Andy Montoya
Soft goat's cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in countless dishes. It can be baked, fried, whipped, crumbled, stuffed, spread, sprinkled, or slathered onto a variety of foods. Its rich, tangy flavor and creamy texture make it a delicious addition to many recipes, from appetizers and salads to main courses and desserts. Making goat's cheese at home is a simple and cost-effective process that requires just a few basic ingredients and kitchen tools. In this discussion, we will explore various recipes and cooking methods for soft goat's cheese, highlighting its versatility and providing inspiration for home cooks to incorporate this tasty cheese into their meals.
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What You'll Learn
Soft goat's cheese on pizza and pasta
Soft goat's cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, including pizza and pasta. Here are some ideas and recipes for incorporating soft goat's cheese into these dishes:
Pizza:
Goat's cheese can be a delicious topping for pizza, adding a tangy and creamy element. Here is a recipe for a caramelised onion and goat's cheese pizza:
- Heat your oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7.
- In a mixer with a dough hook or a bowl, add flour, yeast, salt, oil, and warm water. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 5 minutes in the mixer or for about 10 minutes if kneading by hand.
- Cover the dough and let it rest while preparing the toppings.
- For the toppings, tip the onions into a non-stick wok with oil, water, and balsamic vinegar. Cover and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are golden and the liquid has evaporated.
- Transfer the onions to a plate and add spinach and garlic to the pan. Stir-fry until the spinach wilts.
- Divide the dough into two pieces and press each piece into a 25x15 cm oval on a greased baking sheet.
- Spread the spinach over the dough, followed by the onions.
- Dot the pizza with goat's cheese and scatter with olives, thyme, and sunflower seeds.
- Bake for 15 minutes until the crust is golden and cooked through.
You can also experiment with other toppings to pair with goat's cheese, such as prosciutto, basil, arugula, and a balsamic reduction.
Pasta:
Soft goat's cheese can also be used to make a creamy and delicious pasta sauce. Here is a simple recipe for a one-pot goat cheese pasta:
- Place a large pan or skillet on medium heat and drizzle with olive oil.
- Add in tomatoes and once they start to burst slightly, add garlic and onion. Sauté until softened.
- Season with salt and pepper, then pour in the uncooked pasta and vegetable stock. Stir well.
- Place the goat cheese in the centre of the pan and sprinkle with lemon zest and fresh dill.
- Cook for 10-15 minutes until the pasta is al dente and the stock has reduced.
For a more indulgent option, you can make a creamy goat cheese sauce by heating butter in a skillet and adding garlic, goat cheese, and half-and-half. Whisk until smooth, then add cooked pasta and pasta water to achieve your desired sauce consistency. Finish with basil, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and zest.
These recipes showcase how soft goat's cheese can be a versatile and tasty addition to both pizza and pasta dishes.
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How to make soft goat's cheese at home
Making soft goat's cheese at home is a simple and cost-effective process that only requires a few ingredients and some basic equipment. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make soft goat cheese in your own kitchen:
Ingredients and Equipment:
Firstly, gather your ingredients and equipment. For the cheese, you will need goat's milk, water, an acid (such as lemon juice, vinegar, or citric acid), and salt. You will also need a thermometer, a cheesecloth, and some type of container to mix and store your cheese.
Prepare the Milk:
Start by heating your goat's milk slowly. The ideal temperature is 86°F (30°C). Avoid heating the milk too quickly, as this can affect the texture of your cheese. Stirring slowly and steadily is also important to ensure a smooth and creamy cheese.
Coagulate the Milk:
To turn the milk into cheese, you need to add an acid to coagulate the milk, separating it into curds and whey. You can use lemon juice, vinegar, or citric acid. Add your chosen acid slowly, stirring as you go, until the milk begins to curdle. If you are new to cheesemaking, lemon juice or vinegar are good options as they are likely already in your kitchen.
Drain and Press the Curds:
Line a strainer or colander with cheesecloth and slowly pour in the curdled milk. The whey will drain through the cheesecloth, leaving the curds behind. Gather the corners of the cheesecloth and twist them together to form a ball of curds. Squeeze gently to press out any excess whey.
Season and Mix:
Unwrap the curds and place them in a bowl. Add a teaspoon of salt and any desired seasonings, such as garlic or herbs. Mix and mash the curds with a spoon or fork until they reach a soft and spreadable consistency. If your cheese is too crumbly, you can add a small amount of milk or cream to make it softer and creamier.
Shape and Chill:
Shape your cheese into a log or any desired form. Place it in the refrigerator to chill and set. Your homemade soft goat cheese is now ready to be enjoyed!
Serving Suggestions:
Spread it over toast, bagels, or croissants. Crumble it over salads or pasta dishes. Mix it into lasagne or use it as a pizza topping. It can also be served as part of a cheese platter with crackers and jam.
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Soft goat's cheese as a dessert
Soft goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dessert recipes. One option is to make a cheesecake, which can be baked or no-bake, and can be topped with fresh berries, roasted cherries, or a fruit compote. Goat cheese can also be added to brownies, frostings, and puddings for a creamy and tangy twist.
For a simple dessert, you can make a dip by baking a mixture of goat cheese, cream cheese, honey, garlic, and seasonings. This can be served with pita chips, baguette slices, or crudites. Another easy dessert idea is to make a salad with arugula, Asian pear or green apples, a lemon dressing, and goat cheese.
