Patrick Oconnell
Lemon and goat cheese are a match made in heaven. The creamy, tangy flavour of goat cheese pairs perfectly with the bright, zesty flavour of lemon. This combination is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, from appetizers to main courses. For example, a simple yet delicious appetizer is a cheese board with lemon and herb goat cheese, crackers, fruit, nuts, and salami. Another option is to make a quick and easy lemon and goat cheese pasta, which is perfect for a light summer meal. In addition to being used in cooked dishes, lemon and goat cheese can also be combined to make a bold and creamy dip that goes well with a charcuterie board.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Taste | Tangy, sweet, creamy, zesty, bold, rich |
| Texture | Creamy, whipped |
| Ingredients | Goat cheese, lemon juice/zest, pepper, herbs, honey, salt, heavy cream, cream cheese, milk, water |
| Use | Appetizer, salad topping, pasta, dip, dessert |
| Preparation | Can be made at home by mixing milk and lemon juice |
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What You'll Learn
How to make lemon and herb goat cheese
Lemon and herb goat cheese is a perfect, easy appetizer for any time of the year. It is a simple dish that requires no cooking and very little preparation time. You can make it from scratch or add herbs and lemon to store-bought goat cheese.
To make it from scratch, you will need to gather the following ingredients:
- Goat's milk
- Lemon juice or other acids like vinegar or citric acid
- Salt to taste
- Fresh herbs like tarragon, dill, basil, parsley, thyme, rosemary, or oregano
Start by slowly heating the milk in a non-reactive pot on the stove until it reaches 180°F to 185°F. Use a thermometer to check the temperature, and look out for gentle bubbles and a foamy surface. Once the milk has reached the desired temperature, turn off the heat. With a long-handled non-reactive utensil, stir in the lemon juice. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes. The milk should curdle and become slightly thicker.
Line a colander with two layers of damp cheesecloth. Gently pour the curdled milk into the cheesecloth, gather the cloth around the curds, and tie it into a bundle. You can now mix in the salt and herbs. You can also add spices like chile flakes, cumin, onion powder, or garlic powder.
If you are short on time, you can simply buy a log of goat cheese and make a mixture of freshly ground pepper, lemon zest, and fresh herbs. Press the mixture onto the goat cheese log and serve immediately with crackers, fruit, nuts, and salami.
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Using lemon and goat cheese in pasta
Lemon and goat cheese are a match made in heaven, and when combined with pasta, they create a light, zesty, and creamy dish. The sharpness of the lemon cuts through the richness of the goat cheese, resulting in a perfectly balanced meal.
To make this mouth-watering pasta, start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your choice of pasta—capellini, spaghetti, or angel hair—and cook according to the package instructions. While the pasta is cooking, heat some olive oil in a separate pan. Add chopped garlic and cook for about a minute on low heat. For an extra kick, throw in some chilli flakes and cook for another 30 seconds.
Now, it's time to add the zesty lemon flavour. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked pasta to the pan with the garlic (and chilli, if using). Add lemon juice and lemon zest, and a splash of pasta water. Stir everything together on low heat.
Here comes the star of the show—the goat cheese! Crumble the goat cheese into the pan and stir well. Continue cooking for about 2 minutes on low heat, allowing the goat cheese to melt and create a creamy sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
To take the dish to the next level, add some chopped fresh basil leaves. Stir them into the pasta or use them as a garnish. You can also serve the pasta with extra goat cheese on the side for an even cheesier experience.
This lemon and goat cheese pasta is best served fresh and makes for an excellent weeknight dinner. It's a simple yet sophisticated dish that's perfect for summer evenings or anytime you crave a light and refreshing meal. Enjoy!
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Using lemon and goat cheese in a dip
Lemon and goat cheese is a classic pairing that works wonderfully in a dip. The creamy, tangy flavour of goat cheese is enhanced by the bright, zesty notes of lemon, creating a bold and crave-worthy appetizer. This combination is easy to prepare and can be served warm or cold, making it a versatile option for any occasion.
To make a delicious lemon and goat cheese dip, start by gathering your ingredients. You'll need a base of goat cheese, either a large log or crumbles, depending on your preference. Softened cream cheese at room temperature and add a dollop to your base—this will make the dip extra creamy and rich. For a punch of lemon flavour, use a combination of lemon zest and lemon juice. The zest will brighten the flavour of the dip, while the juice will add a tangy twist. You can also experiment with adding a small amount of heavy cream, milk, or even water to achieve your desired consistency.
Fresh herbs are a must to take your dip to the next level. Rosemary, thyme, and parsley are excellent choices, providing a fragrant and savoury touch. Finely chop your chosen herbs and blend them into the dip until smooth. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even add some honey to your dip, creating a sweet and tangy flavour profile. For a savoury option, include a clove of garlic in your blend.
