Frederic Melton
A charcuterie board is a great way to spice up any gathering. When it comes to goat cheese, there are a few ways to cut it to make it look appealing. The traditional knife for goat cheese has a curved tip and a twin-forked end, but a wire cheese slicer or even dental floss can also be used for a clean cut. For long cheeses like the Ripened goat log, cut thin triangular portions from the center down through the height of the cheese. If you have a wheel, cut it into small triangles, and if you have a wedge, lay it on its flat side and slice from top to bottom. You can also cut rectangular slices and then cut them diagonally through the center to create two triangles. For softer cheeses, it is recommended to use a knife with holes in the blade to prevent sticking.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cutting tools | Knife with holes in the blade, knife with a curved tip and twin-forked end, cheese planer, cheese harp, dental floss, monofilament (fishing line) |
| Cutting technique | Cut long cheeses into round slices, cut thin triangular portions from the center down through the height of the cheese, cut parallel slices lengthwise from the tip or diagonally from the edge, cut from mildest to strongest |
| Presentation | Place spreadable cheeses in a bowl or dish, garnish with edible flowers, cut thicker pieces, arrange triangles so that the direction of the point switches with every other piece, cut half of the blocks of cheese in a different way |
| Quantity | Account for 3 to 4 ounces of cheese per guest if it is not being served as the main course |
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What You'll Learn
- Tools to cut goat cheese: a knife, dental floss, or a cheese harp
- Cutting a goat cheese log: cut thin triangular slices from the centre
- Cutting a goat cheese wheel: cut into small triangles, like a cake
- Cutting soft goat cheese: use a wire cheese slicer or knife with holes in the blade
- Presentation: arrange cheese with crackers, jam, fruits, nuts, and veggies
Tools to cut goat cheese: a knife, dental floss, or a cheese harp
Goat cheese can be cut in a variety of ways, depending on its shape and texture. Long goat cheeses, for example, should be cut into round slices. You can do this by cutting thin triangular portions from the centre down through the height of the cheese. To avoid ending up with just the rind at the end, always carve a tip on each piece. You can then cut parallel slices lengthwise from the tip or diagonally from the edge.
When it comes to tools, a knife is the most traditional option. For goat cheeses, a traditional knife with a curved tip and twin-forked end can be used. It is important to wipe the knife clean between cuts to avoid mixing flavours. Another option is to use a wire cheese slicer, such as a cheese harp or a cheese planer, which will give you clean, thin, and precise cuts. If you want to cut your goat cheese into thin slices, you can also use dental floss or even monofilament (fishing line). Wrap the floss around your fingers, hold it taut, and pull it downward through the cheese.
In addition to cutting techniques and tools, there are a few other things to keep in mind when preparing a charcuterie board with goat cheese. Firstly, it is recommended to cut cheeses from mildest to strongest to prevent flavours from mingling. Secondly, consider the visual appeal of your board by varying the shapes and sizes of your cheese slices. For example, you can cut rectangular slices diagonally through the centre to create triangles, which are great for dipping. Finally, don't forget to take your cheeses out of the fridge about an hour before serving and arrange them on your board with crackers, jam, fruits, nuts, and vegetables.
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Cutting a goat cheese log: cut thin triangular slices from the centre
Goat cheese is a great addition to a charcuterie board, and there are many ways to cut it depending on the shape and type of cheese. For a goat cheese log, the best way to cut thin triangular slices is to use the right tools and techniques. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Firstly, it is important to ensure your goat cheese log is very cold, but not frozen. Freezing will alter the texture of the cheese. Take the cheese out of the fridge about an hour before serving to bring it to the right temperature.
When you are ready to cut the cheese, choose the right knife. A traditional knife with a curved tip and twin-forked end is a good option for goat cheese. Alternatively, a knife with holes in the blade can help prevent the cheese from sticking to the knife, creating cleaner cuts. If you want to get very thin slices, a cheese planer or a wire cheese slicer can be used. A wire slicer, such as a cheese harp or even dental floss, can create clean, thin, and precise cuts without the cheese crumbling.
Now, you are ready to start slicing. Cut thin triangular portions from the centre of the log, moving downwards through the height of the cheese. Each slice should have a tip to avoid the last portion being just the rind. You can then cut parallel slices lengthwise from the tip or diagonally from the edge. Remember to wipe your knife with a damp cloth between cuts to prevent flavours from mixing and to keep the cheese from sticking to the knife.
Finally, arrange the slices on your charcuterie board. You can place the triangles decoratively, switching the direction of each slice for a unique appearance and added texture. Add crackers, jam, fruits, nuts, and vegetables to complete your board. Enjoy your goat cheese!
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Cutting a goat cheese wheel: cut into small triangles, like a cake
When preparing a charcuterie board, the way you cut the cheese is important. Cutting it correctly will help preserve the aromas and extend the shelf life of your cheeses. It will also ensure that your guests can fully appreciate the flavours and nuances of the cheese.