If you're feeling more adventurous, you can try making a carrot cake with citrus and goat cheese, or a mille feuille with caramelized apples and goat cheese mousse. You can even make cupcakes, popsicles, or a Gateau Breton with a dollop of whipped, sweet apple cinnamon goat cheese.
Additionally, you can experiment with different flavor combinations by adding herbs, honey, or maple syrup to your soft goat cheese. You can also try making your own goat cheese at home by combining goat's milk with heat and acid, resulting in a soft and spreadable cheese that can be used in a variety of dessert recipes.
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Soft goat's cheese as a dip
Soft goat cheese is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, from appetizers to desserts. One popular way to enjoy soft goat cheese is to turn it into a dip, which can be served with crackers, veggies, or fruits. Here is a simple recipe for a delicious and creamy soft goat cheese dip that will be the star of your next gathering.
Ingredients:
- Goat cheese (10 ounces)
- Cream cheese (2 ounces)
- Honey
- Garlic
- Seasonings
- Olive oil
Optional Ingredients:
- Fresh herbs (basil, rosemary, etc.)
- Parmesan cheese
- Nuts
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Crème fraîche
Instructions:
Start by allowing the goat cheese and cream cheese to come to room temperature. This will make the blending process smoother and quieter. If you are in a hurry, you can use the cheeses straight from the refrigerator, but the dip may not blend as smoothly. Unwrap the goat cheese and let it soften on the counter. Meanwhile, mince your garlic and chop any fresh herbs you plan to use.
Place the goat cheese, cream cheese, garlic, and any desired seasonings into a food processor. Drizzle in a small amount of olive oil and whip until the mixture is fully combined and has a light and spreadable texture. If you do not have a food processor, you can use a hand mixer or simply combine the ingredients by hand with a spoon, mashing them together until the dip is smooth and creamy.
Once the dip is blended, use a wooden spoon to gently fold in the fresh herbs, if using. Transfer the dip to a small oven-safe baking dish, such as a cast iron skillet or a ceramic bowl. Before baking, drizzle a little more honey on top of the dip.
Bake the dip in a preheated oven at 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit for 13-18 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and bubbly. For an extra toasted top, broil the dip for the last minute of baking. Remove the dip from the oven and let it cool for at least five minutes before serving. Drizzle with an additional touch of honey, if desired, and a final sprinkle of herbs. Serve warm with crackers, sliced baguette, pita chips, bell pepper slices, apple slices, or grapes. Enjoy!
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Soft goat's cheese on salads
Soft goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, including salads. Here are some tips and ideas for incorporating soft goat cheese into your salad creations:
Choosing the Right Goat Cheese
Start by selecting a good-quality soft goat cheese, also known as chèvre. Look for a spreadable or crumbling variety, as these work well in salads. If you can only find fresh goat cheese, you can still use it in your salad by grilling it on bread.
Preparing the Cheese
To achieve a softer and more spreadable texture, let the goat cheese come to room temperature before adding it to your salad. You can also mix it with a spoonful of milk or cream to make it more spreadable. If you prefer a more whipped and creamy consistency, blend the goat cheese with a small amount of cream cheese.
Salad Ingredients
The beauty of a goat cheese salad is that it can be as simple or as creative as you like. Start with a base of mixed greens such as arugula, oak lettuce, or romaine lettuce. For a touch of sweetness, add fruits like grapes, cranberries, or sliced cucumbers. Toasted nuts or seeds, such as almonds or poppy seeds, can also add a nice crunch and flavor.
Dressing Options
A simple vinaigrette, such as a red wine vinaigrette or a lemon vinaigrette, pairs well with goat cheese salads. You can also experiment with other dressings, such as a blend of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and poppy seeds. Remember to taste and adjust your seasoning as needed.
Putting it all Together
When assembling your salad, consider building layers of flavor. Start by seasoning your undressed greens with salt and pepper. Then, add your desired dressing and gently toss to combine. Top your salad with the soft goat cheese, allowing it to warm up and become slightly creamy. Finally, sprinkle on any additional toppings, such as nuts or dried fruits, and serve.
A Warm Option
For a cozy and indulgent option, try a warm goat cheese salad. Slice the cheese while cold, dip it in a flour and egg mixture, coat with breadcrumbs, and fry. Serve on a bed of greens with your choice of toppings and dressings.
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Frequently asked questions
The key to soft and spreadable goat's cheese is to mix it with a spoonful or two of milk or cream. Mash them together in a small bowl, and within seconds, the goat cheese will be just softened enough to spread.
This recipe is made predominantly with goat cheese (10 ounces) and a small amount of cream cheese (2 ounces). Whip the cheeses together with honey, garlic, and seasonings. Transfer the mixture to a small oven-safe baking dish and drizzle with honey. Bake on the upper rack for 13-15 minutes until the top is lightly golden. Let it cool for at least 5 minutes before serving and then drizzle with honey again.
Soft goat's cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in countless dishes. Some examples include salads, pasta, pizza, chicken, eggs, and desserts.
Goat's cheese is lower in fat, calories, and cholesterol than cow's milk cheese. It also tends to be easier on the stomach, making it a good option for those who have issues with cow's milk or cheese.
