Andy Montoya
Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to pizzas and sandwiches. It has a rich, tangy flavor and a creamy texture, making it a delicious addition to many recipes. While some people enjoy eating it raw, others may prefer to cook it to enhance its flavor and texture. Cooking goat cheese can involve grilling, baking, frying, or even boiling, and it can be paired with a variety of ingredients such as honey, fruits, vegetables, and meats. So, do you have to cook goat cheese? The answer is no, but cooking it can definitely elevate your dish and bring out new flavors.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Goat cheese types | Fresh, semi-aged, soft-ripened |
| Goat cheese shapes | Pyramids, bells, cylinders, wheels |
| Goat cheese flavour | Rich, tangy, creamy |
| Goat cheese uses | Salads, spreads, dips, fritters, sauces, stuffing, sprinkling, baking, frying, grilling, desserts |
| Goat cheese pairings | Beets, pears, honey, balsamic vinegar, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, strawberries, bread, crackers, eggs, chicken, pasta, rice, fruits, vegetables, meat |
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What You'll Learn
Goat cheese as a spread
Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to pizzas and sandwiches. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a spread or dip, paired with crackers, bread, or vegetables.
One popular way to enjoy goat cheese as a spread is to simply whip it with a small amount of cream to create a smooth and creamy texture. This can then be used as a base for crackers or bread, or even as a sandwich spread. To enhance the flavour, you can add various ingredients such as herbs, garlic, lemon zest, and honey. For example, dill and flat-leaf parsley are often used to add a fresh flavour to the spread, while a touch of extra virgin olive oil can be drizzled on top for added flavour and texture.
Another option is to create a goat cheese dip or spread by blending it with other ingredients. For instance, you can combine goat cheese with honey, rosemary, and black pepper to make a sweet and savoury spread. This can be served with meats, vegetables, salads, or even used as a bagel spread.
If you're looking for a more savoury option, you can make a garlicky herbed goat cheese spread. This spread typically includes a mix of fresh herbs such as dill, parsley, and chives, along with a clove of garlic for added flavour. You can also add lemon zest and juice for a bright, tangy note. This savoury spread can be served as a dip with crackers or vegetables, or used as a spread on sandwiches, wraps, or toast.
Goat cheese spreads are typically easy to make and can be prepared in advance, making them a convenient option for entertaining or as a quick snack. They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a few days, depending on the ingredients used.
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Goat cheese in salads
Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, including salads. It has a rich, tangy flavour and a creamy texture, making it a delicious addition to many recipes. Here are some tips and ideas for incorporating goat cheese into your salads:
Types of Goat Cheese for Salads
Goat cheese comes in various forms, including crumbled, logs, and different flavours. For salads, crumbled goat cheese is often recommended as it can be easily sprinkled over the other ingredients. However, logs of goat cheese can also be used and crumbled by hand or with a fork before adding to the salad. Plain or honey-flavoured goat cheese are popular choices, with the latter adding a touch of sweetness to the dish.
Classic Combinations
A classic pairing for goat cheese in salads is with beets. Beets and goat cheese can be combined with various ingredients such as arugula, walnuts, and dried cranberries to create a sweet and savoury salad. Another classic combination is a warm goat cheese salad, or "salade au chèvre chaud" in French. This typically involves warming or pan-frying the goat cheese before adding it to the salad, creating a creamy and slightly melted texture.
Salad Ingredients
When creating a goat cheese salad, there are endless possibilities for ingredients to include. Here are some common and recommended options:
- Arugula: This leafy green has a peppery flavour and pairs well with goat cheese. It adds a spicy kick to the salad.
- Fruits: Fruits such as grapes, strawberries, apples, and pears can add sweetness and freshness to the salad.
- Nuts: Nuts like almonds, walnuts, pecans, and pine kernels provide a crunchy texture and complement the creamy goat cheese.
- Vegetables: Cucumbers, onions, and carrots can add a crisp and refreshing taste to the salad.
- Dressing: A simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, honey, mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper is a perfect dressing for a goat cheese salad.
Sample Goat Cheese Salad Recipe
- Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a skillet, melt some butter and garlic over medium-low heat. Turn off the heat and add bread cubes to the skillet, tossing them in the melted butter.
- Place the bread on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown. These will be your croutons.
- In a small blender or food processor, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper to make the dressing. Blend until smooth.
- Fry some bacon or pancetta in a skillet over medium-low heat until browned. Crumble the bacon and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine arugula, cucumbers, onions, almonds, grapes, and dried cranberries.
- Crumble a log of goat cheese into large pieces using your hands or a fork.
- Add the dressing to the large bowl and toss gently to combine all the ingredients.
- Sprinkle the bacon crumbles and additional nuts like walnuts or candied pecans on top.
- Add salt and pepper to taste and serve this delicious goat cheese salad!
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Goat cheese on pizza
Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, including salads, pastas, pizzas, and sandwiches. Its rich, tangy flavor makes it a delicious, creamy addition to many recipes. When it comes to pizza, goat cheese can be used as a topping or mixed into the sauce to create a unique and flavorful dish.
There are several types of goat cheese that can be used on pizza, depending on your preferences. Fresh goat cheese, for example, is young and has not yet developed a rind, resulting in a chalky-white appearance and a tart flavor. On the other hand, semi-aged goat cheese has a white or edible gray ash rind, which helps to reduce the tartness of the cheese. Soft goat cheese (chevre) is another option, adding a creamy texture to the pizza.
When using goat cheese on pizza, consider the following tips and recipes:
- Goat cheese pairs well with a variety of toppings, including caramelized onions, sun-dried tomatoes, arugula, prosciutto, basil, and Kalamata olives.
