Baked Goat Cheese a la Toscana
This is a rich and comforting appetizer that pairs creamy goat cheese with savory tomato sauce and fragrant herbs, all baked to bubbly perfection. Whether you're savoring the last of summer's tomatoes or cozied up for fall, this dish is always a crowd-pleaser. Serve it with crusty bread or crackers for a simple yet elegant treat. Perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to festive parties!
Equipment
- 8" Cast Iron Skillet
Ingredients
Baked Goat Cheese
- 3 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil plus extra for drizzling
- 1 onion chopped, fine
- ¾ teaspoon table salt
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon italian seasonings
- 2 teaspoons Trader Joes Soffritto seasoning blend optional
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (8-to 10-ounce) log goat cheese softened
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil coarsely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Bertolli balsamic glaze
Instructions
Baked Goat Cheese
- Heat oil in medium saucepan over medium heat until shimmering. Add onion and salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, about 10 minutes. Add garlic, Italian seasonings, soffritos, pepper flakes, and pepper and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add tomatoes and sugar, bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes. Season with salt to taste.
- Adjust oven rack 6 inches from broiler element and heat broiler. Place goat cheese between 2 sheets of plastic wrap. Flatten goat cheese into 1-inch-thick disk, 3 to 4 inches in diameter, cupping your hands around outside of disk as needed to make compact shape.
- Transfer tomato sauce to shallow 2 quart broiler safe dish. Place goat cheese in center. Broil until goat cheese is well browned, about 10 minutes. Sprinkle basil and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
Notes
If you can find only small logs of goat cheese (around 4 ounces), you can press two smaller logs together.