Roasted Garlic & Goat Cheese Dip Recipe

Prepare

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Trim the top 1/4 inch off each garlic head to expose the tops of the cloves.

Place each head on a square of foil. Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil over each head (total 2 tbs), ensuring the exposed clove tops are coated. Sprinkle 1 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper evenly between the two heads.

Seal the foil into packets and roast on a baking sheet for 35–45 minutes, until cloves are very soft and caramelized. Remove from oven and let cool about 10 minutes; then squeeze the roasted garlic cloves from their skins into a small bowl and mash into a paste.

In a medium bowl, combine 10 oz softened goat cheese and 4 oz softened cream cheese. Use a fork or electric mixer on low to smooth the cheeses until creamy.

Add the mashed roasted garlic (from Roasted Garlic section), 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream), 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon honey to the cheese mixture.

Season with 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper and 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt. Mix thoroughly until well combined and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning (more lemon for brightness, more salt if needed).

If you prefer a slightly lighter, spreadable texture, add an extra tablespoon of yogurt or up to 1 tablespoon olive oil and stir to incorporate.

Stir in 1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme (or rosemary) and 1 tablespoon chopped chives, reserving a pinch of chives for garnish.

Transfer the dip to a serving bowl. Drizzle 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil over the top and sprinkle with flaky salt (about 1/4 tsp) and the reserved chives.

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) if not still warm from roasting garlic. Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet in a single layer.

Brush both sides of each slice lightly with the 2 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle the slices with 1/4 tsp salt.

Bake for 8–10 minutes, flipping once halfway, until edges are golden and crisp. Remove from oven and, while still warm, gently rub the top of each crostini with the halved garlic clove for a subtle garlic aroma.

Let crostini cool slightly. Serve alongside the roasted garlic & goat cheese dip and garnish with additional thyme sprigs if desired.