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Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Goat Cheese Spread with Fresh Basil and Balsamic Drizzle
Fresh cherry tomatoes and tangy goat cheese pair brilliantly with sweet balsamic vinegar to make this simple and beautiful spread. It's perfect for any time of the year!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings 4 - 6
Ingredients
- 2½ - 3 cups cherry tomatoes about 1 pound
- 3 tablespoons good quality olive oil
- 10 ounces goat cheese slightly softened
- ¼ cup good quality balsamic vinegar – or more/less to taste
- 10 - 15 fresh basil leaves
- You’ll need:
- 1 rimmed sheet pan
- aluminum foil optional
- a 6.5 x 9” casserole/serving dish – or similar
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Toss whole cherry tomatoes with 3 tablespoons of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and fresh ground pepper. Line a rimmed sheet pan with foil (optional). Spread the seasoned tomatoes on the sheet pan, and roast for 45 minutes. Carefully remove the hot pan from the oven after 45 minutes to check doneness – tomatoes should just about be at the bursting point. Place them back in the oven for another 15 minutes. Remove pan again, toss, and this time carefully press down on the tomatoes with a spatula to smash them. Toss again to combine tomato juices with oil and seasoning, and place the pan back in the oven. Repeat roasting and tossing until (1) all of the tomatoes burst easily, and (2) the tomato juices reduce and reach a thick, syrup-like consistency. Allow to cool before spreading tomatoes on top of goat cheese.
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Spread goat cheese on the bottom of the casserole dish, and spoon the tomatoes evenly over the top. Drizzle with balsamic, and garnish with basil. Serve with grilled or toasted baguette or your favorite crackers.
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Best served at room temperature. See notes below for more serving information.
Recipe Notes
*Making this ahead? Roast the tomatoes and allow them to cool completely; place in small covered bowl and refrigerate until needed. Spread the goat cheese in your serving dish, cover and refrigerate until needed. Just before serving: Allow roasted tomatoes and goat cheese to come to room temperature. Spread the tomatoes on top of the goat cheese, drizzle with balsamic, and garnish with plenty of fresh basil.
*Basil is a must with this dish, so make sure to serve with plenty of it! The delicate leaves bruise quickly, so it’s best to use whole leaves or tear/chop/chiffonade just before serving.