Patrick Oconnell
Goat cheese, or chèvre in French, is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to pizzas and pastas. Its tangy, earthy flavour and creamy texture make it a popular choice for home cooks looking to create rich-tasting meals. When it comes to displaying goat cheese, a festive holiday cheese board is a great option. This can include pairing different varieties of goat cheese with meats, crackers, nuts, and spreads, and festive decorations. Another way to display goat cheese is to create a beautiful appetizer, such as warm goat cheese fritters or a savoury caramelized garlic and goat cheese tart. For a more casual display, simply spreading goat cheese on toast or crackers can be a delicious and easy option.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Flavors | Natural, Garlic and Herb, Honey, tangy, tart, earthy, buttery, creamy, mild, strong, blue mold, hazelnut, herbs, sweet, salty, spicy, nutty, fruity, floral, floral, balsamic, caramel, floral, bitter, sharp, mellow, rich, mild |
| Texture | Crumbly, creamy, soft, smooth, fluffy, spreadable, crunchy, crispy, meaty, juicy, tender, light, fluffy, airy, thick, rich, mild |
| Type of Dish | Salad, appetizer, main, side, dessert, breakfast, lunch, supper, snack |
| Accompaniments | Meat, crackers, nuts, spreads, dips, edible and non-edible decor, greenery, pine cones, cinnamon sticks, grapes, honey, fig spread, olives, herbs, vegetables, corn, scallions, chile, lime juice, cilantro, basil, mushrooms, rice, vinegar, oil, beet, carrots, beet greens, pear, walnuts, balsamic vinegar, sumac, coriander, Greek yogurt, arugula, Asian pear, lemon dressing, pumpkin seeds, apples, Bosc pears, club soda, egg batter, panko crumbs, cinnamon sugar, cookies, jam, chicken, tarragon, chilli, prosciutto, cherry tomatoes, garlic, puff pastry, broccoli, courgette, red chilli, Jersey Royals, nutmeg, sourdough, honey-roasted pears, beetroot, feta, ricotta, leeks, walnuts, garlic, chilli, pasta, fettuccine, pimentón de la Vera, almonds, eggplant, pesto, Parmesan, ricotta, beans, milk, water, spinach, lemon, basil, sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, fritters, tropical fruit dipping sauce, flatbread, olive oil, asparagus, peas, bacon, pancetta, crostini, crudites, macaroni, cheddar, lettuce, tomato, naan bread |
| Display | Tiered serving trays, cheeseboards |
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What You'll Learn
Flavours and textures
Goat cheese, or chèvre in French, comes in a variety of flavours and textures. It can be white, coated with ash or herbs, or wrapped in grape leaves. Its distinctive character comes from capric acid, a flavorful fatty acid that promotes the development of good intestinal bacteria in humans.
Goat cheese has a rich, tangy flavour and a creamy texture. It is often described as earthy, buttery, and intense. Its texture can range from crumbly to creamy, young to mature, mild to tangy. It is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, from breakfast to dessert.
When it comes to flavour, goat cheese can be paired with a variety of ingredients to enhance its taste. Sweet additions like grapes, honey, and fig spread complement the natural and honey flavours of goat cheese. Savory items such as meats, nuts, olives, and crackers also go well with goat cheese, especially the garlic and herb variety.
The process of making goat cheese at home allows for customization of flavours. Herbed goat cheese can be made using dried herbs such as chives, thyme, or rosemary, added during the milk stage for even distribution. Fresh herbs like chives or dill can also be used to cover the molded cheese. Other flavour options include dried herbs and spice blends such as tarragon, za'atar, or basil. When forming logs or disks, they can be covered in chopped nuts (raw or toasted).
As goat cheese ages, its body grows firm without hardening, and its flavour becomes creamier with hints of hazelnut and dried herbs. Aged variants develop different coatings, from natural or waxed rinds to fluffy white mold coatings similar to Camembert or Brie.
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Presentation styles
Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of presentation styles. Here are some ideas for presenting goat cheese:
Cheese Board
A classic way to present goat cheese is on a cheese board, paired with crackers, meats, nuts, and spreads. This allows your guests to sample different varieties of goat cheese and create their own flavour combinations. You can get creative with the presentation by using a tiered serving tray, adding greenery and festive decorations, or arranging the ingredients in a way that is aesthetically pleasing.
Salads
Goat cheese is a popular addition to salads, as it provides a creamy texture and tangy flavour. Try crumbling goat cheese over a bed of arugula, baby greens, or mixed greens, and pairing it with sweet or tangy dressings. You can also add other ingredients such as beets, pears, apples, tomatoes, or asparagus to create a variety of flavours and textures.
Appetizers
Goat cheese can be a delicious and elegant appetizer. Try serving warm goat cheese fritters with a dipping sauce, or make a savoury caramelized garlic and goat cheese tart. Goat cheese mousse is another easy appetizer option that can be served as a topping for crostini or as a dip for crudités.
Main Courses
Goat cheese can be incorporated into a variety of main courses. Try stuffing chicken breasts with goat cheese, herbs, and chilli, or baking it into a vegetable tart or pizza. Goat cheese also works well in pasta dishes, adding a creamy texture and tangy flavour to fettuccine or macaroni and cheese.
Desserts
While goat cheese is commonly used in savoury dishes, it can also be incorporated into desserts. Try blending it with vanilla custard and lemon juice for a unique pudding, or using it in a cheesecake paired with fresh berries. Goat cheese can also be drizzled with honey and served with Greek yogurt for a sweet treat.
