Randy Chandler
A goat cheese board is a fun and tasty addition to any party or get-together. This article will discuss how to display goat cheese on a charcuterie board, including the different types of goat cheese and toppings you can use, as well as some serving suggestions. Goat cheese boards are a viral trend that is here to stay, and for good reason!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese | Plain, organic, creamy, tangy, flavoured, hard, soft, spreadable |
| Cheese type | Goat, cheddar, chèvre |
| Flavours | Natural, garlic and herb, honey, Mediterranean, truffle, chipotle honey, goat cheddar, cinnamon, blueberry vanilla, pepper jelly |
| Meat | Rolled, cured |
| Fruit | Figs, dried cherries, dried apricots, blackberries, grapes, apples, strawberries |
| Other food items | Crackers, nuts, spreads, dips, small bites, bread, pita bread, walnuts, sea salt, honey, jam, olives, basil, lemon, balsamic glaze |
| Other | Parchment paper, butter knives, edible and non-edible decorations |
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What You'll Learn
Goat cheese board toppings
Goat cheese is a tangy, creamy, and delicious treat that can be paired with a variety of toppings to create a stunning and tasty goat cheese board. This can be a perfect appetizer for a holiday get-together or a party. Here are some ideas for toppings to elevate your goat cheese board:
Fruits
Fruits can add a touch of sweetness and a burst of color to your goat cheese board. Consider using fresh or dried figs, which pair beautifully with goat cheese. You can also add other dried fruits such as cherries and apricots, or fresh fruits like blackberries, green or red grapes, and apple slices.
Nuts
Nuts provide a crunchy texture and a savory flavor to the board. Walnuts are an excellent choice, but you can also use pecans or any other nuts of your preference.
Honey
A drizzle of honey adds sweetness and a sticky texture to the board. For an extra kick, try using spicy chipotle honey or hot honey.
Jams and Jellies
Pepper jelly is a popular choice to pair with goat cheese, adding a spicy and sweet dimension to your board. You can also use fig jam or any other fruit jam, such as blackberry jam, to create a delightful combination of flavors.
Herbs
Chopped basil and fresh parsley, basil, and oregano not only add flavor but also a pop of color to your board. You can also use the herbs to create a herbed goat cheese log by mixing them with garlic, lemon zest, and honey.
Meats
If you want to create a heartier goat cheese board, consider adding cured meats, salami, or prosciutto. Roll or fold the meats to create an appealing presentation and place them near the goat cheese.
Crackers and Bread
Crackers and fresh bread are classic accompaniments to any cheese board. They provide a neutral base to enjoy the flavors of the goat cheese and toppings.
Remember, there is no right or wrong way to create your goat cheese board, so feel free to experiment and have fun with different combinations of toppings!
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Flavours and textures
For a sweet flavour profile, dried fruits such as cherries, apricots, and cranberries complement the tanginess of goat's cheese. Honey, especially hot honey, adds a spicy kick, while jams, such as fig or blackberry, bring additional sweetness to the board. For a more savoury direction, Mediterranean-inspired flavours like olives, herbs, and spices create a robust and refreshing profile. Pepper jelly is a unique addition that adds a piquant touch to the board.
Textures are just as important as flavours. Dried fruits like figs, apricots, and cranberries provide a chewy bite, while nuts, such as walnuts, offer a satisfying crunch. Smooth and creamy goat's cheese, such as chèvre, creates an appealing contrast to the crunchy elements. Harder goat cheeses, like goat cheddar, provide a different texture and a more complex flavour profile achieved through aging.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to flavours and textures, so feel free to experiment and combine different elements to create a visually appealing and delicious goat cheese charcuterie board.
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Board shapes and materials
Charcuterie boards come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials. The shape and material of your board will depend on the occasion and how you plan to use it. Some shapes are better for large gatherings, while others are more suitable for smaller parties.
The most common charcuterie board shapes are round and rectangular. However, there are many other options available, such as natural wood boards with irregular shapes, long and thin boards, or oval-shaped boards. The shape of the board will impact its functionality when serving, so it's important to consider the number of people you'll be serving and the amount of food you plan to put on the board.
