Frederic Melton
Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many dishes, including salads, pizzas, and sandwiches. It can be crumbled, sliced, or spread. Its tangy, soft texture pairs well with a variety of herbs and spices. Some common pairings include dill, chives, basil, rosemary, and garlic. For a simple appetizer, goat cheese can be mixed with herbs and olive oil, and served with crackers or toasted baguette slices. It can also be used as a sandwich spread, crumbled on pizza, or added to pasta. When choosing herbs to pair with goat cheese, consider the other ingredients in your dish and experiment with different combinations to find your favorite flavors.
How to Customize My Goat Cheese with Herbs and Spices
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Herbs | Dill, Chives, Thyme, Basil, Parsley, Mint, Oregano, Italian Basil, Thai Basil, Rosemary |
| Spices | Red Pepper Flakes, Black Pepper, Garlic, Garlic Powder, Allspice, Coriander, Salt |
| Other Ingredients | Olive Oil, Honey, Lemon Juice, Zest, Orange Zest, Bay Leaves, Star Anise, Sundried Tomatoes, Toasted Pine Nuts, Jammy Egg, Arugula, Roasted Beets |
| Preparation Method | Mix, Marinate, Topping, Frying, Baking, Pan-Frying, Crumbling |
| Serving Suggestions | Bread, Toasted Baguette Slices, Crackers, Salads, Pizza, Pasta, Sandwiches, Frittata, Omelette, Lasagna, Chicken, Halibut |
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What You'll Learn
Goat cheese and herbs: dill, chives, basil, rosemary, mint, and more
Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from appetizers to salads and pasta sauces. Its creamy, tangy, and spreadable texture makes it a perfect base for experimenting with different spices and herbs. While some people prefer to keep it simple with a sprinkle of salt and pepper, others like to get creative with herbs and spices.
Dill, with its bright and citrusy flavour, adds a refreshing and tangy note to the goat cheese, balancing the richness of the cheese. Dill is the star of the goat cheese spread, and it can be served with crackers or veggies for a quick appetizer. Chives, on the other hand, offer a subtle onion flavour that enhances the tanginess of the goat cheese. Chives are a classic pairing for goat cheese, especially in dishes like tarts, quiches, and salads. They can also be used to garnish goat cheese dishes such as omelets or scrambled eggs.
Rosemary is a robust and aromatic herb that adds a unique and fragrant element to goat cheese dishes. Its pine-like flavour creates a delightful sensory experience. It can be incorporated into a goat cheese and rosemary focaccia or used as a garnish for a goat cheese and honey crostini. Basil is another herb that pairs well with goat cheese, and it can be used in dishes such as pasta or sandwiches.
Other herbs that can be used to customize goat cheese include mint, tarragon, thyme, and parsley. Spice blends like herbes de Provence, za'atar, or dukkah can also be used to add flavour to goat cheese dishes. For some extra crunch and flavour, consider adding chopped almonds, pistachios, walnuts, or pecans. A drizzle of honey, chopped olives, or dried apricots or cherries can also enhance the flavour of goat cheese dishes.
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Olive oil and goat cheese: a match made in heaven
Olive oil and goat cheese are a perfect pair. The oil adds a fruity, tangy flavour to the cheese, enhancing its natural tanginess and creaminess. The combination is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, from appetizers to salads and sandwiches.
When it comes to customizing your goat cheese with herbs and spices, olive oil is a key ingredient. The process of marinating goat cheese in olive oil is simple yet effective. Start by thinly slicing or cutting the goat cheese into rounds or discs. You can even roll the goat cheese into small balls for a unique presentation. Then, combine olive oil with your choice of herbs and spices. Fresh herbs like chives, dill, parsley, rosemary, and thyme are excellent options, while dried herbs such as herbes de Provence can also be used. For an added kick, include ingredients like garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, lemon slices, and salt.
