Patrick Oconnell
Goat's cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be cooked in a variety of ways. From baking to frying, there are numerous methods to prepare this cheese and incorporate it into dishes. It can be used as a topping, a dip, or a standalone snack, and pairs well with a variety of ingredients, including honey, fruits, vegetables, and herbs. In this discussion, we will explore different techniques for cooking goat's cheese, highlight some delicious recipes, and provide tips for creating mouth-watering appetizers, salads, and more. Whether you're a novice or an experienced cook, we'll show you how to transform this humble cheese into a culinary masterpiece.
Characteristics and Values for Cooking Goat's Cheese
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Dish | Appetizer, Salad, Dip |
| Cooking Method | Bake, Pan-fry, Fry, Grill |
| Temperature | 190°C (Gas Mark 5 / 375°F) |
| Time | 20 minutes |
| Ingredients | Goat's Cheese, Cream Cheese, Honey, Garlic, Seasonings, Breadcrumbs, Eggs, Olive Oil, Za'atar, Nuts, Fruits, Vegetables |
| Equipment | Food Processor, Baking Dish, Skillet |
| Texture | Crispy, Creamy, Tangy, Crunchy |
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What You'll Learn
Frying goat cheese
To fry goat cheese, you will need to first prepare your goat cheese slices. It is recommended to use a firm goat cheese that comes in a log, as it is easier to slice into discs. The goat cheese should be sliced into 8 to 10 thick slices (around 1/2-inch discs). You can also squeeze the goat cheese slices together to create tightly packed rounds.
Next, set up a dredging station. In three separate bowls, add flour to one, whisked egg to another, and breadcrumbs to the third. You can also add additional ingredients to the flour and breadcrumbs, such as onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and chopped herbs. The egg acts as a glue, allowing the flour and breadcrumbs to stick to the goat cheese.
Now, it's time to bread the goat cheese. Take each slice and dip it first into the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the egg, and finally, into the breadcrumb mixture. Be sure to coat the goat cheese thoroughly. Place the breaded goat cheese slices onto parchment paper while you heat the oil for frying.
For frying, you can use olive oil, canola oil, avocado oil, or sunflower oil. Heat about 2 tablespoons of oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the goat cheese slices to the pan, being careful not to crowd the pan, as this will affect the crispiness of the cheese. Cook each slice for about 1 minute on each side, or until golden brown.
Once the goat cheese slices are golden and crispy, remove them from the pan and drain them on a cooling rack or paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Finally, plate the fried goat cheese and serve immediately. You can also drizzle the fried goat cheese with honey for a touch of sweetness and a little kick of spice.
Enjoy your fried goat cheese as a delicious appetizer or salad topper!
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Baked goat's cheese
Baked Goat Cheese
Baked goat cheese is an easy, impromptu appetizer that can be served with a variety of dippers. It is creamy, tangy, and lightly sweetened with honey. The recipe can be made in a food processor with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
- Goat cheese
- Cream cheese
- Honey
- Garlic
- Salt
- Pepper
- Red pepper flakes
Method
- Combine the goat cheese, cream cheese, 1 tablespoon of honey, garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes in a food processor. Process until the mixture is lightly whipped and has come together completely.
- Transfer the mixture to a small oven-safe baking dish with a 3-4 cup (1-quart) capacity. Pyrex or stoneware baking dishes work well.
- Before baking, drizzle the dip with honey.
- Bake on the upper rack for 13-15 minutes until the top is lightly golden.
- Allow the dip to cool for at least 5 minutes before serving.
- Drizzle with honey once more and serve as desired.
Serving Suggestions
Baked goat cheese can be served with toasted slices of sourdough bread, pita chips, or toasted pita wedges. For a gluten-free option, serve with sturdy crackers or crudites such as carrots, bell peppers, or cucumber. It can also be served with a fresh salad.
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Goat cheese salads
Goat cheese is a tangy, creamy ingredient that can add depth and richness to a salad. There are many different types of goat cheese, including crumbled and whole log varieties, and it comes in different flavors, such as plain or honey.
Arugula and Goat Cheese Salad
This salad is a hearty blend of flavors and textures. It can be served as a main or side dish and is perfect for both summer and winter.
Ingredients
- Arugula
- Goat cheese
- Salty bacon or pancetta/prosciutto (optional)
- Strawberries or sliced honeycrisp apples
- Savory garlic butter croutons
- Balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions
- Fry the bacon in a skillet over medium-low heat until browned. Place on a plate lined with paper towels.
- Make the croutons by melting butter and garlic in a medium skillet over medium-low heat. Turn off the heat, add the bread, and toss to coat. Place the bread pieces on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes at 375 degrees, tossing halfway through. Set aside to cool.
- In a small blender or food processor, add the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
- Assemble the salad by tossing the arugula in the dressing, then topping with the remaining ingredients. Alternatively, drizzle the dressing on top.
Apple and Goat Cheese Salad
This simple salad can be made with ingredients found at your local supermarket.
Ingredients
- Mixed salad greens
- Apples
- Raisins
- Green grapes
- Olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar
- Honey
- Lemon juice
- Garlic
- Walnuts, toasted
- Goat cheese
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the greens, apples, raisins, and grapes.
- In a small bowl, whisk the oil, vinegar, honey, lemon juice, and garlic.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
- Sprinkle walnuts and goat cheese over the salad.