If you have a wheel of goat cheese, the best way to cut it is into small triangles, similar to how you would cut a cake or pie. First, place the wheel of cheese on a flat surface. Using a knife with a curved tip and twin-forked end, or a knife with holes in the blade to prevent sticking, cut the cheese into thin triangular slices from the centre down through the height of the cheese. You can then cut parallel slices lengthwise from the tip or diagonally from the edge. Remember to wipe the knife clean between cuts to avoid mixing flavours.
When arranging the triangles on your charcuterie board, get creative! Try switching the direction of the triangle with every other piece, or stack the slices on their side to add texture to your board. You can also garnish with dried fruit, a fig, or a flower to enhance the visual appeal of your board.
If you're working with a softer goat cheese, you might want to try using a wire cheese slicer or even dental floss to get clean cuts without the cheese sticking to your cutting implement.
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Cutting soft goat cheese: use a wire cheese slicer or knife with holes in the blade
Soft goat cheese can be a challenge to cut neatly, but the right tools and techniques can help you achieve the perfect slice. One recommended tool for cutting soft goat cheese is a wire cheese slicer. This type of slicer uses a wire, such as piano wire, to cut through the cheese smoothly and cleanly, preventing the cheese from sticking to the cutting tool and creating a neat slice. If you don't have a wire cheese slicer, you can use a knife with holes in the blade, which will also help prevent the soft cheese from sticking to the knife and provide a cleaner cut.
To use a wire cheese slicer, simply pass the wire through the cheese, applying even pressure to create uniform slices. If you're using a knife with holes, you can follow a similar technique. It's important to note that soft goat cheese should be very cold when you're cutting it, as this will help you achieve neater slices. However, avoid freezing the cheese, as this will alter its texture.
If you're looking for a creative way to cut soft goat cheese, consider using dental floss or even monofilament fishing line. Wrap the floss or line around your fingers, keeping it taut, and then pull it downward through the cheese to create a clean cut. This method can be especially useful if you're aiming for thin slices. Remember to use unflavoured floss unless you want a hint of mint with your cheese!
When creating a charcuterie board with soft goat cheese, consider the placement and arrangement of the cheese slices. You can place the slices together in a similar shape to the original log, making it easy for guests to serve. You can also separate the slices and arrange them creatively on the board, such as by alternating the direction of the slices or stacking them on their sides to add texture and visual appeal.
In addition to the cheese, a well-crafted charcuterie board includes other elements such as crackers, jam, fruits, nuts, and vegetables. These accompaniments not only add flavour but also enhance the visual presentation of the board. Remember to take the cheese out of the fridge about an hour before serving to allow it to come to room temperature and ensure the best flavour and texture.
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Presentation: arrange cheese with crackers, jam, fruits, nuts, and veggies
When it comes to presenting your cheese board, there are many ways to arrange the cheese with crackers, jam, fruits, nuts, and veggies. Here are some tips to help you create a beautiful and tasty display:
Firstly, consider the type of cheese you are using. If you have a long goat cheese log, cut it into thin triangular portions from the centre down through the height of the cheese. Remember to always carve a tip on each piece to avoid serving just the rind at the end. You can then cut parallel slices lengthwise or diagonally. If you have a wheel of cheese, cut it into small triangles, similar to how you would cut a cake. For softer cheeses, use a wire cheese slicer or unflavoured dental floss to create clean, thin slices without crumbling. Harder cheeses like parmesan or blue cheese can simply be placed as a wedge on the board with a knife, allowing guests to cut their own portions.
Now, let's talk about the presentation. You can arrange the cheese slices decoratively, such as by alternating the direction of the triangles to create a unique appearance and add texture to your board. If you have multiple blocks of cheese, cut some of them in a different way to add visual appeal. For example, cut a rectangular slice diagonally through the centre to create two triangles. Place the cheese slices or wedges on the board and fill in the spaces with crackers, jam, fruits, nuts, and veggies. You can also use garnishes like dried fruit, figs, or edible flowers to enhance the visual appeal and tie the arrangement together.
If you have spreadable cheeses, consider removing them from their container and placing them in a bowl or dish. You can also adorn them with a garnish or edible flower. Remember to provide a knife for each type of cheese to avoid mixing flavours, and keep the cheeses cold before serving to help with slicing.
Lastly, don't be afraid to get creative! Playing around with different arrangements and pairings is part of the fun of building a cheese board. Aim for a balance of flavours and textures, and don't forget to account for the number of guests you'll be serving.
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Frequently asked questions
You can cut a goat cheese log into thin triangular portions from the center down through the height of the cheese. You can then cut parallel slices lengthwise from the tip or diagonally from the edge. To get thin, clean slices, you can use a wire cheese slicer, dental floss, or monofilament fishing line.
You can cut a block of goat cheese into rectangular slices, and then cut it diagonally through the center to create two triangles. You can also cut the block into cubes.
You can cut a wheel of goat cheese into small triangles, similar to how you would cut a cake or pie.
