This Marinated Goat Cheese is a quick and easy appetizer packed with fresh flavor. Creamy, tangy goat cheese is combined with olive oil, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs to create a delicious appetizer that’s perfect for parties, charcuterie boards, or enjoying with crackers and crostini.
This marinated goat cheese is a recipe I come back to again and again because it’s incredibly simple but feels special every time I make it. Whether you’re putting together a charcuterie board, hosting friends, or just looking for an easy appetizer, this recipe delivers big flavor with very little effort.
Why I LOVE this recipe!
- Simple, but delicious ingredients – This recipe calls for just a handful of ingredients, but yields the most mouthwatering appetizer.
- Easy and impressive – Just 10 minutes of prep, but a surefire way to impress your guests at your next party!
- Versatile – Serve this delicious recipe as a dip, spread on sandwiches, add to a salad…there are so many ways to enjoy this delicious Goat Cheese Appetizer!
Recipe Notes
This Marinated Goat Cheese Recipe is as simple as promised! Just 10 minutes of prep for a crowd-pleasing appetizer!
In this section I am going to go through a few tips and tricks I use for how to make this Easy Goat Cheese Appetizer to get the absolute best and most delicious results.
Make sure to scroll to the bottom for the FULL recipe card.
Ingredients + Substitutions
- Goat Cheese – I recommend a fresh log of goat cheese, rather than pre-crumbled if you can get your hands on it. That way you can crumble it yourself or cut it into slices if that’s what you prefer. Plus, the flavor and texture is just better. If all you can find is pre-crumbled, then that will work too.
- Olive Oil – Use good quality extra-virgin olive oil. It adds so much!
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes – You can use oil-packed julienned or chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
- Fresh Herbs – I love a combination of fresh basil and rosemary to really take this dish to the next level.
- Garlic – As with most recipes, but especially in one with so few ingredients, fresh is best.
Make sure to see the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full quantities and ingredients list.
Recipe Variations
If you love this recipe as much as we do and want some quick ways to change it up for variety, these little tips will do the trick!
- Add some spice – I love to add a kick of heat with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
- Make it sweeter – Offset the tanginess of the goat cheese with a drizzle of honey.
- Try other herbs – There are plenty of fresh herbs that will work in this recipe. Try it with fresh thyme, fennel seed, parsley, oregano, sage, or basil.
- Add nuts – Give your Goat Cheese Appetizer a nutty crunch with chopped pecans, pistachios, walnuts, or sliced almonds.
Recipe Step by Step
I am going to highlight a few key steps in the recipe here, but make sure to jump down to the recipe card for comprehensive instructions on how to make this Easy Goat Cheese Appetizer.
Finely chop your fresh herbs.
Slice your goat cheese log into even pieces.
Sprinkle the sun dried tomatoes evenly over the top of the goat cheese.
Top with the fresh herbs, drizzle oil over the top, then place the fresh garlic into the oil. Chill for 30 minutes, then serve and enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Use fresh ingredients – When it comes to recipes with so few ingredients, fresher is always better so you get the best possible flavor.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes – Letting the goat cheese dish chill in the fridge before serving allows the garlic and herbs to really infuse flavor into the oil. I recommend at least 30 minutes of resting time before serving.
- Remove garlic before serving – The garlic chunks are meant to add flavor to the oil. I recommend leaving them just while you’re marinating the cheese, then removing them before serving. We don’t want anyone getting a big ol’ chunk of garlic in their bite!
What to Serve with Marinated Goat Cheese
This Goat Cheese Log Appetizer is packed full of flavor, but surprisingly versatile for serving! Enjoy it as an appetizer or serve it up as part of a meal.
- Enjoy it as a dip with your favorite crackers, fresh or roasted veggies, or crostini.
- Spread it on a warm baguette slice, a chunk of crusty bread, a Tuscan Turkey Burger, or a Chicken Sandwich.
- Use it as a filling for Goat Cheese and Fig Jam Puff Pastry Bites or Spinach Bacon Quiche.
- Enjoy it as a topping for Garlic Herb Steak, Chicken Gyro Bowls, or your favorite salad.
Marinated Goat Cheese Leftovers
If you have leftovers after making this recipe, then it is your lucky day! They save well, and are delicious days after assembly.
To save leftovers, place into an airtight container and store:
- in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
Recipe FAQ’s
How do you eat marinated goat cheese?
Marinated goat cheese is typically served as an appetizer with crackers, bread, or even veggies. However, it can also be used on sandwiches or burgers, pizza, stuffed into pastry bites or sprinkled into quiche…the possibilities are endless!
More EASY Appetizer Recipes
If you enjoyed this recipe, I really hope you will take a moment to grab a few more easy recipes for another busy night!
You can check out all of my easy appetizer recipes here, or see a few of our readers favorite cheesy dip recipes below.
Marinated Goat Cheese
Ingredients
- 12 ounces goat cheese
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup oil-packed julienned sun-dried tomatoes, or chopped
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 3 cloves garlic, quartered
Instructions
- Slice or crumble the goat cheese onto a platter or shallow bowl.
- Arrange the sun-dried tomatoes over the goat cheese. Top with basil and rosemary.Drizzle olive oil over the top. Place garlic cuttings in the oil.
- Chill for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Then serve with crackers.
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