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Baked Goat Cheese Bites with Fire-Roasted Sauce Recipe

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4.2 from 8 reviews

These baked goat cheese bites are a delicious appetizer featuring creamy goat cheese coated in a crunchy pistachio and panko crust, served with a flavorful fire roasted red pepper and tomato sauce. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, they offer a perfect balance of textures and smoky, savory flavors.

  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Goat Cheese Bites

  • 1/4 cup pistachios
  • 1/4 cup Panko bread crumbs
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder (divided)
  • 1/2 tsp oregano (divided)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 4 ounces plain goat cheese
  • 1 egg
  • Baking spray

Fire Roasted Sauce

  • 1/4 cup coarsely chopped fire roasted red peppers (e.g. from jarred variety)
  • 1/4 cup fire roasted tomatoes
  • 1 clove garlic (roughly chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon pistachio/panko mixture (reserved from above)
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pistachio Mixture: Pulse pistachios in a food processor until finely ground. In a large bowl, combine ground pistachios, panko crumbs, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Egg Mixture: In another bowl, whisk together the egg with remaining 1/4 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Keep near the pistachio mixture.
  3. Form Goat Cheese Bites: Cut goat cheese into 1/2 ounce pieces and roll each into a ball. Dip each ball into the egg mixture, then coat evenly with the pistachio mixture, pressing gently to adhere the crust.
  4. Freeze the Coated Bites: Place coated goat cheese balls on parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 30 minutes to firm up the coating.
  5. Make Fire Roasted Sauce: While bites freeze, blend fire roasted red peppers, tomatoes, garlic, reserved pistachio/panko mixture, olive oil, salt, and pepper in the food processor until smooth and creamy.
  6. Heat the Sauce: Transfer sauce to a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir and bring to a light simmer, then reduce to low heat to keep warm for about 15 minutes.
  7. Preheat the Oven: Set oven to 400°F (200°C).
  8. Bake the Goat Cheese Bites: Spray frozen goat cheese balls lightly with baking spray. Bake on the parchment-lined sheet for 6-8 minutes until golden and warmed through.
  9. Serve: Arrange the baked goat cheese bites on a platter with toothpicks for easy handling. Serve alongside the warm fire roasted sauce and optional grilled baguette slices for dipping.

Notes

  • Freezing the coated goat cheese bites before baking helps maintain their shape and crispy coating.
  • Use jarred fire roasted red peppers and tomatoes for convenience and consistent smoky flavor.
  • The sauce can be kept warm on low heat but should not be boiled to preserve freshness.
  • Optional toasted baguette slices create a great vehicle for serving alongside the bites.
  • Ensure even coating of the pistachio mixture for optimal crunchiness.

Find it online: https://cheftinaskitchen.com/baked-goat-cheese-bites-with-fire-roasted-sauce-recipe/