Goat Cheese and Roasted Tomato Dip

Fall has arrived and I love it! I am a pretty big fan of warm weather but an even bigger fan of the crisp fall air.  My garden is still producing tomatoes, even though we are in fall. Today’s Goat Cheese and Roasted Tomato Dip is a great way to use up those garden tomatoes. This dip pairs roasted cherry tomatoes with whipped goat cheese and then warms them up until the dip is bubbling. You will love the tang of goat cheese with the savory roasted tomatoes. 

It is the perfect delicious appetizer for a crowd or a dip to serve at your next party. I also loving making this Easy Baked Feta Recipe. Your guests will love it serve with crostini, pita chips or baguette. This dip is actually one that my friends request anytime we get together so you know it must be good. You can also use this recipe for Oven Roasted Tomatoes if you want and then just pair the whipped goat cheese with it. I love to serve this with other appetizers like Marinated Tomatoes, Lebanese Hummus, Mediterranean Antipasto Skewers, Marinated Olives and this Lemon Whipped Feta Dip. 

These simple pantry staples are all you need. See the recipe card below for exact amounts and printable instructions.

• Tomatoes: I used fresh tomatoes like cherry tomatoes in this recipe but you can use any small tomato to roast like grape tomatoes. You can even chop up bigger tomatoes and roast those in place of cherry tomatoes. 
• Goat Cheese: The goat cheese is the star of this recipe. You can use a goat cheese log, pre-whipped goat cheese that some stores sell or crumbled goat cheese. I like to set my goat cheese out about 10 minutes before I whip it so it is soft goat cheese – it is easier to work with. It is whipped in a mixer with garlic and olive oil and then baked until it is warm with the roasted tomatoes. 
• Crackers or Bread: I like to serve this appetizer with crusty bread or crackers. It also is nice with pita bread, pretzels or bagel chips. 

Ways to Modify this Goat Cheese Dip

• Cheese: I love creamy goat cheese but this dip would also work nicely with feta cheese. I suggest finding crumbled feta cheese because I think it would be easier to whip than big chunks. You can use this Whipped Feta Recipe. Another option is to use cream cheese or half cream cheese and half goat cheese. 
• Vegetables: I love the roasted tomatoes with the goat cheese but you could also add other vegetables you have on hand to the roasting pan and pair that with the goat cheese. I think zucchini, red bell peppers and eggplant work nicely. I also love adding caramelized onions to this dip.
• Spices: This goat cheese dip recipe uses garlic which offers nice flavor but not too much. You could easily add other spices including za’atar, thyme, oregano, rosemary, red pepper flakes or paprika. 
• Balsamic Vinegar: f you are a fan of balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze add a drizzle to the finished dip. It is a nice savory addition. 
• Tomatoes: Some other options as far as the tomato mixture is that you could use tomato sauce in place of the roasted tomatoes. You also could use sun-dried tomatoes or Simple Marinated Tomatoes.