Bushra Griffith
Herb-coated goat cheese is a delicious and easy appetizer that can be served with warm crusty bread, crackers, or veggies. The goat cheese is combined with herbs, spices, and other ingredients like garlic, lemon zest, and nuts, and then shaped into a log or ball before being coated with herbs. The cheese is then baked or fried, resulting in a creamy and flavourful dish that can be served as a simple appetizer or used in sandwiches, tossed with pasta, or crumbled over pizza.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of dish | Appetizer |
| Main ingredients | Goat cheese, herbs, olive oil |
| Other ingredients | Garlic, pine nuts, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, tomatoes, pecans, etc. |
| Preparation method | Coating, baking, pan-frying, blending, etc. |
| Serving suggestions | Bread, crackers, salads, sandwiches, pizza, eggs, pasta, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing the goat cheese
To create a herb marinade, coat the bottom of a dish with oil and add minced garlic. Mix in the garlic and arrange a layer of cheese on top. Add herbs, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cover the cheese with more oil, add another layer of cheese, and repeat the process. This can be served with warm crusty bread, or used as a sandwich spread, a salad topping, or a pizza topping.
For a goat cheese spread, combine the cheese with herbs, extra virgin olive oil, and a touch of lemon zest in a food processor. This can be served with bread, crackers, or vegetables. The spread can also be used as a sandwich spread, tossed with pasta, or added to an omelette or frittata.
Goat cheese can also be baked in olive oil, saba (a tart syrup made from grape juice), and fresh herbs. This can be served with bread, or used as a topping for chicken.
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Choosing the herbs
Some popular herb choices for goat cheese include rosemary, parsley, thyme, dill, mint, and basil. These herbs can be used individually or in combination. For example, dill is often considered the star of goat cheese spreads, while parsley adds an extra dose of brightness. If you only have one fresh herb, you can also add a sprinkle of dried herbs like oregano, basil, or Italian seasoning.
When choosing your herbs, consider the flavour profile you want to achieve. For a tangy and herbaceous flavour, combine goat cheese with olive oil and herbs. This mixture can then be spread on a crusty loaf of artisan sourdough bread, served with crackers, or used as a sandwich spread. You can also add other ingredients like garlic, pine nuts, or sundried tomatoes to enhance the flavour of the herb-coated goat cheese.
Additionally, consider the season and what herbs are typically available during that time. For example, in the summer months when basil is plentiful, feel free to be generous with it. You can tear or slice the basil and add it to your goat cheese mixture.
Overall, the key is to experiment and find the herb combinations that you enjoy the most. Don't be afraid to mix and match different herbs to create a unique and personalised flavour for your herb-coated goat cheese.
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Coating the goat cheese
Another method is to combine the herbs in a bowl and remove 1.5 teaspoons of the mixture for the outer coating. To the remaining herbs, add lemon zest, garlic, and goat cheese, mixing thoroughly. Form the cheese mixture into the desired shape and wrap it in plastic wrap before placing it in the freezer for 30 minutes. For the coating, use a combination of herbs and pecans or crushed nuts, spreading them on a large piece of parchment paper. Once the cheese is slightly firm, roll it on the herb mixture, ensuring an even coat. Before serving, drizzle olive oil on top and serve with toast or crackers.
Additionally, a goat cheese spread can be made by combining the ingredients in a mini food processor and blending until whipped. Transfer the spread to a serving bowl and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and dill fronds for garnish. This spread can be served immediately or stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. The goat cheese can also be baked in the oven with olive oil, herbs, and saba, a tart syrup made from grape juice.
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Baking the goat cheese
Once you have added your chosen herbs and other ingredients, it is time to bake the cheese. Place the dish on the lower rack of your preheated oven and bake for 7 to 8 minutes. Keep an eye on the dish as it bakes – the goat cheese should remain firm while showing some signs of melting. You want the oil to start bubbling, and the cheese to still be firm.
If you want to add bread to your baked goat cheese, slice some bread and brush both sides of the slices evenly with olive oil. Place the bread slices on a large rimmed baking sheet and put it on the upper rack of the oven. Bake the bread for two to four minutes on each side, or until grill marks appear.
Once the cheese and bread are cooked, you can serve them together. This dish makes a great appetizer or snack and can be paired with a herbal wine, such as Sancerre. Enjoy the warm, creamy goat cheese spread on the grilled bread – it's a delicious treat!
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Serving suggestions
Herb-coated goat cheese is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some serving suggestions:
As an Appetizer
The tangy, creamy, and herbaceous nature of herb-coated goat cheese makes it an excellent appetizer. It can be served with warm, thick slices of toasted baguette, drizzled with olive oil, and paired with a bowl of toasted pine nuts on the side. The cheese can also be spread on the bread and served as an open sandwich. For a more elegant presentation, use a crusty loaf of artisan sourdough bread, preferably grilled, and serve it with crackers or vegetables on the side.
In Salads
Herb-coated goat cheese can be a delicious addition to salads. Cut the cheese into thick slices and serve them on a bed of greens with roasted beets. For an extra touch of flavour, add a splash of lemon juice to the oil and drizzle it over the salad. Top it off with some toasted pine nuts for a crunchy texture.
As a Sandwich Spread
The cheese can be used as a spread in sandwiches, pairing well with ingredients like smoked salmon, Italian deli meats, or roasted or grilled vegetables. For an extra indulgent treat, try it with a jammy egg on toasted, whole-grain bread.
With Pasta
Herb-coated goat cheese can be tossed with pasta until creamy or added to a vegetarian lasagna. It can also be used as a filling for stuffed pasta shapes like orecchiette or wheat berries.
As a Gift
Little jars of herb-coated goat cheese make wonderful gifts, especially during the holidays. The cheese can be sliced into rounds and placed in a jar, covered with oil, and served with a fresh baguette. The recipient can then use the remaining oil for dipping bread or adding flavour to other dishes.
In Eggs
The cheese can be crumbled into a frittata or omelette, enhancing the flavour of eggs. It can also be fried and served with a fried egg dish, such as a frittata or egg toast.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many ways to coat goat cheese with herbs. One way is to thinly slice the goat cheese into rounds, coat the bottom of your dish with oil, add minced garlic, arrange a layer of cheese on top, add herbs of your choice, cover with more oil, add the rest of the cheese rounds, add more herbs and seasonings, and top off with oil.
You can use whichever herbs you have available or the freshest herbs you can find at the market. Some common herbs used include rosemary, parsley, thyme, dill, mint, and basil.
You can serve goat cheese with warm crusty bread, crackers, pine nuts, or grilled chicken. You can also use the herbed goat cheese as a spread for sandwiches or pizza, or as a topping for salads.
