Imagine a creamy, tantalizing appetizer that transports you straight to the sun-drenched coastlines of the Mediterranean with just one bite. This Marinated Goat Cheese Spread is not just a recipe; it's a culinary journey that promises to elevate your appetizer game from ordinary to extraordinary. Packed with aromatic herbs, a hint of spice, and the luxurious richness of goat cheese, this dish is guaranteed to be the star of any gathering, leaving your guests craving more and wondering about your secret cooking skills.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces goat cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Start by gathering all your ingredients: 8 ounces of goat cheese, 1/4 cup of olive oil, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves, 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh rosemary, 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, crumble the goat cheese into small pieces using a fork or your hands. This will help it mix more easily with the other ingredients.
- In a separate small bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, fresh thyme, chopped rosemary, and red pepper flakes. Stir the mixture well to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Pour the olive oil mixture over the crumbled goat cheese. Using a spatula or a wooden spoon, gently fold the ingredients together until the goat cheese is well coated with the marinade.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a small pinch of each and adjust according to your preference.
- Once everything is well combined, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the mixture to an airtight container. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. However, you can serve it immediately if you're short on time.
- Before serving, give the spread a good stir. Transfer it to a serving dish or a small bowl. You can drizzle a little extra olive oil on top for added flavor and presentation.
- Serve the marinated goat cheese spread with an assortment of crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetables for dipping. Enjoy your delicious Mediterranean-inspired appetizer!
Tips
- Use high-quality, fresh goat cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Allow the cheese to come to room temperature before marinating to help it absorb the herbs and oil more effectively.
- For an extra flavor boost, toast your herbs lightly before adding them to the marinade.
- If you prefer a smoother spread, you can blend the ingredients instead of folding them together.
- Experiment with additional herbs like oregano or basil to customize the flavor profile.
- The spread can be made a day in advance, which allows the flavors to develop even more intensely.
- For a more elegant presentation, garnish with fresh herb sprigs or a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 160kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 25mg