When it comes to materials, charcuterie boards are commonly made from wood or bamboo. Wood boards, especially those made from olivewood, are unique and elegant, and they can also help maintain the sharpness of your knife blades. Bamboo boards are lightweight and easy to transport. Other popular materials for charcuterie boards include slate, marble, glass, and ceramic. Keep in mind that some materials, like marble, can stain easily and require more delicate care.
If you don't have a traditional charcuterie board, you can get creative and use a large plate or platter, a baking sheet, or a tiered serving tray. For a goat cheese board, you can spread the goat cheese on a cutting board or a piece of parchment paper, which can help prevent cross-contamination.
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Timing and preparation
Firstly, choose the right board. You can use a traditional wooden cutting board, a large plate, or a baking sheet with a rim. If you want to get creative, try using a tiered serving tray, which takes up less space and looks elegant. It is recommended to line your board with parchment paper, especially if it is wooden, to prevent cross-contamination and ensure food safety.
Next, select your goat cheese. There are many varieties to choose from, such as plain, herbed, honey, or Mediterranean-inspired goat cheese. Consider using a combination of flavours and textures, such as soft and creamy goat cheese with harder, aged goat cheddar. Take the goat cheese out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before spreading it onto your board. This will make it easier to spread and ensure a smooth, even layer.
Now, it's time to choose your toppings and accompaniments. You can select from a variety of meats, crackers, nuts, spreads, fruits, and dips. Dried fruits such as cherries, apricots, and figs go well with goat cheese, as do fresh fruits like apples, grapes, and strawberries. Honey, pepper jelly, and balsamic glaze can also be drizzled over the cheese or used as dips. If you want to prepare your board ahead of time, you can spread the goat cheese and add toppings up to 1-2 hours before serving, but avoid preparing it overnight.
Finally, add some festive touches to your board. Include edible decorations such as herbs, flowers, or microgreens. You can also add non-edible decor, such as small festive ornaments or colourful ribbons. These final touches will make your goat cheese charcuterie board not only delicious but also visually appealing.
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Pairing with beverages
Goat cheese and wine pairings have historically been the most popular. However, with the rise of craft breweries, beer and goat cheese have become a common combination.
Wine
Goat's cheese is light, fresh, creamy, delicious, and thick, making it a must-have on your charcuterie board. It is also a favourite among those who are lactose intolerent. When it comes to wine, a classic Sauvignon Blanc is a good choice to wash down a bite of creamy goat's cheese. A dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Riesling would also work well. If you prefer red wine, try the Loire Valley varietal Cabernet Franc, which is better with a more complex and aged goat's cheese.
Beer
Belgian-style beers, especially wild-fermented Lambic beers, go well with tart and chalky goat cheese. When pairing beer and goat cheese, the key is to ensure neither overpowers the other. For instance, the nutty, near-coffee taste of porter beer complements the tangy sweetness of Fig & Honey Goat Cheese. The creamy texture of the cheese also helps to balance out the smoothness of the beer.
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Frequently asked questions
A goat cheese board is a charcuterie board with goat cheese as the main feature, accompanied by various toppings, meats, crackers, nuts, spreads, and more. It is a great appetizer for the holidays or for parties with friends.
Some popular toppings include dried cherries, dried apricots, nuts, honey, pepper jelly, blackberries, chopped basil, grated lemon, balsamic glaze, flaky sea salt, fresh figs, fig preserves, walnuts, hot honey, and grapes. You can also add cured meats, olives, or crispbread for a savoury touch.
You can use plain, organic goat cheese, or get creative with flavoured varieties such as chipotle honey, goat cheddar, rolled cranberry cinnamon, Mediterranean-inspired chèvre, or truffle goat cheese.
Take your goat cheese out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for easy spreading. Spread the goat cheese onto your board, leaving space for the toppings. You can use a cutting board, a large plate or platter, or a baking sheet to contain the cheese and toppings. Add a variety of toppings and meats near each section of goat cheese. Finish with edible and non-edible decorations to make it festive.
