GOAT CHEESE SPREAD IN ROASTED PEPPER CUPS

Goat Cheese Spread in Roasted Pepper Cups image

I had a similar dish in a restaurant in Seattle, and when I returned home I just had to try my hand at making it. This is the fantastic result. I've taken it to work for parties and my boss once commented, "It's so good, it must be illegal."-Jenny Rodriquez, Pasco, Washington

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h5m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 18

Ingredients

4 medium sweet red peppers
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 medium onion, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
8 ounces fresh goat cheese, softened
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 to 3 medium tomatoes, seeded and finely chopped
2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
HERBED GARLIC TOASTS:
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
2 garlic cloves, minced
24 slices French bread baguette (1/4 inch thick)

Steps:

Remove tops and seeds from peppers; rub peppers with 1 tablespoon oil. Place in an ungreased 8-in. square baking dish. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 15-20 minutes. Remove from oven; turn peppers upside down in baking dish to drain., In a small skillet, saute onion in remaining oil until tender. Add garlic: cook 1 minute longer. Transfer to a large bowl. Stir in the cheeses, tomatoes, cilantro, parsley, pepper sauce, salt and pepper. Spoon into pepper cups; return to baking dish., Bake, uncovered, at 350° until heated through, 25-30 minutes., Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the butter, parsley and garlic; spread over baguette slices. Place on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake until lightly browned, 10-12 minutes. Serve with cheese spread.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 445 calories, Fat 35g fat (19g saturated fat), Cholesterol 89mg cholesterol, Sodium 583mg sodium, Carbohydrate 23g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 12g protein.