Imagine a culinary creation that transports you to the sun-drenched hills of Italy with just one bite. This Goat Cheese with Sun Dried Tomatoes and Rosemary is not just a recipe; it's a sensory journey that combines creamy, tangy, and herbaceous flavors into an irresistible appetizer. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a gourmet moment, this dish proves that sometimes the most extraordinary experiences come from the simplest ingredients.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 5 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz goat cheese
- 1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove the goat cheese from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to soften slightly, which will make it easier to mix and spread.
- While the cheese is warming, finely chop the sun-dried tomatoes into small, uniform pieces to ensure even distribution throughout the cheese.
- Strip the fresh rosemary leaves from the stems and chop them finely, releasing their aromatic oils and ensuring a consistent herb flavor.
- In a medium mixing bowl, place the softened goat cheese and gently break it up with a fork to create a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh rosemary to the goat cheese, drizzling the olive oil over the ingredients.
- Carefully fold and mix the ingredients together, ensuring the tomatoes and rosemary are evenly distributed throughout the cheese.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, mixing gently to incorporate the seasonings.
- Transfer the mixture to a serving dish, using a spatula to create an attractive, rustic presentation.
- If desired, garnish with a small sprig of fresh rosemary and a drizzle of additional olive oil before serving.
- Serve at room temperature with crusty bread, crackers, or as part of a charcuterie board.
Tips
- Temperature is key: Allow the goat cheese to soften at room temperature to ensure smooth mixing and optimal flavor melding.
- Precision in chopping: Finely chop sun-dried tomatoes and rosemary to distribute flavors evenly and create a harmonious texture.
- Quality matters: Use high-quality, fresh goat cheese and extra virgin olive oil for the most authentic and rich taste.
- Don't overwork the mixture: Fold ingredients gently to maintain the cheese's creamy texture and prevent compacting.
- Serve at the right temperature: Room temperature allows the flavors to shine and the cheese to be easily spreadable.
- Experiment with accompaniments: Try serving with different breads, crackers, or as part of a diverse charcuterie board.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 35mg
