Zesty Mediterranean Goat Cheese Spread

Zesty Mediterranean Goat Cheese Spread. Trader Joe’s used to carry a wonderful layered pesto sun dried tomato cheese torte for spreading on crackers or baguette slices. As with many popular Trader Joe’s items, that beloved Mediterranean torte has vanished. I decided to recreate my own but minus the layers and the pesto.

Everyone is well-acquainted with the usual party foods including soft cheese spreads. My Zesty Mediterranean Goat Cheese Spread is a suitable party buffet food as well. Additionally, you can serve it as an appetizer or along with drinks before dinner. You can make a big batch of this spread and freeze for later use. Just thaw it out and whisk until smooth.

The base of my Zesty Mediterranean Goat Cheese spread starts with softened goat cheese and softened cream cheese. Whipped cream cheese is mixed in to lighten the mixture. Shredded Parmesan adds some nutty richness. I also like to mix in a nice sun dried tomato spread from Cucina and Amore to flavor the cheese spread. Basil, oregano and parsley add to the zesty spice. Minced fresh garlic and lemon zest add even more flavor.

How to make my My Zesty Mediterranean Goat Cheese Spread? Just combine softened goat cheese, cream cheese (the block kind), and whipped cream cheese. Stir in some shredded Parmesan and chopped sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil. Mix until combined. Then mix in some fresh minced basil and Italian parsley leaves, some dried or fresh oregano, a minced garlic clove, some grated lemon zest, and a generous pinch of salt. Thin the mixture with some plain yogurt if you like a more spreadable consistency. Serve at room temperature or refrigerate for an hour.

Offer with toasted baguette slices or your favorite crackers.

Enjoy!!

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From the kitchen of A Food Lover’s Delight….

Zesty Mediterranean Goat Cheese Spread

Ingredients:

8 oz goat cheese, softened
4 oz cream cheese, softened
4 oz whipped cream cheese
2 T shredded Parmesan cheese
3 T sun dried tomato spread
1 T minced fresh basil leaves
1 T minced fresh Italian parsley leaves
1 t dried oregano
1 garlic clove, minced
2 t grated lemon zest
1/2 t salt
2 T plain yogurt, if needed, to thin

Method:

1. In a non-metallic bowl, combine the softened goat cheese, softened cream cheese, and whipped cream cheese. I usually use a whisk or a fork to combine the cheeses.
2. Stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese and the sun dried tomato spread.
3. Add the minced basil, parsley, oregano, garlic, lemon zest, and salt and stir until combined.
4. If the mixture is not spreadable enough, add the yogurt in small amounts until you are satisfied with the consistency of the spread.
5. Serve at room temperature or refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Makes about 2 cups. Serve with toasted baguette slices, crackers, crudites, and/or breadsticks.

Variations: Add some chopped black or Kalamata olives for a different taste. Use as a sandwich spread — especially good on roast turkey and Havarti sandwiches. Drizzle the spread with some homemade pesto for some extra pizzazz. You could use a food processor but I find that hand-mixing will result in a nicer spread.

Order my favorite sun dried tomato spread from Amazon:

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