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for added flavor.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the roasted garlic in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just reheat before serving for the best taste!
- Pairing Drinks: This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine or a light-bodied red, making it a perfect addition to your next dinner party!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 35mg
