The Best Baked Goat Cheese

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Mince the garlic . In a medium skillet, combine the olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, dried basil, dried oregano, and kosher salt . Over medium high heat, stir and sauté for around 45 seconds until the garlic sizzles but before it starts to brown. Stir in the tomatoes and heat at a gentle simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, until the sauce starts to thicken. Remove from the heat.

Pour the tomato mixture into an oven-proof baking dish (or smaller individual dishes), then add goat cheese mounds on top. Bake for 15 minutes.

If desired, broil on high for 3 to 5 minutes, watching carefully, until the goat cheese is golden brown. If desired, garnish with chopped fresh basil. Serve with crusty bread or baguette slices (or to make crostini, toast baguette slices at 375°F for 15 minutes).