- For a simple and classic option, spread a thin layer of pizza sauce on the dough, add mozzarella cheese, and then add generous dollops of goat cheese. Sprinkle with red onion slices, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste.
- If you're feeling adventurous, try a white pizza by substituting goat cheese for ricotta.
- You can also make a veggie and avocado pizza by spreading olive oil on the dough, adding bell peppers, avocado, goat cheese, and basil.
- For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free crust and top it with herbed goat cheese, prosciutto, and a balsamic reduction.
- If you want to make your own dough, there are several options to choose from, including thin crust, pizza oven dough, pan pizza, and sheet pan pizza.
Goat cheese pizza is a crowd-pleaser and can be tailored to your taste preferences. Whether you use it as a topping or mix it into the sauce, goat cheese adds a tangy and creamy element to your pizza. Experiment with different types of goat cheese and toppings to create your own unique recipe!
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Goat cheese in pasta
Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, including salads, pizzas, sandwiches, and, of course, pasta. When it comes to cooking with goat cheese, the options are endless. You can crumble it over salads, spread it on toast, stuff it into baked chicken or turkey, or use it as a delicious, creamy addition to pasta sauces.
So, let's talk about goat cheese in pasta. There are several recipes that incorporate goat cheese into pasta dishes, and they all sound mouth-wateringly good. One of the simplest and most popular recipes is a creamy goat cheese pasta. This dish is not only easy to make but also incredibly flavorful. All you need are a few basic ingredients: goat cheese, butter or margarine, garlic, lemon, cream or half-and-half, pasta water, fresh basil and parsley, salt and pepper, and Parmesan cheese.
The process is straightforward: cook your pasta al dente according to the package instructions, reserving a cup of pasta water. In a skillet, heat some butter or margarine and add garlic, sautéing until fragrant. Then, add the goat cheese and cream or half-and-half, whisking until smooth. Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce, adding pasta water as needed to adjust the consistency. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with fresh basil, parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese.
If you're looking for a heartier option, you can try a caramelized mushroom and goat cheese pasta. This recipe adds mushrooms, shallots, garlic, sage, rosemary, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, olive oil, and butter to the basic creamy goat cheese pasta. Simply cook the mushrooms and shallots in the seasoned butter and oil until deeply browned and caramelized, stirring in the goat cheese at the end to create a creamy sauce. Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce, adding pasta water to adjust the consistency, and garnish with fresh thyme.
For those who love a good tomato-based pasta, a tomato goat cheese pasta is a must-try. This recipe combines goat cheese with tomatoes, garlic, basil, and pasta. You can use crushed or finely chopped tomatoes, or even fresh tomatoes if you're willing to experiment with the cooking time. Sauté onions in oil until softened, add garlic and cook until fragrant, then stir in the tomatoes, goat cheese, and basil until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper, toss with the cooked pasta, and enjoy!
Goat cheese pasta is a versatile dish that can be adapted to your taste preferences. You can play around with different types of pasta, from sturdy varieties like penne to smaller shapes like rotini, farfalle, or shells. Additionally, you can adjust the sauce's consistency by adding pasta water or cream to make it thinner or thicker, respectively. So, get creative and experiment with this delightful ingredient!
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Goat cheese in desserts
Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, including desserts. Here are some ideas for incorporating goat cheese into sweet treats:
Goat Cheese Mousse with Roasted Blueberries
This dessert is a play on textures, with a creamy mousse, fruity blueberries, and a crunchy pistachio topping. To make the mousse, heavy cream and sugar are whisked until stiff peaks form. Half of the whipped cream is then combined with goat cheese, and the remaining cream is folded in. The mousse is chilled and served with roasted blueberries and pistachios. A drizzle of honey adds a touch of sweetness.
Goat Cheese, Honey & Pistachio Mini Cheesecakes with Meyer Lemon Cream
These individual cheesecakes offer a unique twist on a classic dessert. The pistachio crust provides a crisp and nutty contrast to the creamy filling. Goat cheese adds a soft and tangy flavour to the cheesecake layer, while honey adds sweetness. The Meyer lemon cream, with its bright and tart flavour, completes the dessert.
Goat Cheese Puddings
These puddings are a rich and indulgent dessert option. The recipe combines custard, made with whole eggs, yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and warm milk, with goat cheese, butter, lemon juice, and salt. The mixture is poured into ramekins and chilled. The puddings are then topped with fresh raspberries and a drizzle of honey.
Goat Cheese with Fruit and Toast
A simple yet delicious dessert can be made by spreading goat cheese on toasted bread and topping it with a fruit sauce. Fresh mint can be added for a refreshing touch. This combination creates a fruity, cheesy toast that tastes like berry cheesecake.
Goat Cheese and Tomato Tart
This recipe starts with a base of puff pastry, which is baked until golden. It is then layered with Dijon mustard, goat cheese, tomato slices, and fresh herbs. This savoury tart can be served as an appetizer or a main course, and it is perfect for a summer meal.
Goat cheese adds a tangy and creamy element to desserts, enhancing the sweetness of other ingredients. These recipes showcase the versatility of goat cheese in creating sweet treats with unique flavour profiles and textures.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you do not have to cook goat cheese. Goat cheese can be enjoyed uncooked, for example, in a salad, on toast, or with fruit.
Goat cheese can be crumbled and added to salads, spread on toast, or served with grapes and apples.
Goat cheese can be fried, grilled, or baked. Some recipes that use cooked goat cheese include goat cheese fritters, goat cheese pizza, and stuffed chicken.