Once you've prepared your olive oil mixture, gently place the goat cheese into it. You can either drop the cheese pieces into the oil or roll the log in the herbs first, ensuring they adhere, before placing it in the oil. Cover the cheese completely with a thin layer of oil and let it marinate. Room temperature marination can take an hour or more, while refrigeration is recommended for longer periods, up to a few weeks.
The marinated goat cheese and olive oil combination can be served in multiple ways. Enjoy it with a crusty loaf of bread, grilled or warm, for a simple yet delicious treat. It pairs beautifully with crackers as well. For a more elaborate dish, try spreading the cheese on pita bread or using it as a sandwich spread with roasted vegetables or smoked salmon. You can even add it to pasta or use it to stuff peppers. The possibilities are endless!
Not only is the combination of olive oil and goat cheese delectable, but it's also a versatile base for countless recipes. The olive oil itself takes on a delicious flavour, which can be used for salad dressings, marinating more cheese, or drizzling over grilled chicken. So, the next time you're looking to elevate your goat cheese, reach for that bottle of olive oil and let your creativity flow.
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How to prepare your goat cheese for herbs and spices
Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many dishes, including salads, pizzas, and sandwiches. It can be crumbled, sliced, or spread. The cheese is often served with crackers, toasted baguette slices, apple and pear slices, or warm crusty bread.
To prepare your goat cheese for herbs and spices, you can follow these steps:
Choose your herbs and spices
Popular herbs to pair with goat cheese include thyme, chives, basil, rosemary, dill, and mint. Spices like red pepper flakes, garlic powder, and black pepper are also commonly used. You can also experiment with other herbs and blends, such as za'atar or Italian seasoning.
Prepare the goat cheese
If you want to mix the herbs and spices into the goat cheese, it is recommended to use a mini food processor to combine all the ingredients. Pulse until the mixture is just whipped and blended, with the herbs distributed in small, even pieces. You can also finely chop the herbs and mix everything by hand, but it is important to ensure the goat cheese is at room temperature if mixing by hand.
Serve or store
The goat cheese spread is best served right away, but it can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. If you plan to serve it later, transfer the mixture to a container with a tight-fitting lid.
Get creative
In addition to using the herbed goat cheese as a spread or dip, you can also try marinating the goat cheese in olive oil and your chosen herbs. This allows the flavours to meld and intensify. You can also use the herbed goat cheese in a salad, as a topping for grilled chicken, or crumbled on pizza.
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Creative ways to serve your goat cheese
Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in countless dishes. Here are some creative ways to serve this creamy and tangy cheese:
Appetizers and Snacks
- Goat cheese crostini: Top toasted bread slices with goat cheese and your choice of herbs and spices. You can also add other ingredients like green mango chutney or crushed nuts.
- Herb-marinated goat cheese: Mix goat cheese with herbs like dill, chives, thyme, and garlic, and marinate it in oil. Serve it as a dip with crackers or vegetables, or spread it on bread.
- Goat cheese frittata: Combine goat cheese with eggs and your choice of herbs and vegetables to make a delicious and creamy frittata.
- Goat cheese omelette: Stuff an omelette with a creamy goat cheese filling. You can also add herbs and vegetables of your choice.
- Goat cheese quesadillas: Sprinkle goat cheese onto a tortilla, add your choice of vegetables or meats, and grill until toasted.
Salads
- Beet and goat cheese salad: Combine roasted beets with goat cheese, carrots, beet greens, and a tangy lemon dressing.
- Arugula and pear salad: Mix bitter arugula with sweet Asian pear, tangy lemon dressing, and goat cheese. You can also add pumpkin seeds for crunch.
- Fig and fried goat cheese salad: Fry slices of goat cheese and coat them with crushed nuts. Serve them on a bed of greens with figs or other fruits.
- Spinach salad: Toss spinach with walnuts, goat cheese, and a homemade vinaigrette.
- Grilled peach salad: Combine grilled peaches with goat cheese and your choice of greens for a summery salad.
Main Courses
- Goat cheese pizza: Top a pizza base with goat cheese, Parmesan, pesto, eggplant, and any other desired toppings.
