Randy Chandler
There are many ways to cook goat's cheese wrapped in Parma ham, from pan-frying to grilling and baking. The sweetness of the ham pairs well with the tanginess of goat's cheese, and the dish can be served as an appetiser, a salad, or a main course. You can also add other ingredients to enhance the flavour, such as spinach, rocket, cucumber, and peppers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dish | Goat's cheese wrapped in Parma ham |
| Variants | Parma ham-wrapped chicken stuffed with goat's cheese, goat's cheese and Parma ham canapés, goat's cheese-stuffed chicken breast wrapped in Parma ham on courgettes and tomatoes, air fryer figs wrapped in Parma ham |
| Ingredients | Goat's cheese, Parma ham, baby spinach, red bell pepper, onion, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, wild rocket, cucumber |
| Method | Slice and season the chicken, stuff with goat's cheese, wrap with Parma ham, secure with toothpicks, pan-fry, bake, or grill |
| Serving Suggestions | Rocket salad, olive oil and balsamic vinegar, spicy honey, Prosecco, courgettes and tomatoes |
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What You'll Learn
How to cook goat's cheese-stuffed chicken breast wrapped in Parma ham
This is a brilliant one-dish dinner and is easy to prepare. It's a delicious dish combining savoury chicken, salty Parma ham, and tangy goat's cheese.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices of Parma ham
- Goat's cheese
- Olive oil
- Baby spinach
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Toothpicks
Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) or 375°F, or your grill to medium heat. Spray a casserole dish with cooking spray. If grilling outdoors, prepare a disposable baking tray with spray.
- Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add salt, pepper, and cook for a few minutes, or until slightly softened. Then, add the baby spinach and stir for another minute.
- Transfer the mixture to a large bowl. Add the goat cheese to the bowl and stir until well blended.
- Dry off the outside of the chicken breasts with paper towels. Butterfly the chicken by slicing through the middle, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Divide the goat cheese filling into four equal amounts and stuff it into the chicken breasts, folding the chicken around the filling.
- Wrap each chicken breast with a slice of Parma ham, securing it with toothpicks.
- Place the stuffed and wrapped chicken breasts in a single layer in the casserole dish or sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake or grill for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F on a digital thermometer.
- Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
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Pan-frying vs grilling
When it comes to cooking goat's cheese wrapped in Parma ham, you can choose between pan-frying and grilling. Both methods have their advantages and will result in delicious, flavourful dishes.
Pan-Frying
Pan-frying is a convenient and quick way to cook goat's cheese wrapped in Parma ham. It can be done on a stovetop, making it ideal for those who don't have access to an outdoor grill or prefer to cook indoors. To pan-fry, simply heat some olive oil in a pan and fry the parcels for around 2 minutes on each side until the ham is golden brown. This method results in even browning and can also be used to create a sauce from the juices and bits left in the pan.
Grilling
Grilling imparts a distinct smoky flavour to the dish that is difficult to replicate with a stovetop pan. The smoke and flames created by dripping fat onto the heat source char the meat and give it a unique taste. Grilling also creates attractive black grill marks on the food. However, grilling can be more time-consuming as it requires additional preparation, such as preheating the grill and ensuring it is set up correctly.
In terms of health considerations, both methods have potential risks. Pan-frying may seem less healthy due to the addition of butter or oil, but grilling can also increase the HCA content of food, as the burning fat produces compounds linked to an increased risk of certain cancers.
Ultimately, the decision between pan-frying and grilling comes down to personal preference, convenience, and the desired flavour profile of the dish.
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How to prepare the goat's cheese
Preparing goat's cheese to be wrapped in Parma ham is a simple process. First, decide on the quantity of cheese you wish to prepare—a good rule of thumb is to use two slices of Parma ham for each individual goat's cheese. Place the cheese in the centre of the ham slices and fold the ham around it, pressing down firmly to create a small parcel. If you're using this as a filling, as in the case of chicken breasts, slice the chicken and create a pocket for the goat's cheese filling. Divide the goat's cheese into equal amounts and stuff the filling into the chicken breasts, folding the chicken around it.