Sweet and Creamy Goat Cheese Salad with Fruit and Cranberry
This salad is a delicious blend of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for summer evenings.
Ingredients
- Arugula
- Lebanese cucumbers
- Purple onions
- Grapes
- Dried cranberries
- Goat cheese
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Jam
- Salt and pepper
- Poppy seeds
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the arugula, cucumbers, onions, grapes, and cranberries.
- Marinate with a lemon vinaigrette made by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and poppy seeds.
- Top with goat cheese and poppy seeds.
- Drizzle olive oil and add jam to taste. Season with salt and pepper.
Fried Goat Cheese Salad
For an extra indulgent salad, top with fried goat cheese.
Ingredients
- Goat cheese
- Olive oil
- Za'atar
- Breadcrumbs (optional)
- Egg (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the goat cheese, ensuring the pan is not overcrowded. Fry until golden brown on both sides (about 30 seconds per side).
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- While the cheese is still hot, roll each disc in za'atar to coat, shaking off any excess.
- Serve immediately on your favorite salad.
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Using goat cheese in appetizers
Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of appetizers. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Baked Goat Cheese
This is an easy appetizer to make, with simple ingredients. Whip the goat cheese with cream cheese, honey, garlic, and seasonings. Bake it in the oven, and serve it as a dip with warm baguette slices, pita chips, or crudites. You can also add a drizzle of honey on top for extra sweetness. This appetizer can be made ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake.
Fried Goat Cheese
For a crunchy and creamy appetizer, try frying goat cheese discs in olive oil until golden brown. Coat the fried cheese with za'atar, a seasoning blend of wild thyme, oregano, sesame seeds, and sumac. Serve immediately as a topping for your favorite salad or as a replacement for croutons in soup.
Warm Goat Cheese Salad
Warm goat cheese salad is a classic French dish that is simple to make. Start by toasting some nuts, such as pine nuts or walnuts, in the oven or a skillet. Then, cut the goat cheese into rounds and crumb with flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. Pan-fry the crumbed cheese until golden, and place on top of a salad with your choice of greens and dressings.
Goat Cheese with Fruit
Goat cheese pairs well with a variety of fruits, including strawberries, figs, and apples. Try making a salad with goat cheese, strawberries, and basil, or spread goat cheese on bread with honey and sliced figs. You can also blend goat cheese with fruit to make puddings or crepes.
Goat Cheese in Savory Salads
In addition to fruit, goat cheese can be a great addition to savory salads. Try a beet, arugula, and walnut salad with balsamic vinegar and dried cranberries, or a watermelon salad with goat cheese. You can also crumble goat cheese over balsamic-roasted carrots or use it as a replacement for croutons in a tomato soup.
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How to choose the best goat cheese
When it comes to choosing the best goat cheese for your culinary creations, there are a few key factors to consider. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect variety for your desired taste and texture:
Type of Goat Cheese
Goat cheese, or chèvre, comes in various forms, including logs, discs, and crumbles. The type you choose will depend on the recipe you're preparing. For instance, discs or medallions are ideal for pan-frying or grilling, while logs are great for slicing and adding to salads or appetizers. Crumbled goat cheese is versatile and can be sprinkled over various dishes, such as salads, pizzas, or soups.
Texture and Taste
Goat cheese can range from soft and creamy to hard and crumbly, with a variety of textures in between. For recipes that require melting or blending, such as dips or sauces, a soft and creamy variety is best. If you're looking to slice or crumble the cheese, a harder variety may be more suitable. Taste-wise, goat cheese can be tangy, earthy, nutty, or sweet, depending on the aging process and added ingredients. Consider how the cheese will complement the other flavours in your dish.
Quality and Freshness
As with any cheese, the quality and freshness of goat cheese are essential. Look for a variety that is fresh and made with high-quality ingredients. If purchasing from a cheese counter, ask for a sample to ensure the cheese is to your liking. Check the "best before" date to ensure you're getting a fresh product.
Pairings and Recipes
Consider the other ingredients you'll be using alongside the goat cheese. Some classic pairings include honey, roasted vegetables, nuts (such as walnuts or pine nuts) and herbs like thyme and oregano, or basil. Goat cheese also goes well with fruits like strawberries, figs, and watermelon. Think about the recipe you're preparing and choose a goat cheese variety that will complement the other flavours and textures in the dish.
Storage and Preparation
Finally, consider how you'll be storing and preparing the goat cheese. Some recipes, such as baked goat cheese dips, can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake. For frying or grilling, it's best to use chilled cheese, so it holds its shape better in hot oil. Freezing the cheese for 10-15 minutes before frying can help achieve the desired texture.
By considering these factors, you'll be able to choose the best goat cheese for your culinary creations, ensuring delicious results every time.
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Frequently asked questions
Frying goat's cheese is easy and can be done in a few simple steps. First, heat some olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Next, add your goat's cheese discs to the pan, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Fry the discs until they are golden brown on both sides, which should take around 30 seconds per side. Once cooked, transfer the discs to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
There are many ways to bake goat's cheese. One simple recipe involves baking the goat's cheese in a tomato sauce. Another recipe involves baking goat's cheese with honey, cream cheese, garlic and seasonings. Goat's cheese can also be baked with balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil.
Goat's cheese pairs well with many different foods. It can be served with honey, fruit, roasted vegetables, olive oil, herbs, and chilli pepper. Goat's cheese can also be used in salads, on pizzas, in soups, or on bread.