Once you've blended all your ingredients together, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If you're serving the dip warm, spread it into a shallow baking dish and bake briefly in the oven at 400°F until it's just beginning to bubble around the edges. Be careful not to overheat the dip, as it may separate and lose its creamy texture. Serve your warm lemon and goat cheese dip with crackers, crostini, naan, or pita chips. If you prefer a cold dip, simply skip the baking step and serve it straight from the refrigerator with your choice of dippers. Enjoy!
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Using lemon juice to make goat cheese
Lemon and goat cheese are a classic pairing, with the tangy, slightly acidic, and earthy taste of goat cheese complementing the bright, citrusy flavor of lemons. This combination is a favorite for many, with the duo making a great addition to cheese boards and charcuterie platters.
Making Goat Cheese with Lemon Juice
Goat cheese, or chèvre, is one of the simplest cheeses to make at home, requiring just a few basic ingredients and equipment. The process, known as acid/heat coagulation, involves slowly heating up milk and adding an acid, such as lemon juice, to form curdles. Here's a step-by-step guide to making your own goat cheese with lemon juice:
Ingredients:
- 1 quart of fresh goat's milk (full-fat, pasteurized, non-ultra-pasteurized)
- 6 tablespoons of lemon juice (from about 2 large lemons)
- 1 teaspoon of salt (preferably kosher salt or cheese salt)
- Optional: Fresh or dried herbs, honey, or other flavorings of your choice
Equipment:
- Non-reactive pot (stainless steel, enamel, or ceramic)
- Long-handled non-reactive stirring utensil
- Digital thermometer
- Colander
- Cheesecloth
Instructions:
- Line a colander with 2-3 layers of fine cheesecloth.
- Place the goat milk in the non-reactive pot and heat slowly over low-medium heat, stirring frequently, until it reaches 180°F to 185°F. Use the thermometer to monitor the temperature.
- Once the milk reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the heat and immediately stir in the lemon juice. You can also add a bit of salt at this stage for flavor.
- Allow the mixture to sit for 5-10 minutes. It should begin to curdle and thicken.
- Gently pour the curdled milk into the cheesecloth-lined colander and let it drain for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
- Gather the ends of the cheesecloth, tie them, and hang the bundle over your sink for about an hour to allow the whey to drip out.
- Place the cheese in a mold or shape it as desired. You can also add flavorings like herbs, honey, or spices at this stage.
- Chill the cheese in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
Flavor Variations:
- Herbed Goat Cheese: Add 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh herbs like dill, chives, parsley, tarragon, basil, or rosemary.
- Sweet Goat Cheese: Stir in honey, maple syrup, dried fruit, or a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg.
- Spicy Goat Cheese: Mix in chile flakes, cumin, onion powder, or garlic powder.
Storage:
To optimize the quality and freshness of your homemade goat cheese, store it in the coldest part of your refrigerator. Remove the cheese from the refrigerator about an hour before serving to bring it to room temperature.
Tips:
- If you want to reduce the tanginess of the cheese, you can gently rinse the curds before adding salt and other flavorings.
- For a creamier texture, add a dollop of cream cheese or heavy cream to the mixture.
With this guide, you can now create your own delicious lemon-infused goat cheese and experiment with various flavor combinations!
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Honey goat cheese with lemon
Lemon and goat cheese are a classic pairing, with the tangy, creamy cheese complementing the citrusy lemon. This combination is elevated with the addition of honey, creating a balanced sweetness.
To make this dish, stir together the goat cheese, lemon juice, and zest, and honey in a small bowl. For a smoother, creamier texture, add a dollop of cream cheese and some heavy cream or milk. You can also add a tiny amount of cane sugar and salt to enhance the flavor. Once combined, spoon the mixture into a ramekin and smooth the top with a spatula. Garnish with some extra lemon zest, a drizzle of honey, and a sprig of thyme or lavender for a touch of herbal fragrance.
The versatility of honey goat cheese with lemon makes it a delightful appetizer or dessert, and its unique flavor profile will impress any guest.
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Frequently asked questions
Lemon and goat cheese is a great combination that creates a tangy, sweet, and creamy flavour profile. The lemon cuts through the richness of the goat cheese, creating a light and zesty flavour.
You can make lemon goat cheese by mixing lemon zest and juice with goat cheese and adding herbs, honey, salt, or nuts. You can also make your own goat cheese by slowly heating up milk and adding lemon juice to form curdles, which can be strained to form a basic goat cheese.
Lemon goat cheese can be served on a cheese board with crackers, fruit, nuts, and salami. It can also be used as a filling in tarts or served on a bed of mixed baby greens with salad toppings. For a quick and easy meal, lemon goat cheese can be mixed with pasta, garlic, chilli flakes, basil, and lemon zest.
