I'd say this is one of the most perfect American appetizers for a group: warm and creamy, full of flavor, easy and spreadable. Toasted pita triangles and crisp toasts are my favorite choices to offer guests to slather this rich mixture on. No matter what you select, you'll probably find this recipe as versatile as I do.
Ingredients
Serves 4 to 6 as a nibble with tortilla chips, pita triangles, crackers or crispy toasts
Step 1
1. Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Spread out the nuts on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven until lightly browned and very fragrant, 7 or 8 minutes (the pine nuts will brown quicker than either of the others). Remove and slide them off into a medium-size bowl.
Step 2
2. Add the cheeses to the bowl and combine thoroughly with the nuts. Scoop it in the center of a baking dish (I like to use a decorative 9-inch pie pan) and form it into a 5-inch-diameter disk. Spoon the salsa over and around the cheese. Place the dish in the oven and bake until heated through, 10 to 15 minutes. Sprinkle on the cilantro and set it out for your guests to enjoy as a dip or a spread.
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Reviews (94)
Back to TopThis appetizer was the perfect Super Bowl dip, but would be right at home before a more refined meal also. I used a jar of Paul Newman's salsa with pineapple (Medium), and added about a third cup additional crushed pineapple. It was great with chips during the game, but I ate it all week with Triscuits, and reheated in the microwave--just like new. This is fantastic dip, and the pine nuts make it!
DeweyDecimalDog
Boston, MA
2/19/2022
Great appetizer and easy to make. I used my own roasted pepper salsa, but it was delicious and was completely gone after the party I brought it to.
flowerz
Lafayette, LA
2/8/2014
Who doesn't enjoy a big pot of melted cheese? The flavors in this dish aren't going to blow anyone away, but it always vanishes quickly at parties anyway. It's fast, easy, and cheap, and I imagine it's going to become one of my party staples.
MissHolidayGolightly
Tulsa
5/27/2012
One of my favorite recipes for last-minute entertaining -- or anytime you want something delicious, fast! See my comments and photos here: http://www.20somethingcupcakes.com/2011/11/super-easy-baked-salsa-goat-cheese/
QuarterLifeGirl
South Florida
11/14/2011
Delicious, quick and easy! Because I made it for a Halloween party, I used dry roasted pepitas in place of the nuts, and it was fantastic. I made a large batch(10.5 oz goat cheese to 8oz cream cheese) for 6 people, and there wasn't any left over. And of those 6 people, 2 don't usually like goat cheese, but they loved this. I think I'll be making this for parties and potlucks often!
Anonymous
Haddonfield, IL
10/25/2011
Used good quality store-bought salsa, and it was so delicious and easy. Would recommend it to anyone.
Anonymous
Tulsa, OK
7/1/2011
I was skeptical about this. I used fresh but store bought salsa. It was a hit! Gave it 4 forks because it was so incredibly easy and tasty.
midwestcook
5/14/2011
Made this last Friday for book club, and everyone loved it! I didn't have time to make the salsa to used fresh-store bought and it still turned out great. Will try the home-made salsa next time.
kangov
winter park, fl
5/11/2011
I made this last night for a dinner party and everyone loved it. It was so easy!
dawnu
Lancaster, PA
1/24/2011
Let's see... epicurious tells me I added this to my recipe box in January 2007. I can guarantee I've made this for 70-80% of every social function I've been to since then. So simple (I just buy whatever salsa strikes my fancy) and everyone loves it. Everytime.
merrittduncan
st louis
12/13/2010
I'd give this four forks just on taste alone, but when you consider how easy it is, it's a no-brainer. I use Frontera chipotle or guajillo salsa to save time. Every single time I serve it people rave about it like crazy. I'm always forwarding the recipe link to my friends after a party.
mfoarde
Minneapolis, MN
5/3/2010
I brought this to a superbowl party last year and everyone raved. It's really yummy exactly as is. I think the salsa is terrific. And it's easy and travelled well. I, too, roasted all the veggies at once, removing as they were done.
kdsullivan
Tucson, AZ
12/8/2009
超级简单,超级好吃。吨的伟大的评论和it takes limited recipes and time.
cjmandel
8/20/2009
I'm a HUGE Rick Bayless fan, and buy his bottled Frontera salsas at Whole Foods on a regular basis. I thought this was quite good - simple as can be too. I swear, though, that it called for pepitas, and I recall that I used more than the recipe called for.
Anonymous
boston, ma
7/26/2009
I have made this salsa/goats cheese dip several times and it has been a hit every time! Highly recommended.
CCSchade
London, UK
7/20/2009
