Oven-Baked Goat Cheese Delight (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
01 -
10 ounces goat cheese.
02 -
2 ounces cream cheese.
03 -
1 tablespoon honey (plus 2 teaspoons more for drizzling, divided).
04 -
1 small-to-medium garlic clove, cut into several pieces.
05 -
¼ teaspoon fine salt.
06 -
10 twists of freshly ground black pepper.
07 -
⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes, to taste (optional).
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit with a rack in the upper third of the oven.
02 -
Add the goat cheese, cream cheese, 1 tablespoon of the honey, garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to a food processor.
03 -
Process the mixture until it comes together completely and is lightly whipped, about 2 minutes. Pause to scrape down the sides and base of the food processor as necessary. The mixture will initially ball up but will eventually smooth out.
04 -
Taste the mixture and adjust as necessary. Add another pinch of red pepper flakes for more heat or another teaspoon or two of honey if you prefer it sweeter.
05 -
Transfer the goat cheese mixture to a small baking dish or ramekin.
06 -
Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is warmed through and slightly puffed.
07 -
Remove from the oven and drizzle with the remaining 2 teaspoons of honey.
08 -
Serve warm with a vehicle for dipping such as toasted slices of sourdough bread, crostini, toasted pita wedges, sturdy crackers (for a gluten-free option), carrots cut on the diagonal, berries, olives, or tapenade for additional flavor options.
# Notes:
01 -
Room temperature ingredients: While not necessary, it is smoother and quieter to blend the ingredients if they are at room temperature.
02 -
Gluten-free option: Serve with gluten-free bread or crackers for a gluten-free version.
03 -
Customization: Adjust the amount of honey and red pepper flakes to your taste preferences.