Baked Goat Cheese Caprese Salad

Fresh goat cheese is baked in individual ramekins and topped with cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced fresh basil leaves, a splash of olive oil, and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper and cayenne for a warm appetizer to serve with crostini, crackers, or toast.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 15 mins
• Total Time: 30 mins
• Calories: 178 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 3 tablespoons basil chiffonade (thinly sliced fresh basil leaves), divided
• 1 (4 ounce) log of fresh goat cheese, halved
• 16 cherry tomatoes, cut in half on the diagonal

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

Step 2

Drizzle about 1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil into the bottom of each 6-ounce ramekin and sprinkle about 1 tablespoon basil per ramekin over the oil. Place 1 goat cheese piece over the basil in each ramekin; surround with sliced cherry tomatoes. Top with cracked black pepper and cayenne. Spread 1 1/2 teaspoon of the remaining basil on top of each portion, place ramekins on a baking sheet, and drizzle each serving with 1 1/2 teaspoons more olive oil.

Step 3

Bake in the preheated oven until bubbling, about 15 minutes. Serve warm.