Roasted Garlic and Goat Cheese Spread

Why You'll Love It

• Three ingredients! So it's not overly complicated.
• Easy to double or triple! Especially if you make the roasted garlic in bulk, which I think you should, this is so easy to double or triple.
• Multiple uses! It can be used as a spread on sandwiches, dips for veggies, or can be shaped into a cheese ball. I highly recommend using it for my Roasted Red Pepper and Goat Cheese Sandwich.

Why This is Good for a Group

This is ideal for a group because it can be made in large quantities, especially if you buy the goat cheese from Costco and have pre-roasted garlic in your freezer, and it comes together super quickly, so you can make it if you're in a last-minute rush.

Here's one downside - garlic breath. So maybe don't serve it at a speed-dating event. (Do those still happen?)

Ingredients

• Goat Cheese - You'll need a larger-sized log of goat cheese, so I recommend Costco. My second pick is Trader Joe's, and after that, any main grocery store. 
• Roasted Garlic - I try to always have roasted garlic on hand. I buy pre-peeled garlic from Costco and roast it a pound or two at a time, then freeze it in smaller portions. For this recipe, you'll need about ¼ cup of roasted garlic, which is equal to 2 bulbs of roasted garlic.
• Ranch Seasoning - Using ranch seasoning, whether store-bought, or homemade, will add all the herbs, spices, and salt you need. Using a pre-made spice blend is part of what makes this spread come together so fast.

See recipe card for quantities.

Substitutions / Variations

You can make your own Ranch Seasoning mix if you don't want to use a pre-made or store-bought ranch seasoning mix. I personally like the recipe that Becca has on her site, Fork in the Kitchen: DIY Dry Ranch Seasoning Mix.

If you use a homemade ranch seasoning mix that is dairy-free (so, one that does not have buttermilk), the recipe is dairy-free due to using goat cheese.

Dip Variation:

If you want this to be more of a dip, mix in 2-3 tablespoons of milk. Add milk one tablespoon at a time if you want it to be a thinner consistency.

Cheese Ball Variation:

If you want to turn this into a large cheese ball, make the spread and then chill it. Once chilled, shape it into a ball and roll in freshly chopped herbs, such as parsley. Or if you want to be really decadent, roll it in crushed bacon bits.

Mini Goat Cheese Bites Variation:

Instead of making one large cheese ball, make 2 dozen or so small balls, and roll them in freshly chopped herbs. Use a melon baller or a small cookie scoop to make the smaller balls. Another way to form even cheese balls is to roll out the chilled goat cheese mixture into a log and cut equal sections. Then roll those sections into balls.

A note on cookie scoops. I prefer the Vollrath brand because it has a gear rather than a spring and a full-hand grip squeeze. Being able to use your whole hand to squeeze reduces fatigue in your thumb.

Advance Preparation / Storage

Advance Preparation - Making this ahead of time is recommended and does help the flavors marry. It can be made 5 days in advance if it's stored in an air-tight container in the fridge.

Storage - Once made, serve immediately or store in the fridge.

Equipment

An electric hand mixer isn't crucial but preferred. Why? Even distribution of the ingredients can happen in a matter of seconds and with very little effort from you.

Likewise, if you're turning this into a cheese ball or individual goat cheese bites, a cookie scoop can be helpful to make even sizes.

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