Goat Cheese Grilling: Timing For The Perfect Barbecue

Grilled goat's cheese is a versatile dish that can be served as a starter, light lunch, or satisfying dinner. The grilling time for goat's cheese varies depending on the desired level of melting and browning. Typically, grilling goat's cheese for 2-5 minutes on a medium-high to high heat setting will achieve the desired results. However, it's important to keep a close eye on the cheese to avoid overcooking or melting it completely. Grilled goat's cheese can be paired with various ingredients, such as honey, thyme, nuts, and vegetables, making it a delicious and versatile option for any meal.

Goat's cheese grilling time

Goats Cheese Grilling Time

Grilled goat's cheese is a versatile dish that can be served as a starter, light lunch, or even a satisfying dinner. The grilling time for goat's cheese depends on the desired level of melting and browning, as well as the specific recipe and cooking method. Here is a guide to help you achieve perfectly grilled goat's cheese every time.

Grilling Time and Temperature:

When grilling goat's cheese, it is important to preheat your grill to the desired temperature before placing the cheese on the grill. The grilling time can vary depending on the type of grill and heat setting used. For a standard grill, a medium-high to high heat setting is typically recommended.

Grilling Goat's Cheese on Toast:

If you're grilling goat's cheese on toast, the recommended grilling time is slightly different. First, lightly toast the bread on both sides, then drizzle one side with olive oil and spread the goat's cheese on top. Scatter thyme leaves and grind black pepper over the cheese. Place the toast under the grill for about 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is lightly golden and melted.

Grilling Time for Sliced Goat's Cheese:

When grilling slices of goat's cheese, such as rounds or discs, the grilling time will depend on the thickness of the slices. For slices that are about 1-inch thick, grill for about 4-5 minutes on a high heat setting. This will result in melted cheese that is golden brown and slightly bubbly.

Grilling Time for Goat's Cheese Parcels:

If you're making grilled goat's cheese parcels, the grilling time will depend on the cooking method. If cooking on a barbecue, skewer the parcels and pieces of bread, alternating between them. Grill over hot coals for about 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until the pancetta is crispy and the cheese is melted. If cooking directly on a grill, place the parcels on a high heat for a couple of minutes on each side.

Tips for Perfectly Grilled Goat's Cheese:

• Keep goat's cheese refrigerated until ready to grill to prevent it from melting too quickly.
• Line your grill rack or baking tray with foil to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
• For even grilling, place the goat's cheese rounds about 3-4 inches away from the heat source.
• Keep an eye on the goat's cheese while grilling, as it can go from melted to overcooked in a matter of seconds.

Salad pairings

Grilled goat's cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be paired with various salad ingredients to create a delicious and visually appealing dish. Here are some ideas for salad pairings:

Grilled Goat's Cheese and Beetroot Salad

This salad combines the earthy sweetness of beetroot with the lively tang of grilled goat's cheese. The contrast between the warm richness of the cheese and the cool vegetables creates an inviting dish. To prepare, simply slice cooked beetroot thinly and arrange it on plates. Top with grilled goat's cheese rounds and a peppery green such as rocket or watercress. Finish with a simple vinaigrette dressing and freshly chopped chives.

Grilled Goat's Cheese with Honey Dressing

This salad features a warm honey dressing that brings sweetness to the dish, while quick-pickled onions and pecans add tang and texture. To prepare, toast baguette slices and top with grilled goat's cheese. Serve on a bed of mixed salad leaves, herbs, pickled onions, and glazed pecans. Drizzle with warm honey for a delicious finish.

Grilled Goat's Cheese with Cranberry Dressing

This salad features a unique combination of flavours and textures. Grill the goat's cheese until melted and golden, then serve on a bed of apples, chicory, and radish sprouts or watercress. Top with a cranberry dressing and scatter over some nuts for a crunchy finish.

Warm Goat's Cheese Salad

This salad features warm goat's cheese rounds that are coated in breadcrumbs and fried until browned. The cheese is served on a bed of mixed salad greens and topped with a vinaigrette dressing made with cider vinegar, champagne vinegar, and olive oil.

Honey and walnut dressing

Grilling goat's cheese is a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious meal. The grilling time depends on the desired level of browning and melting. It is recommended to grill the goat's cheese for around 4-5 minutes, or until it has melted and turned golden brown.

Now, here is a detailed guide on how to make a honey and walnut dressing to go with your grilled goat's cheese:

Ingredients:

• Walnuts
• Olive oil
• Honey
• Water
• Salt (optional)

Instructions:

• Process the walnuts in a food processor until they are finely chopped.
• Add the olive oil, honey, and water to the food processor.
• Pulse the mixture until it is well combined and has a smooth, creamy texture.
• Season with a pinch of salt, if desired.

This honey and walnut dressing is the perfect accompaniment to your grilled goat's cheese. It can be drizzled over the cheese or served as a dip. The combination of sweet honey and crunchy walnuts will complement the creamy, tangy goat's cheese.

Additionally, you can enhance the flavour of your grilled goat's cheese by adding other ingredients such as red pepper flakes, cranberry dressing, beetroot, or salad leaves.

Grilled goat's cheese parcels

Grilled goats cheese parcels are a delicious and simple dish, perfect for a light lunch or starter. This recipe will take you through the steps to create these tasty treats, including how long to grill goat's cheese for the perfect melt.

Ingredients

To make grilled goats cheese parcels, you will need the following ingredients:

• Goats cheese – a log is ideal, but any soft goats cheese will work.
• Dates – one date per parcel.
• Pancetta – use this to wrap and gift-wrap your parcels.
• Bread – a small loaf of any kind, except sliced bread.
• Olive oil – for drizzling.
• Chilli flakes – a pinch will add a little heat to your parcels.

Method

Firstly, cut your goats cheese log into 1-inch thick discs. Gently push a date into the middle of each disc. Wrap the pancetta around the cheese, changing the direction halfway through to ensure the parcel is secure. Season with black pepper.

Next, prepare your croutons by tearing the bread into similar-sized pieces to your parcels. Drizzle with olive oil, salt, pepper, chilli flakes and oregano. Thread a goats cheese parcel and a piece of bread onto a skewer, alternating between the two.

Place the skewers over hot coals on your barbecue, turning them regularly for around 4-5 minutes. The perfect cooking time will depend on how hot your barbecue is, but you are aiming for melted cheese and crispy pancetta.

Serving Suggestions

These grilled goats cheese parcels can be served as a tasty starter or light lunch. They also make an impressive barbecue dish and are great for vegetarians. Serve with a simple salad of rocket and sliced beetroot, dressed with a vinaigrette, or a honey dressing.

For a festive twist, try cranberry and goat's cheese parcels. Simply make a cranberry sauce by simmering cranberries with sugar, orange zest and juice, then assemble the parcels with filo pastry and bake in the oven.

Grilled goat's cheese with cranberry dressing

Grilled Goats Cheese with Cranberry Dressing

Ingredients

• 2 red-skinned apples
• 3 x 100g Capricorn goat's cheese, halved horizontally
• 2 tbsp cranberry jelly
• 2 chicory heads, separated into leaves
• Handful of radish sprouts (or watercress)
• Nuts (optional)
• Honey
• Oil
• Lemon juice
• Salt

Method

• Quarter, core, then thinly slice the apples into a bowl with the lemon juice and 1 tbsp water. Toss well to prevent the apples from browning.
• Heat the grill to high, then line your grill rack with foil.
• Put the cheeses rind-side down on the foil, then set aside.
• Drain 2 tbsp of the juice from the apple bowl into a separate bowl and discard the rest.
• Add the cranberry sauce, oil and honey with some seasoning, and whisk to form a dressing.
• Grill the cheeses for 4 minutes. If you are adding nuts, scatter them on and around the cheeses and return to the grill for a few minutes more, being careful not to burn them.
• Arrange the apple, chicory and radish sprouts or watercress on plates, then carefully top with the hot melted cheese.
• Scatter over the nuts, spoon over the dressing and serve straight away.

Tips

• This recipe works well as a starter or light lunch and is a great way to impress vegetarian dinner guests.
• To prevent your goat's cheese from disintegrating before it has browned, keep it refrigerated until you are ready to grill it.
• If you want to add a savoury element to the dish, try serving the grilled goat's cheese on toast.

Frequently asked questions