Patrick Oconnell
Duck and cheese is a classic combination, but does goat cheese—a light, fresh, and creamy cheese—pair well with roast duck? Yes, it does! Goat cheese is a versatile cheese that can be paired with almost any snack, and duck is no exception. For instance, a duck crostini with goat cheese mousse and duck breast is a perfect bite-sized canape. Another example is a baguette sandwich with smoked duck breast and goat's cheese, a typical combination of flavours from South-West France.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Goat cheese and roast duck pairing | Yes |
| Recommended dishes | Duck crostinis, Duck and goat cheese sandwich, Roasted duck and goat cheese omelette |
| Other foods to pair with roast duck | Halved potatoes, Bacon, Green onion, Cheddar cheese, Brown sugar, Mashed potatoes, Wild rice, Asparagus, Glazed baby carrots, Grilled corn on the cob, Braised red cabbage |
| Goat cheese pairings | Walnuts, Raisins, Apricots, Jam, Seafood, Bagel with maple syrup, honey or cinnamon |
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What You'll Learn
Goat cheese and roast duck crostinis
To make these crostinis, you'll need to start by preparing the duck. Roast duck breast until the skin is crispy and the meat is cooked to your desired doneness. Allow the duck to rest for 8-10 minutes before slicing it into thin pieces. Cherries are a fantastic addition to these crostinis, providing a burst of sweetness and acidity. Simply pit and halve the cherries, toss them in olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, and thyme, then roast them in the oven. Toasting some hazelnuts in a dry frying pan will add a lovely crunchy texture and nutty flavour to the crostini.
For the goat cheese mousse, whisk together goat cheese, a splash of milk, and some whipped cream until smooth. You'll also need to prepare the crostini base. Slice a baguette into pieces, brush both sides of each slice with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt. Bake the bread in the oven until crispy, then let it cool slightly.
Now it's time to assemble the crostinis! Spread a generous spoonful of the goat cheese mousse on each crostini, then top with a few slices of duck breast, some roasted cherries, and a sprinkle of toasted hazelnuts. You can also add some rocket and a drizzle of vinaigrette for a touch of freshness. These crostinis are best served immediately, but you can prepare most of the components in advance, so you have more time to spend with your guests.
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Goat cheese and duck baguette sandwich
Ingredients:
- 1 baguette
- Smoked duck breast
- Goat's cheese log
- Rocket
- Grapes
- Olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Cut the baguette in half, then cut each half in half again lengthways.
- Cut the goat's cheese log into slices.
- Wash and dry the rocket and grapes. Cut the grapes in half.
- Make a vinaigrette by whisking together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Drizzle the vinaigrette over the baguette.
- Layer slices of duck breast on the baguette.
- Add slices of goat's cheese log on top of the duck breast.
- Top with grapes and rocket.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Enjoy immediately!
This sandwich is a delicious combination of typical flavours from South-West France. The smokiness of the duck breast pairs well with the tanginess of the goat's cheese, while the sweetness of the grapes adds a nice contrast. The rocket provides a peppery bite, and the vinaigrette ties all the flavours together.
For a heartier sandwich, you could also add some thinly sliced red onion and/or baby spinach or arugula. If you're feeling adventurous, try using a different type of bread, such as sourdough or ciabatta.
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Goat cheese and roast duck omelette
The savoury taste of roast duck is complemented by goat cheese, making them a great pairing. You can enjoy this combination in a delicious omelette. Here is a recipe for a roast duck and goat cheese omelette:
Ingredients:
- 2 Duck Leg Confit, defrosted
- 3 tbsp. butter
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced
- 1 tsp. salt, divided
- 6 eggs
- 2 tbsp. milk
- 3 oz. goat cheese crumbles
- ½ tsp. thyme
- ½ tsp. pepper
Method:
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Bake the duck leg confit for 25 minutes.
- Shred the duck into bite-sized pieces.
- In a pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat.
- Add the onion slices and ½ teaspoon of salt to the pan. Cook the onions for around 25 minutes, stirring occasionally and reducing the temperature as needed until they are caramelized.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, thyme, pepper, and remaining salt.
- Melt another tablespoon of butter in the pan you used for the onions.
- Pour half of the egg mixture into the pan and cook over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes, gently pushing the edges toward the centre with a spatula.
- Add the shredded duck, goat cheese crumbles, and caramelized onions to one side of the omelette.
- Fold the other side of the omelette over the filling and serve.
You can also get creative and add other ingredients to the omelette, such as shallots, chives, or mushrooms. Enjoy your delicious roast duck and goat cheese omelette!
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Wine pairings for goat cheese and roast duck
When it comes to wine pairings for goat cheese and roast duck, there are some great options to consider. Firstly, let's talk about the wine pairings for each of these foods individually, as understanding these will help us find the perfect wine for when they're served together.
