Salsa Baked Goat Cheese
When I was in fourth grade, me and my friends called ourselves the Cheesitarians because we loved cheese so much. And there you have it. I just gave you a window into my very weird mind. You’re welcome.
Whether we were weird little kids or not, we were kind of onto something. I mean, what’s not to love about cheese? Answer: nothing.
In fact, I think I owe my pure and undying love for cheese to this very recipe that introduced me to cheese on a whole new level. Enter, goat cheese which was my gateway into the world of “fancy” cheeses, or really just any cheese that’s not cheddar. No offense, cheddar. There’s just a time and a place, OK!
My mom would make this recipe growing up and it became a constant request. Creamy, fresh and zesty, this salsa baked goat cheese is the perfect, cheese-lovers snack. But not only is it insanely tasty and downright addictive, it’s a “lazy” recipe, which are truly the best recipes in my opinion. Using store-bought salsa of your choice and just three other ingredients, this recipe comes together in absolutely no time. If you can get your hands on a fruity salsa, like the pineapple salsa I used from our local market, it just brings out the creamy goat cheese in a whole new way!
Next time you’re craving cheese (so, like now) you best be whipping up this crowd-pleasing snack. Serve with the cheese-dipping vehicle of your choice, like blue-corn chips or a crusty baguette along with a glass of rosé for the perfect summer-time app.
Salsa Baked Goat Cheese
Ingredients
12 oz goat cheese, softened
8 oz cream cheese, softened
2/3 cup pine nuts
12 oz your favorite salsa - highly recommend something fruity, like a pineapple salsa!
1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Toast nuts on a baking sheet 7-8 minutes while oven heats. You will know when they’re done if you can smell them!
Meanwhile, combine cheeses in a medium bowl. Add toasted pine nuts and mix until well combined. Form into a 1/2 inch disk in a pie plate. Spoon salsa over and around. Bake 15-20 minutes. Sprinkle with cilantro and serve with tortilla chips and/or baguette.