- Goat cheese pasta: Mix goat cheese with hot pasta, Parmesan, and milk for a simple and creamy sauce. You can also add vegetables or meats, such as caramelized onions and meaty mushrooms.
- Goat cheese risotto: Cook rice in mushroom-soaking liquid and stir in goat cheese for a tangy and earthy dish.
- Goat cheese grits: Add goat cheese to grits with lots of chopped garlic for a creamy and tangy side dish.
- Goat cheese stroganoff: Combine goat cheese, sour cream, and portobello mushrooms with egg noodles for a twist on a classic dish.
Desserts
- Goat cheese cheesecake: Add goat cheese to a traditional cheesecake recipe for a savoury and creamy element. Serve with berry sauce and fresh berries.
- Pear pastries: Combine goat cheese with pears to create savoury and sweet pastries.
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Experimenting with spices: red pepper flakes, garlic powder, and more
Red pepper flakes, garlic powder, and other spices can be used in a variety of ways to customize goat cheese and create unique flavour profiles. Here are some ideas and recipes to get you started:
Red Pepper Flakes
Red pepper flakes, also known as crushed red pepper, are commonly used to add a spicy kick to dishes. When combined with goat cheese, they create a delicious contrast of creamy and spicy flavours. For a simple yet effective approach, melt butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat and add red pepper flakes. Allow the butter to infuse with the spice for about five minutes. Then, use this flavoured butter to cook a grilled cheese sandwich with goat cheese and your choice of bread. The spice from the red pepper flakes will complement the creaminess of the goat cheese, resulting in a flavourful and indulgent sandwich.
Garlic Powder
Garlic powder is a versatile spice that can enhance the flavour of goat cheese. To incorporate garlic powder into your goat cheese dish, consider baking the cheese with roasted garlic cloves and pull-apart baguettes. Mix goat cheese with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and fresh thyme, forming it into an oval shape. Place it in a baking dish and surround it with roasted red peppers. Drizzle olive oil over the cheese and add the roasted garlic cloves. Bake until the cheese is soft and hot, then serve with the warm baguettes. The roasted garlic and garlic powder will impart a robust garlic flavour that pairs well with the tanginess of the goat cheese.
Experimenting with Additional Spices
In addition to red pepper flakes and garlic powder, there are numerous other spices you can experiment with to customize your goat cheese creations. For instance, you can stuff mini bell peppers with goat cheese, red pepper flakes, oregano, parsley, black pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Bake them in the oven until the peppers are softened and the cheese is browned. This combination offers a balance of spicy, herbal, and creamy notes. Additionally, you can explore using spices like basil, rosemary, coriander, or cumin to stuff the peppers, each imparting their unique flavour to the dish.
Furthermore, if you're a pasta enthusiast, try crafting a creamy goat cheese and roasted red pepper pasta dish. Sauté onions, garlic, and capsicum/bell peppers, then add passata and olives, and cooked risoni or pasta of your choice. Stir in goat cheese, salt, pepper, and pasta cooking water, allowing the cheese to melt and create a creamy sauce. This dish combines the sweetness of roasted red peppers with the spicy notes of red pepper flakes and the savoury tang of goat cheese, resulting in a flavourful and satisfying meal.
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Frequently asked questions
You can customize your goat cheese by mixing, topping, or garnishing it with herbs and spices. You can also marinate the goat cheese in olive oil and your chosen herbs and spices.
Popular herbs to season goat cheese include fresh thyme, chives, basil, rosemary, dill, and mint. Spices like red pepper flakes, garlic powder, and black pepper are also used.
Herbed and spiced goat cheese can be used in a variety of recipes, including:
- Salads
- Pizzas
- Sandwiches
- Appetizers
- Pastas
When choosing herbs and spices to pair with goat cheese, consider the other ingredients in your dish and experiment with different combinations to find your favorite flavors. Fresh herbs are best, but dried herbs can also be used. You can also try marinating the goat cheese in olive oil to intensify the flavors.
