Bruschetta Topping: Warm Herbed Goat Cheese

I serve this topping family-style in a little gratin dish, and let guests spread the warm cheese on the bread themselves.

• 1/2 lb. fresh goat cheese
• 2-1/2 tsp. finely chopped fresh thyme
• 2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
• Freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 or 2 leafy sprigs thyme for garnish
• 1 recipe Basic Bruschetta for serving

Heat the oven to 350°F. Stir the goat cheese, chopped thyme, and olive oil together in a small bowl until blended. Spread the cheese mixture in a ceramic crock or small gratin dish—no need to get it perfectly even. Drizzle the cheese with a bit more olive oil and top with a few grinds of black pepper. Lay the thyme sprigs on top. Bake the cheese until it's warm and creamy, about 10 minutes.