Randy Chandler
Cheddar and goat cheese are two distinct varieties of cheese with their own unique characteristics. While cheddar is traditionally made from cow's milk and is known for its sharp, tangy flavour, goat cheese, as the name suggests, is produced using goat's milk and offers a softer, more subtle taste. An interesting question arises: do these two cheeses complement each other, or do they clash in a culinary context? The answer may lie in the creation of a hybrid: goat cheddar. This innovative cheese combines the best of both worlds, delivering the familiar sharpness of cheddar with the subtle, creamy notes of goat cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Milk | Goat |
| Flavour | Mild, fruity, sweet, nutty, yeasty |
| Texture | Soft, creamy, pliable, semi-firm, buttery |
| Colour | White |
| Pairings | Roasted nuts (pistachios, almonds), maple syrup |
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What You'll Learn
Goat cheddar has a soft, creamy texture and a mild flavour
Goat cheddar is a unique variety of the traditional cheddar cheese, made from goat's milk instead of cow's milk. It is known for its soft, creamy texture and mild flavour, offering a pleasant, tangy twist to the classic cheddar sharpness.
Goat cheddar is a cheddar-style cheese, with a pliable, creamy body and a subtle goat milk flavour. Its texture is described as semi-firm and buttery, with a mild yeasty quality reminiscent of fresh-baked sourdough bread and fresh grass. The cheese is crafted from pasteurised goat milk, cheese cultures, vegetarian enzymes, calcium chloride, and salt.
The mild flavour of goat cheddar is a result of its youth, as younger cheddars tend to be smoother and creamier. As the cheese ages, its flavour deepens, and its texture transforms from creamy to crumbly and firm. The cheese develops a rich, nutty, and complex character with a longer ageing period.
Goat cheddar is a versatile cheese, perfect for snacking or as an ingredient. It pairs well with crackers, fruits, cherry tomatoes, grapes, and nuts. The cheese's mild flavour and creamy texture make it an excellent addition to a variety of dishes, adding a subtle tanginess to the overall taste experience.
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Goat cheddar is made from pasteurised goat's milk
Goat cheddar is a unique type of cheese with a distinct flavour and texture. It is a cheddar-style cheese made from pasteurised goat's milk, offering a different sensory experience from traditional cow's milk cheddar. This cheese variety is crafted specifically for those who enjoy the taste of goat milk and prefer a softer, creamier texture.
Goat cheddar is crafted using pasteurised goat milk, which is heated gently to 85°F while being continuously stirred. This process ensures the milk reaches the optimal temperature for cheese-making without scorching. Once the desired temperature is achieved, the heat is turned off, and a starter culture is introduced. The starter is carefully sprinkled onto the milk's surface, rehydrating before being incorporated with a cheese spoon. This step is crucial in transforming the goat milk into a delectable cheddar.
The use of pasteurised goat milk is a defining feature of this cheese. Pasteurisation is a process that involves heating the milk to a specific temperature to kill harmful bacteria and prevent spoilage. This step ensures the safety and longevity of the final product. By using pasteurised goat milk, cheesemakers can maintain the desired quality and consistency in their goat cheddar.
Goat cheddar offers a unique sensory experience. Its texture is described as soft, creamy, and pliable, differing from the firmer texture often associated with traditional cow's milk cheddar. The flavour profile of goat cheddar is equally distinctive, characterised by a mild goat milk taste that is less sharp than typical cheddars. This subtlety in flavour makes it a versatile ingredient, perfect for snacking or incorporating into various dishes.
Crafted with care and attention to detail, goat cheddar is a testament to the art of cheesemaking. Its production involves a delicate balance of ingredients, temperature control, and cultural techniques. The result is a cheese that delights the senses and offers a delightful alternative to traditional cheddars, providing a unique twist on a classic favourite.
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It pairs well with roasted nuts and sweet flavours
Goat cheddar is a unique variety of the traditional cheddar, made from goat's milk. It has a distinct flavour profile that differs from regular cow's milk cheddar. This variety is often described as having a sweeter and smoother taste, with hints of fresh yeast and grass. As the cheese ages, its flavour profile develops further, taking on nutty and fruity notes.
When it comes to pairings, goat cheddar is incredibly versatile. It pairs well with roasted nuts, particularly pistachios or marcona almonds. The combination of the creamy, nutty cheese with the crunch and flavour of roasted nuts creates a delightful contrast. To enhance the sweetness even further, a drizzle of maple syrup can be added, resulting in an unforgettable flavour combination.
The mild yeasty quality of goat cheddar also makes it a perfect match for certain breads, especially sourdough. The tanginess of sourdough bread complements the cheese's subtle yeastiness, creating a harmonious flavour profile. Additionally, the semi-firm, buttery texture of the cheese makes it ideal for melting, adding a creamy dimension to sandwiches, paninis, or grilled cheese dishes.