Goat Cheese Wine Pairings
Goat cheese is a versatile and impressive food when it comes to wine pairings. The pride of the Loire Valley of France, goat cheese is a blank slate that can be paired with a variety of wines. The region's Sauvignon Blanc is an excellent choice, with its acidic, mineral-driven, and citrusy profile that adds herbal flavours to the cheese. If you prefer reds, the Loire Valley's Cabernet Franc is a great option, with its lighter style, herbaceous notes, and tart acidity that won't overwhelm the soft nature of goat cheese.
Other red wines from cool climates, such as Gamay, Malbec, Merlot, and Syrah, can also be safe choices due to their higher acidity and delicate flavours. For a unique twist, try a Belgian ale, especially those with a brettanomyces character, which can be a delightful pairing with goat cheese.
Roast Duck Wine Pairings
When it comes to roast duck, the wine pairing can depend on the preparation and type of duck. Smoked duck, for example, has a smoother, creamier texture and a fragrant bite that can stand up to bolder cheeses. In this case, a washed-rind cheese is recommended, paired with a red wine like Pinot Noir. For duck bacon, a sweeter, creamier cheese is suggested, which could be complemented by a crisp, dry rosé or a lighter red wine.
Now, let's consider some wine options that could work well with both goat cheese and roast duck:
- Sauvignon Blanc: With its citrusy and acidic profile, Sauvignon Blanc can cut through the richness of duck while also enhancing the flavours of goat cheese.
- Pinot Noir: A versatile red wine, Pinot Noir can range from light to medium-bodied, offering earthy and spicy notes that could complement both the duck and the cheese.
- Merlot: A medium-bodied red wine with fruity and herbal notes, Merlot could be a good choice for aged goat cheese and roast duck, especially if the duck has a gamier flavour.
- Cool-climate Syrah: With its delicate and nuanced flavours, a cool-climate Syrah could be a good option for balancing the flavours of both goat cheese and duck without overwhelming either.
So, when enjoying goat cheese and roast duck together, consider a wine that will complement the richness of the duck and the tart, earthy notes of the goat cheese. The above suggestions of Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Merlot, or a cool-climate Syrah could be excellent choices to elevate your dining experience.
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Other side dishes to serve with roast duck
While goat cheese is not a common pairing with roast duck, there are several other side dishes that are often served with roast duck. Here are some ideas:
Vegetables
Vegetables are a great option to serve with roast duck, especially when paired with a sweet and sour sauce. Some specific vegetable side dishes that go well with roast duck include:
- Grilled asparagus: Grilled asparagus adds a slightly smoky flavour to the meal. The charred edges and tender stalks provide a nice textural contrast to the roast duck. You can season them with a bit of lemon juice or Parmesan cheese for an extra flavour boost.
- Ratatouille: This classic French dish is a rich and hearty vegetable stew made with eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes. It brings a rustic and comforting element to the meal, complementing the duck perfectly.
- Garlic butter green beans: Green beans coated in garlic butter and finished with a squeeze of lemon juice make for a comforting side dish to roast duck.
- Baked zucchini: Baked zucchini, or courgette, can be a delicious and healthy side dish to roast duck.
- Eggplant salad: A salad made with eggplant can be a great vegetarian option to pair with roast duck.
- Brussels sprouts with bacon: This side dish combines the earthy flavours of Brussels sprouts with the smoky, savoury taste of bacon. It enhances the delicious flavours of the roast duck, creating a satisfying and flavourful meal.
Carbs
Carbs are also a great option to serve with roast duck, as they can help to balance out the rich and savoury flavours of the dish. Some specific carb side dishes that go well with roast duck include:
- Mashed potatoes: Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs beautifully with roasted duck.
- Yellow rice: Yellow rice can add a nice pop of colour to your plate and complement the flavours of the roast duck.
- French fries: Crispy French fries provide a playful contrast to the tender, juicy duck meat, making for an enjoyable and delicious meal.
- Mushroom risotto: A creamy mushroom risotto can be a comforting and indulgent side dish to roast duck.
- Brown rice with vegetables: This side dish is a wholesome and nutritious option that provides a lovely textural contrast to the roast duck.
Salads
Salads can be a refreshing and healthy option to serve with roast duck, especially during the summer months. Some specific salad side dishes that go well with roast duck include:
- Corn avocado salad: This salad is loaded with sweet corn, creamy avocado, and other crunchy vegetables, all tied together with a lemon dressing. It is a great vegan/vegetarian option and can be enjoyed any time of the year.
- Red cabbage slaw: Dressed in a zesty vinaigrette, red cabbage slaw brings a fresh, crunchy, and colourful element to your meal. The crunchiness of the vegetables adds a well-balanced texture when paired with the duck.
These are just a few ideas for side dishes that you can serve with roast duck. Feel free to get creative and experiment with different flavours and ingredients to find your perfect pairing!
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, goat cheese is a good pairing with roast duck. You can also add cherries, hazelnuts, grapes and rocket to this combination.
A goat's cheese mousse or log can be paired with roast duck.
Yes, duck goes well with Gorgonzola, Manchego, Roncal, and aged pecorinos.
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