Dessert

Whipped Goat Cheese Dip with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Garlic Chips Recipe

ByElara Stone January 9, 2026January 9, 2026

Introduction

This whipped goat cheese dip combines creamy, tangy cheese with sweet and savory roasted tomatoes and shallots. Enhanced with garlic chips, fresh basil, and a touch of honey, it’s a perfect appetizer or snack that’s full of flavor and easy to prepare.

A white bowl holds a dish with three main layers: the bottom layer is a thick, creamy white base that looks soft and smooth, the middle layer features cooked, bright red cherry tomatoes mixed with translucent cooked onions, and the top layer is scattered with thin, golden-brown toasted garlic slices and a few small, fresh green basil leaves. The dish is finished with a drizzle of golden oil around the edge. In the background, there are round toasted bread rounds and some fresh green basil on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 oz goat cheese
4 oz cream cheese
1 pint cherry tomatoes
5 cloves garlic
2 shallots, sliced
1/4 cup olive oil (or enough to cover about 1 inch of your pan)
Crushed red peppers, to taste
Basil, to taste
Honey, for drizzling
Lemon zest
Flaky salt

Instructions

Step 1: Slice the garlic very thin. Preheat a pan with olive oil over medium heat for 1 minute. Add the garlic slices and reduce the heat to medium-low. Fry until garlic turns a pale golden color, being careful not to let it burn to avoid bitterness.
Step 2: Poke a small hole in each cherry tomato to prevent them from bursting painfully in your mouth.
Step 3: Remove the garlic chips from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain. In the same oil, add the sliced shallots and tomatoes. Cook on low heat for about 10 minutes, until everything is soft and melty.
Step 4: Whip the goat cheese and cream cheese together with a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Spread the whipped cheese on a serving plate. Top with the tomato and shallot mixture, garlic chips, a drizzle of honey, fresh basil leaves, lemon zest, flaky salt, and crushed red peppers to taste.

Tips & Variations

For an extra layer of flavor, add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the tomatoes and shallots while cooking.
Use fresh herbs like thyme or oregano if basil isn’t available.
Serve with toasted baguette slices or crisp crackers for a delightful contrast in texture.

Storage

Store any leftover whipped goat cheese dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The tomato and shallot topping is best added fresh before serving. Reheat toppings gently in a pan over low heat if needed, but avoid microwaving the cheese base to maintain its creamy texture.

How to Serve

A white bowl holds a dish with three main layers: the bottom layer is soft white creamy cheese spread evenly, the middle layer consists of sautéed translucent onions and shiny red roasted cherry tomatoes, and the top layer is decorated with golden-brown thin garlic slices and small bright green basil leaves scattered around. There is a drizzle of golden oil over the whole dish, creating a slightly glossy texture. In the background, to the upper left, there are some round toasted bread slices on a white marbled texture surface with a few green basil leaves blurred behind them. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the whipped goat cheese ahead of time?

Yes, you can whip the goat and cream cheese together up to a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Add the warm tomato topping and garnishes just before serving for the best flavor and texture.

What can I substitute for goat cheese if I don’t have any?

Soft ricotta or cream cheese alone can work as a milder alternative, though the tanginess of goat cheese is a key flavor element. Mixing cream cheese with a bit of feta can also provide a similar tangy profile.