Marinara Goat Cheese Bake

Marinara Goat Cheese Bake is an easy 3 ingredient, 5 minute appetizer that looks as great as it tastes! You’ll find this delectable dish on menus at many traditional Spanish tapas restaurants, served as Queso de Cabra con Tomate.

Call it whatever you’d like, I call it delicious!  

I take the less is more approach with just about everything – even appetizers. Fortunately, that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavor or presentation. 

As a former caterer, some of my favorite appetizers take just 5 minutes or less. It doesn’t have to be difficult to be delicious! This simple Marinara and Goat Cheese Bake is the perfect example.

One of our favorite neighborhood tapas restaurants serves this dish, called queso de cabra con tomate. (Which literally translates to goat cheese with tomatoes, I believe!) Trust me when I tell you it’s delicious, no matter what language you choose to name this dish!

Just a few quality ingredients create an incredible flavor combination. It’s memorable and craveable! Creamy goat cheese pairs incredibly well with a robust red sauce with hints of garlic, onion and herbs.

And if you love entertaining in a special but oh-so-easy way, don’t miss these delicious little cheddar cheese tarts!

Queso de Cabra con Tomate

You don’t have to be a chef or skilled cook to whip up this easy goat cheese bake. It’s always a crowd pleaser and feels special. It requires just 2 ingredients and pairs well with a variety of dishes!

The one dish goat cheese dip also accommodates a variety of diets.

It is gluten free and can be served with gluten free crackers or bread. While goat cheese is not lactose free, it is easier to digest than cow’s milk because the fat molecules are shorter and the aging process reduces lactose. As the cheese ages, the lactose turns to lactic acid. 

I like to give a lot of detail in my recipe posts to guide readers through any questions. If you’re just here for the printable recipe, feel free to click “jump to recipe” right under the title of this post and you’ll head straight there! 

Goat cheese also has less calories, fat and sodium that cheeses made from cow’s milk. It’s high in protein and rich in nutrients.  

If you want to skip all of my tips and tricks, you can use the jump to recipe button. 

Marinara Goat Cheese Bake Ingredients

• Marinara – Use your favorite marinara sauce.
• Goat Cheese Log – Plain is best for this recipe. Herbed goat cheese can compete with the flavors of the marinara. Goat cheese (queso de cabra) is often tolerated by those who are lactose intolerant, making this a crowd pleasing appetizer for entertaining.
• Basil – Fresh basil makes the perfect garnish that adds wonderful flavor and color to this easy goat cheese appetizer. Optional, but recommended.

How to Make Goat Cheese Dip

1. Place your goat cheese log in a shallow baking dish.
2. Pour marinara on top or around your goat cheese log. Make your own marinara or use your favorite jarred sauce. Traditionally it’s served with marinara surrounding goat cheese, but I like to cover the goat cheese in marinara for a truly beautiful dish.
3. Microwave or bake. Completely your choice! No one will know the difference either way.
4. Garnish with fresh basil. Thin slices of basil are a beautiful addition to this simple goat cheese appetizer. Optional: Salt and pepper to taste.
5. Enjoy! Serve with your favorite breads or crackers.

Variations

• Substitute goat cheese with cream cheese.
• Drizzle a little high quality olive oil over the top.
• Add Caramelized Onions
• It’s quick and easy to make in one large dish or you can serve individual dishes by simply adding tomato sauce to a shallow bowl and topping with a slice of goat cheese. Place individual dishes on a cookie sheet for easy removal from the oven.

What to Serve Baked Goat Cheese Dip With

• Crostini (this is how queso de cabra con tomate is served at the tapas restaurants!)
• Baguette
• Pita Chips
• Crackers

Tips to Make the Best Baked Goat Cheese Appetizer

• Best served warm. 
• Goat cheese can remain at room temperature up to 2 hours, then it’s best to discard.
• Leftovers? Store in an airtight container refrigerated up to 3 days. Just warm to enjoy!

More Goat Cheese Appetizer Recipes

• Marinated Chèvre Cheese
• Whipped Goat Cheese Spread
• Pistachio Coated Chèvre Cheese
• Easy Baked Goat Cheese and Honey Appetizer
• Goat Cheese Crostini with Fig Appetizer

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