Kamil Perry
Goat's cheese logs are an easy, impressive, and delicious appetizer that can be prepared in advance and served with crackers, crostini, or sliced French baguette. They can be made with a variety of toppings and flavors, such as honey, nuts, dried fruit, and herbs. The process of making a goat's cheese log involves mashing soft goat cheese with a fork, adding flavorings, and shaping it into a log before chilling it in the fridge or freezer. This dish is a great option for entertaining at home as it is simple to make, can be prepared ahead of time, and is sure to impress guests.
How to cook a goat's cheese log
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ease | Goat's cheese logs are easy to make and elegant |
| Time | Goat's cheese logs can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days |
| Ingredients | Soft goat's cheese, herbs, nuts, dried fruit, honey, olive oil, pepper, garlic, salt, crackers, crostini, baguette, celery, carrots, apple slices |
| Method | Mash soft goat's cheese, add flavouring, roll into a log, chill, bring to room temperature, roll in toppings, drizzle with honey or olive oil |
| Serving suggestions | Cheese board, crackers, crostini, baguette, celery, carrots, apple slices |
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What You'll Learn
Flavour combinations
Goat's cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be paired with a variety of flavours. Here are some flavour combinations that you can use to create a delicious goat's cheese log:
- Herbs: Chives, parsley, basil, oregano, tarragon, rosemary, or basil are all great choices to add a fresh flavour to your goat's cheese log. You can also use dried herbs if fresh herbs are not available. Just remember that you'll need about 1/3 less quantity of dried herbs than fresh herbs.
- Nuts: Toasted walnuts, pecans, pistachios, or hazelnuts can add a crunchy texture and a rich flavour to your goat's cheese log. You can chop them finely and mix them into the goat's cheese, or use them as a coating by rolling the cheese log in the nuts before serving.
- Fruits: Dried cranberries, raisins, sultanas, apricots, or fresh strawberry slices can add a sweet and tangy flavour to your goat's cheese log. You can mix the dried fruits directly into the goat's cheese or use them as a topping. Plumping the dried fruits in hot water before using them can also add a nice texture.
- Sweet toppings: Honey is a classic pairing with goat's cheese and can be drizzled on top of the cheese log or mixed into the coating. You can also use other sweet toppings like jam or fruit preserves.
- Savory toppings: Garlic is a popular pairing with goat's cheese and can be added to the cheese log in its fresh or powdered form. Sun-dried tomatoes, olive oil, and pepper can also add a savoury kick to your cheese log.
Feel free to experiment with different combinations of these ingredients to create your own unique flavour profile!
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Rolling and shaping
Chilling the cheese mixture is an important step in the rolling and shaping process. Place the wrapped log in the fridge for around 30 minutes, or in the freezer for 10-20 minutes, until it is slightly firm and holds its shape. This will make it easier to work with and ensure it keeps its log shape.
Once the cheese has firmed up, you can remove it from the fridge and let it come to room temperature. This will make it easier to work with and ensure the toppings adhere properly. You can then roll the log in your chosen toppings, such as nuts, dried fruit, or herbs. Press down lightly to ensure the toppings stick to the cheese. Keep rolling until the cheese is completely covered.
If you want to get creative, you can shape the log into a more unique form. For example, you could try shaping it into a ball or a cylinder. You can also experiment with different coatings and flavours to create a variety of goat's cheese logs with distinct shapes and flavours.
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Chilling and setting
The next step is to chill the cheese log in the fridge for 30 minutes or in the freezer for 10-20 minutes. This will allow the cheese to firm up and set while remaining soft enough for the toppings to be pressed into it. If you are in a hurry, you can speed up the process by placing the cheese log in the freezer, which will take around 10 minutes.
After chilling, remove the cheese log from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes or so to soften before adding the toppings. This step will ensure that the toppings adhere to the cheese properly.
If you are making a nut-based coating, such as pecans or pistachios, you can prepare the cheese log entirely in advance, except for the coating. When ready to serve, let the cheese log sit at room temperature to soften, then roll it in the nut mixture.
If you are not adding a coating, you can serve the goat's cheese log immediately after it has chilled and set. However, it is recommended to let it come to room temperature or close to room temperature before serving to enhance its texture and flavour.
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Toppings and coatings
Nuts
Nuts provide a crunchy texture and a savoury flavour that pairs beautifully with goat's cheese. Toasted pecans, pistachios, walnuts, hazelnuts, or almonds are all excellent choices. If you want to get creative, try toasting the nuts in a pan with butter and a pinch of salt before using them as a coating. This will add a rich, buttery flavour to the nuts and make them even crispier.
Herbs
Fresh or dried herbs can add a burst of colour and flavour to your goat's cheese log. Chives, parsley, basil, oregano, tarragon, rosemary, and basil are all great options. You can mix and match different herbs to create your own unique blend, or use a pre-made blend like Herbes de Provence.
Dried Fruits
Dried fruits such as cranberries, raisins, sultanas, apricots, or even strawberries can add a touch of sweetness to your goat's cheese log. If you have the time, you can try "plumping" the dried fruit by soaking them in hot water for a few minutes before using them. This will make them juicier and more reminiscent of fresh fruit.
Sweet Drizzles
A drizzle of honey or olive oil can take your goat's cheese log to the next level. These sweet additions provide a glossy finish and a touch of extra flavour that will impress your guests.
Savoury Mix-Ins
If you want to get creative, you can mix ingredients like garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, or pepper directly into the goat's cheese before forming it into a log. This will give your cheese log a more complex flavour profile and a unique appearance.
Remember, the key to a great goat's cheese log is balance. You don't want to overwhelm the delicate flavour of the cheese, so choose your toppings wisely and taste as you go!
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Serving suggestions
Goat's cheese logs are a great addition to a cheese board or can be served on their own as an appetizer. They can be served with crackers, toasted bread, baguette slices, bagels, or crostini.
If you're serving a goat's cheese log as an appetizer, 3 to 5 small logs with different coatings are ideal. You can coat the logs in honey, olive oil, or a mixture of herbs and spices, and roll them in nuts, dried fruit, or flowers. For a crunchy coating, you can roll the log in pecans, walnuts, or caraway seeds just before serving.
For a simple, elegant appetizer, try a goat's cheese log coated in herbs and olive oil. This recipe combines the bold, tangy flavour of goat's cheese with bright, fresh herbs and the luxurious taste of olive oil.
Goat's cheese logs are a great gluten-free option for celiac guests, as long as you serve them with gluten-free accompaniments.
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Frequently asked questions
First, mash up soft goat's cheese in a mixing bowl with a fork. Next, add your desired flavourings, such as herbs, dried fruit, or nuts, and mash the mixture together. Form the mixture into a log shape on a sheet of plastic wrap, then chill it in the fridge or freezer for 10-30 minutes. Finally, remove the log from the fridge and let it come to room temperature before serving.
Some popular flavour combinations for a goat's cheese log include honey and pistachio, cranberry and rosemary, garlic and herb, and buttered pecan. You can also add toppings such as crackers, crostini, or fresh fruit and vegetables.
You can make a goat's cheese log up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. However, if you add a crunchy coating, such as nuts or seeds, it is best to add this just before serving to ensure it remains crispy.