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Health benefits
Goat cheese is a nutritious dairy product with a range of health benefits. Firstly, it is a good source of protein, providing 6 grams per serving, which is sufficient for the proper functioning of the body. It is also rich in healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, including calcium, phosphorus, copper, vitamin D, vitamin K, and B vitamins like thiamine, niacin, and riboflavin.
Goat cheese has lower levels of lactose and significantly less A1 casein than cow's milk, making it a better choice for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies. It also contains less than half the amount of sodium as regular cheese, which can help reduce the risk of chronic conditions and potentially fatal diseases like heart attacks and strokes.
The fatty acids in goat cheese, such as capric acid, have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help combat acne-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation in the body. These fatty acids are also metabolized faster than those in cow's cheese, leading to increased satiety and potential weight loss benefits.
Additionally, goat cheese is a good source of selenium, a trace mineral that helps the body break down DNA-damaging peroxides, thereby lowering the risk of cancer, thyroid disease, and cardiovascular disease. The probiotics in goat cheese also contribute to improved digestive health and a stronger immune system by competing with unhealthy bacteria in the intestines.
Overall, goat cheese is a nutritious and healthy alternative to cow's milk cheese, offering a range of benefits for bone health, digestive health, and overall well-being.
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Recipes and cooking
Goat cheese, or chèvre in French, is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes. It has a tangy, earthy flavour and a creamy texture, making it a great addition to many dishes. Here are some ideas for recipes and cooking with goat cheese:
Appetizers and Starters
Goat cheese can be used as a sophisticated and tasty appetizer or starter. Try serving warm goat cheese fritters with a tropical fruit dipping sauce, or a caramelized garlic and goat cheese appetizer tart. For a refreshing option, serve goat cheese mousse as a topping for warm crostini or as a dip for crudites.
Salads
Goat cheese is an excellent addition to salads, providing a creamy texture and tangy flavour. Combine it with ingredients like arugula, Asian or Bosc pears, lemon dressing, pumpkin seeds, or baby tomatoes. For a heartier salad, add chicken or grilled chicken breasts with a herbed goat cheese sauce.
Pizzas
Goat cheese is a delicious topping for pizzas, adding a creamy tang to the dish. Try it with asparagus, peas, and crisp bacon, or with sun-dried tomatoes and chopped Kalamata olives. For a vegetarian option, use Indian naan bread as the base and top with broiled asparagus, basil, and goat cheese.
Pastas
Goat cheese can be used to create creamy pasta sauces without the need for heavy cream or butter. Combine it with ingredients like basil, spinach, lemon, garlic, and pasta cooking water for a tasty dish. For a lighter alternative to fettuccine Alfredo, simply mix goat cheese with fresh basil, spinach, lemon, and garlic.
Soups
Goat cheese can be swirled into soups to add a creamy texture and flavour. Try it in a cauliflower soup or a super-healthy vegetable soup.
Desserts
Goat cheese can even be used in desserts! For a unique treat, blend vanilla custard with a log of soft goat cheese and a touch of lemon juice for a tangy, creamy pudding.
Cheeseboards
Of course, goat cheese is a perfect addition to any cheeseboards. Pair three varieties of flavoured goat cheese logs with meats, crackers, nuts, and spreads. Some specific goat cheese options include natural, garlic and herb, and honey. Add some edible decor to make it festive, such as greenery, pine cones, or cinnamon sticks.
Making Your Own Goat Cheese
If you're feeling adventurous, you can even make your own goat cheese at home. All you need is full-fat goats' milk, cheese salt (or kosher salt), and cheesecloth. Simply combine the milk with heat and acid, drain the cheese, add salt, and form the cheese into your desired shape. You can flavour your goat cheese with herbs like chives, thyme, or rosemary, or cover it with chopped nuts.
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Making your own
Ingredients and Equipment:
- Fresh goat's milk (preferably full-fat and pasteurized)
- Cheese salt (kosher salt) or sea salt
- Cheesecloth
- Thermometer
- Sieve
- Bowl
- Mold or wax paper/plastic wrap/beeswax wrap
Step 1: Preparing the Milk
Start by heating the goat's milk. Unlike cow's milk, goat's milk doesn't curdle in the same way, so expect smaller and less formed curds. After heating, set the milk aside, covered, for about 10 minutes.
Step 2: Draining the Cheese
Place the cheesecloth inside the sieve and pour the milk into it. Allow the milk to drain for around an hour. You can collect the leftover whey in a bowl to use in other recipes. Alternatively, you can bundle the cheesecloth and hang it from a faucet to drain.
Step 3: Salting and Flavouring
Add the cheese salt or sea salt to the drained cheese and mix well. This step is crucial for inhibiting bacteria and preserving the cheese. Now, you can add your choice of flavourings. For a plain goat's cheese, you can adapt smaller portions to individual meals. For a herbed goat cheese, add dried herbs like chives, thyme, or rosemary while mixing in the salt. You can also cover the moulded cheese in fresh herbs like chives or dill.
Step 4: Moulding and Shaping
Now it's time to shape your cheese. You can use a mold or roll it into a log shape. To roll a log, use beeswax wrap, plastic wrap, or wax paper for easier shaping. If you want a coated cheese, you can roll the log in chopped nuts (raw or toasted).
Storage and Serving:
Once your cheese is moulded, you can store it in the refrigerator. When serving, pair your homemade goat cheese with crackers, meats, nuts, and spreads. Get creative and enjoy your very own homemade goat cheese!
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