Description
This creamy and flavorful Roasted Red Pepper & Goat Cheese Dip is a crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for any gathering. It’s easy to make and bursting with Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large red bell peppers
- 8 oz goat cheese, softened
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Crusty bread, crackers, or vegetable sticks, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the red bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Place them cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Roast the peppers for 20-25 minutes, or until the skins are blistered and charred.
- Remove the peppers from the oven and immediately place them in a bowl, covering tightly with plastic wrap. Let them steam for 10-15 minutes. This will make them easier to peel.
- Once cooled enough to handle, peel the skins off the peppers.
- In a food processor, combine the roasted red peppers, softened goat cheese, softened cream cheese, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and smoked paprika.
- Process until smooth and creamy. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a tablespoon of water or more olive oil until the desired consistency is reached.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Transfer the dip to a serving bowl. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
- Serve warm or at room temperature with crusty bread, crackers, or your favorite vegetable sticks.
Notes
- For an extra smoky flavor, you can char the red peppers directly over a gas flame or under a broiler before roasting.
- If you don’t have a food processor, you can finely chop the roasted peppers and mash everything together with a fork or potato masher, though the texture will be chunkier.
- This dip can be made ahead of time and refrigerated. Gently reheat before serving if desired.
- Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dip
- Method: Roasting, Blending
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