For those with a sweet tooth, goat cheddar can also be paired with sweeter options. Its mild and creamy nature makes it a surprisingly good companion to fresh or dried fruits. Try it with some sliced apples or pears, or even a handful of dried apricots or cranberries. The contrast between the savoury cheese and the sweetness of the fruit creates an intriguing and satisfying flavour combination.
When serving goat cheddar, consider adding some roasted nuts and dried fruits to the platter, offering a variety of textures and flavours for your guests to enjoy. For a more indulgent treat, provide a small dish of honey or maple syrup on the side for dipping. These sweet accompaniments will enhance the cheese's natural sweetness and create a truly memorable culinary experience.
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Goat cheddar has a semi-firm, buttery texture with a hint of yeast
Goat cheddar is a unique cheese variety that combines the sharpness of cheddar with the distinctive flavour of goat milk. This cheese is formulated to have a soft, creamy, and pliable body, making it a delightful choice for cheese enthusiasts. One of its standout characteristics is its semi-firm, buttery texture, which sets it apart from other cheeses. This texture not only enhances its mouthfeel but also contributes to its melt-in-your-mouth quality.
The Central Coast Creamery's Goat Cheddar, crafted by master cheesemaker Reggie Jones, is an exemplary representation of this cheese variety. Its proprietary culture blend results in a semi-firm, buttery texture that is simply irresistible. The addition of vegetarian enzymes and calcium chloride further refines the cheese's texture, creating a smooth and indulgent experience.
The subtle hint of yeast in goat cheddar is another intriguing aspect of its flavour profile. This yeasty note is often likened to fresh-baked sourdough bread, adding a depth of flavour that is both surprising and delightful. The cheese's aroma and flavour may also suggest hints of fresh grass, creating a sensory experience that evokes the imagery of a pastoral landscape.
Goat cheddar's semi-firm, buttery texture and subtle yeast flavour make it a versatile cheese in the kitchen. It can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, from a simple snack with crusty bread to shredded toppings on pastas or casseroles. Its ability to complement other ingredients makes it a welcome addition to any cheeseboard, and its sharpness pairs particularly well with a full-bodied red wine.
Overall, goat cheddar with its semi-firm, buttery texture and hint of yeast offers a delightful sensory experience that combines the best of cheddar and goat milk. Its complex yet approachable flavour, smooth texture, and versatility in culinary applications make it a cheese worth savouring and exploring in a variety of dishes.
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As it ages, it develops a rich, nutty flavour
Goat cheddar is a unique variety of the traditional cheddar cheese. It is formulated with goat's milk, resulting in a softer, creamier, and pliable body compared to conventional cheddar. As it ages, the cheese develops a rich, nutty flavour and an increasingly complex taste profile.
The ageing process is essential in enhancing the flavour and texture of goat cheddar. Over time, the cheese undergoes a transformation, moving from a fresh and fruity taste to a richer, more profound character. This evolution is part of what makes goat cheddar a fascinating and delightful cheese variety.
The ageing process in cheese is a result of the breakdown of milk proteins into smaller peptides and free amino acids by enzymes and bacteria. These amino acids contribute to the development of the nutty and sweet flavours characteristic of aged cheeses. The specific bacteria cultures and enzymes used in the cheesemaking process play a crucial role in determining the final flavour and texture of the aged cheese.
In the case of goat cheddar, the ageing process accentuates the inherent sweetness of goat's milk, resulting in a smoother and rounder flavour compared to cow's milk cheddar. The texture also becomes more creamy and buttery, contributing to a decadent mouthfeel.
The length of ageing can vary, but goat cheddar typically reaches its peak flavour and texture within a few months. Proper refrigeration is essential to ensure the cheese ages gracefully and retains its quality. Vacuum sealing, as practised by some cheesemakers, can extend the shelf life of goat cheddar to up to six months.
The rich, nutty flavour of aged goat cheddar makes it a versatile cheese for snacking, cooking, or pairing with other foods. It can be enjoyed on its own, paired with roasted nuts like pistachios or marcona almonds, or drizzled with maple syrup to amplify its sweetness. The complexity of flavours in aged goat cheddar makes it a delightful ingredient in various dishes, adding depth and intrigue to any recipe calling for cheddar cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
Goat cheddar is a type of cheese made from goat's milk that has a soft, creamy, and pliable body with a mild flavour.
Goat cheddar is sweeter and smoother than regular cow's milk cheddar. It has a mild yeasty quality that hints at fresh baked sourdough bread and fresh grass.
Goat cheddar pairs well with roasted nuts like pistachios or marcona almonds. A drizzle of maple syrup can also amp up the sweetness.
Some places that sell goat cheddar are Wisconsin Cheese Mart, Central Coast Creamery, LaClare Creamery, and Murray's Cheese.
