Description
Whipped Chèvre and Caramelized Tomato Delight brings French countryside flavors to your table with silky goat cheese and richly glazed tomatoes. Mediterranean ingredients dance together, creating a luxurious starter that will transport palates to southern France’s rustic charm.
Ingredients
Scale
Caramelized Tomatoes
- 250 grams (8.8 ounces) cherry tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 pinch salt
Whipped Chèvre
- 200 grams (7.1 ounces) fresh goat cheese
- 60 grams (2.1 ounces) plain yogurt or fromage blanc
- 1 drizzle olive oil
- 1 lemon zest
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Serving
- Fresh basil
- Toasted bread
- Breadsticks
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by preheating to 356°F (180°C) using standard heat settings, ensuring an even cooking environment.
- Carefully slice cherry tomatoes in half, creating uniform pieces for consistent caramelization.
- Create a flavor base by combining halved tomatoes with extra virgin olive oil, kosher salt, and granulated sugar in a mixing bowl, gently tossing to coat each tomato piece evenly.
- Transfer the seasoned tomatoes onto a ceramic or glass baking dish, spreading them in a single layer to promote optimal roasting and caramelization.
- Roast the tomatoes in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, watching for slight browning and softening of edges, which indicates perfect caramelization.
- While tomatoes are roasting, prepare the whipped chèvre by combining fresh goat cheese, plain yogurt, high-quality olive oil, fresh lemon zest, sea salt, and cracked black pepper in a medium mixing bowl.
- Using an electric mixer or whisk, blend the cheese mixture until smooth, creamy, and light in texture, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Elegantly spread the whipped chèvre onto a serving platter, creating soft peaks and valleys for visual appeal.
- Carefully arrange the roasted caramelized tomatoes atop the whipped cheese, distributing them evenly across the surface.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves, adding a vibrant touch of color and aromatic herbaceous flavor.
- Optionally adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately alongside crusty toasted bread or refrigerate for up to 3 hours before presenting to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
Notes
- Caramelize tomatoes slowly to enhance their natural sweetness and create a rich, concentrated flavor profile.
- Whip goat cheese mixture until ultra-smooth for a luxurious, light texture that melts in your mouth.
- Room temperature ingredients guarantee easier blending and a more harmonious flavor combination.
- Fresh basil adds a vibrant, aromatic finish that complements the creamy cheese and sweet roasted tomatoes.
- Serve as an elegant appetizer or quick summer party snack that impresses with minimal effort.
- Store in refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing flavors to meld and develop more depth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg