Patrick Oconnell
Baked goat cheese rounds are a delicious and easy-to-make appetiser or salad topper. The goat cheese rounds are coated in a layer of crunchy breadcrumbs and baked in the oven until golden brown and bubbly. They can be served with crackers or artisan crisps, or tossed through a salad with a simple vinaigrette. The whole process takes less than an hour, but the cheese rounds do need to be refrigerated for at least an hour before baking.
Characteristics and Values Table for Baking Goat Cheese Rounds
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese Type | Goat Cheese |
| Cheese Form | Logs |
| Cheese Texture | Soft |
| Cheese Rounds | 4 equal rounds |
| Oil Type | Olive Oil |
| Oil Quantity | 1/4 cup |
| Breadcrumbs | Panko or regular |
| Spices | Thyme, oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes |
| Refrigeration Time | 1 hour or 8 hours/overnight |
| Oven Temperature | 400°F to 450˚F |
| Baking Time | 10-12 minutes or until golden brown |
| Serving Suggestions | Salad, crackers, artisan crisps, crostini, croutons, tomatoes, fresh herbs |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right goat cheese
Types of Goat Cheese
Goat cheeses can be classified into different categories based on their texture, aging period, and flavour. Fresh goat cheese, for instance, has a high water content and a mild, light taste. It is perfect for those new to goat cheese. Unripened goat log plain, unripened goat log ash, and whipped goat cheese are some other varieties of fresh goat cheese. On the other hand, if you prefer a stronger, more distinct goat cheese flavour, opt for a drier and more ripened goat cheese. Semi-soft goat cheeses aged for 8 to 15 days have a white, soft texture and a pronounced goaty flavour. Hard and firm goat cheeses, aged for 3 to 4 weeks, offer a full-bodied flavour and a drier texture.
Raw Milk vs Pasteurized Milk
Goat cheeses are also categorized based on the type of milk used: raw milk or pasteurized milk. Raw milk cheeses are made from unheated milk, preserving the bacterial flora. However, they are not recommended for pregnant women or children under 5. Pasteurized milk cheeses, on the other hand, involve heating the milk to destroy pathogenic germs while retaining its taste. The choice between raw and pasteurized milk cheeses ultimately depends on individual preferences and dietary restrictions.
Ripening Time
The ripening time of goat cheese plays a crucial role in determining its flavour. Generally, the younger and fresher the goat cheese, the milder and fresher it will taste. Soignon's soft goat cheeses with a bloomy rind, for example, become stronger in flavour as they approach their use-by date. Therefore, if you prefer a milder taste, opt for a younger, less ripened goat cheese.
Texture and Shape
When selecting goat cheese for baking rounds, consider the texture and shape that will best suit your needs. Soft goat cheese logs are ideal for cutting into uniform rounds before breading and baking. However, if you prefer a different shape, goat cheese also comes in various forms, such as pucks, discs, pyramids, blocks, or Camembert-style boxes.
By considering the flavour, texture, shape, and ripening time of different goat cheeses, you can make an informed decision when choosing the right goat cheese for your baked goat cheese rounds.
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Preparing the coating
Start by pouring a generous amount of olive oil into a small bowl. Extra-virgin olive oil is a good choice for its flavour and quality. Place the bowl of oil next to a separate small plate containing your breadcrumbs. For a lighter, crispier texture, panko breadcrumbs are recommended, but regular breadcrumbs will also work.
Before coating the cheese, you can enhance the flavour of your breadcrumbs. One option is to add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumbs for a subtle hint of heat. Alternatively, stir in some dried herbs such as oregano or thyme for a more herbaceous flavour. Kosher salt is also a good addition to the breadcrumb mixture.
Now you're ready to coat the cheese! Using tongs, dip each goat cheese round first into the olive oil, turning it until all sides are coated. Then, transfer the oily cheese round to the plate of breadcrumbs. Use your tongs or fingers to gently coat the cheese with breadcrumbs, ensuring all sides are evenly covered.
Place each coated round on a shallow baking dish lined with parchment paper. The baking dish should be prepared in advance, and you can lightly grease it with oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Repeat this process until all your goat cheese rounds are coated and arranged in the baking dish.
Finally, cover the dish and place it in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This chilling time will help the coating set and ensure the cheese doesn't melt too quickly in the oven. You can even prepare the coated rounds several hours ahead of time and bake them just before serving, making this a convenient option for appetizers or dinner parties.
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Chilling the cheese
To chill the cheese effectively, start by preparing a shallow glass dish. Place the sliced goat cheese rounds in the dish, ensuring that they are arranged in a single layer. You can drizzle olive oil over the cheese rounds and turn them gently to coat them evenly. This step is optional but adds flavour and moisture to the cheese. Additionally, you can top the cheese rounds with thyme sprigs for extra flavour.
Cover the dish with plastic wrap or aluminium foil, ensuring that it is well-sealed. Place the dish in the refrigerator and chill for at least one hour. If you are preparing the cheese rounds ahead of time, you can refrigerate them for up to several hours or even overnight. This extended chilling time will not negatively impact the cheese but will help the flavours develop further.
Once the cheese rounds have been chilled, they are ready to be coated with the breadcrumb mixture and baked. This step can be done just before serving to ensure that the baked goat cheese rounds are warm and fresh for your appetizer or salad.
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Baking the rounds
Now, take each goat cheese round and gently dip it into the olive oil, ensuring it is coated on all sides. Then, use tongs or your fingers to coat the oiled cheese round in the breadcrumb mixture. Place the coated round onto a shallow baking dish lined with parchment paper. Repeat this process for the remaining rounds. Cover the dish and place it in the refrigerator for at least an hour to chill. This step helps the coating stay intact during baking.
When you are ready to bake, preheat your oven to 400-450˚F. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake the goat cheese rounds for around 10-15 minutes, or until the coating turns golden brown and the cheese is soft. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don't melt into a puddle!
Once baked, you can serve the goat cheese rounds as a delicious appetizer with crackers, artisan crisps, or thinly sliced baguette baked into crostini. They also work well as a salad topper, adding a warm and creamy element to your greens.
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Serving suggestions
Baked goat cheese rounds are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to get you started:
Appetizers and Snacks
Baked goat cheese rounds make a great appetizer or snack, and can be served in a variety of ways. Try serving them with crackers or artisan crisps, or spread on crostini, garlic bread, or baguette slices. For a gluten-free option, choose sturdy crackers or raw veggies like carrots, celery, bell peppers, or endive leaves. You can also offer a variety of dips, such as marinara sauce, tapenade, or honey for an extra touch of sweetness.
Salads
Baked goat cheese rounds also make an excellent salad topper, adding a warm and creamy element to your greens. Try them on a bed of mixed greens or lettuce, lightly dressed with olive oil and red wine vinegar, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. For an extra crunch, add some croutons or breadcrumbs.
Full Appetizer Spread
If you're looking to impress, create a full appetizer spread with your baked goat cheese rounds as the star. Surround them with fresh berries, crudites, olives, tapenade, nuts, or a fresh salad for contrasting textures.
Customization
Feel free to experiment with different coatings for your goat cheese rounds. Besides breadcrumbs, you can try a variety of nuts, such as pistachios, almonds, or a combination of both, paired with herbs like mint or rosemary. You can also add spices like red pepper flakes or oregano to the breadcrumbs for an extra kick.
Pairings
Baked goat cheese rounds go well with a variety of drinks. A glass of white wine or a French Blond Cocktail can complement the flavours of the cheese and enhance the dining experience.
With these serving suggestions, you can elevate your baked goat cheese rounds into a delicious and impressive dish for any occasion.
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Frequently asked questions
To bake goat cheese rounds, start by slicing a goat cheese log into equal rounds. Next, dip the rounds in olive oil and coat them in a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and salt. Place the coated rounds on a parchment paper-lined baking dish and chill for an hour. Finally, bake in the oven at 400-450˚F for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
Baked goat cheese rounds can be served as an appetizer with crackers, artisan crisps, or thinly sliced baguette baked into crostini. They can also be served as a salad topper on a bed of mixed greens with a simple vinaigrette dressing.
Bake goat cheese rounds for 10-12 minutes in a preheated oven at 400-450˚F. The cheese rounds should be baked until the breading is crisp and golden brown, and the cheese is soft and warm.