You can also add other ingredients to the goat's cheese to enhance its flavour. For instance, you could add baby spinach, red bell pepper, onion, and various seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir the mixture until it is well blended. If you're preparing a cold dish, spread a teaspoon of goat's cheese over the end quarter, and season with salt and pepper. Add a handful of rocket, leaving some sticking out of the ends, and lay a piece of cucumber on top.
If you're frying or grilling the goat's cheese parcels, heat some olive oil in a pan and fry for around two minutes on each side until the ham is golden brown. Alternatively, place the parcels in an oven-baking dish with other ingredients, such as courgettes and tomatoes, and bake for around 20 minutes.
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What to serve with goat's cheese and Parma ham
There are several options for what to serve with goat's cheese and Parma ham, depending on how you have prepared the two ingredients. For example, goat's cheese and Parma ham can be served with chicken, in a salad, or in a sandwich.
If you are serving the goat's cheese and Parma ham with chicken, you can prepare the dish by slicing a pocket into a chicken breast and filling it with goat's cheese. You can then season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder before wrapping it with the Parma ham and cooking it. This dish combines savory chicken, salty ham, and tangy goat cheese. You could serve this dish with roasted asparagus with prosciutto and Parmesan.
If you are serving the goat's cheese and Parma ham in a salad, you can prepare the dish by wrapping the cheese with the ham and pan-frying it for two minutes on each side or until golden brown. You can then serve the fried parcel with a rocket salad, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
If you are serving the goat's cheese and Parma ham in a sandwich, you can prepare the dish by spreading goat's cheese on a slice of bread and topping it with Parma ham. You could also add other toppings to the sandwich, such as vegetables or honey.
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Alternatives to goat's cheese
If you're looking for alternatives to goat's cheese to wrap in Parma ham, there are a few options you could consider. Goat's cheese is known for its tangy, earthy flavour and creamy, smooth texture. Here are some substitutes that offer similar characteristics:
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese has a similar creamy and smooth texture to goat's cheese, and it can be used in comparable recipes. It has a milder flavour profile, but you can easily adjust this by adding a small amount of Greek yoghurt to introduce that classic tangy taste of goat's cheese. Cream cheese is a versatile and affordable option, working especially well in pasta dishes and spreads.
Feta Cheese
Feta is a Greek cheese with a salty, tangy flavour and a crumbly texture similar to goat's cheese. It is a great substitute for goat's cheese in salads and can be used in the same way when wrapping with Parma ham.
Ricotta Cheese
Ricotta is a healthy alternative to goat's cheese due to its low-fat content. It has a mild taste and a looser texture, but you can easily adjust this by adding a pinch of salt to enhance the flavour and make it closer to goat's cheese. Ricotta may have a slightly higher water content, so be mindful of this when preparing your dish.
Mascarpone Cheese
Mascarpone is a good substitute for those who don't enjoy the strong flavour of goat's cheese. It has a similar creamy texture, making it ideal if you're primarily looking to replicate the texture rather than the flavour.
Tofu
For a dairy-free option, tofu is a fantastic substitute. Medium-firm to firm tofu will provide a texture closer to crumbled goat's cheese. To enhance the flavour, mix the drained tofu with salt and nutritional yeast. You can also add various spices and herbs to suit your recipe.
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Frequently asked questions
Place two slices of Parma ham on a board, put the goat's cheese in the centre, and fold the ham around the cheese. Press down until you have a small parcel. Pan-fry for two minutes on each side until the ham is golden brown.
Goat's cheese and Parma ham go well with a rocket salad, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. You can also serve it with roasted figs and spicy honey, or with cucumber and a glass of prosecco.
Yes, you can bake goat's cheese wrapped in Parma ham in the oven. You can also cook it on a grill.
