Andy Montoya
Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be dressed up in numerous ways, making it an excellent choice for appetizers or cheese boards. The mild and fresh flavour of soft goat cheese serves as a blank canvas for various toppings and flavour combinations. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy party appetiser or a more elaborate spread, there are endless possibilities to elevate plain goat cheese. From sweet options like honey, dried fruits, and chocolate to savoury choices such as herbs, spices, and nuts, the possibilities are endless. Preparing a dressed-up goat cheese log is simple and can be done in less than 15 minutes, making it a convenient and impressive option for any gathering.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Flavors | Honey, lemon zest and cracked pepper, strawberry rosemary sea salt, toasted walnuts, cranberry-pecan, cranberry-walnut, pistachio-cranberry, cinnamon, rosemary, dried apricot, dark chocolate, maple syrup, fig preserves, pesto, olive oil, garlic, parsley, basil, tarragon, chives, mint, thyme, and more |
| Presentation | Goat cheese logs can be coated in honey and rolled in sweet toppings like nuts, dried fruit, or edible flowers. Savory toppings can be coated in olive oil. |
| Serving suggestions | Goat cheese can be served with crackers, baguette slices, meats, nuts, olives, grapes, honey, fig spread, and more. |
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What You'll Learn
Pair with honey and/or maple syrup
Honey and maple syrup are both excellent pairings with goat cheese, and they can be used in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas to dress up plain goat cheese using honey and/or maple syrup:
Goat Cheese with Honey
Goat cheese with honey is a simple yet delicious combination. To make this, drizzle honey over fresh goat cheese and top it with finely chopped hazelnuts, or fresh thyme leaves, sea salt, and cracked pepper. You can also sprinkle on some red pepper flakes for a hint of spice. This can be served as a starter or as a dessert for those who prefer a cheese plate over something sweet. For an extra special touch, try to source your honey locally, as honey from the same terroir as the goat milk will accentuate the cheese in profound ways. Chestnut honey, in particular, adds depth and an earthy, gamey flavour to the dish.
Goat Cheese Grilled Cheese with Honey
For a fun twist on the classic grilled cheese, try making a goat cheese grilled cheese with honey. First, melt butter with red pepper flakes in a saucepan to infuse the spice into the butter. Then, spread the butter on one side of two slices of thick, good-quality white bread. Place one slice of bread, buttered-side down, in the pan. Add crumbled goat cheese and shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese, and drizzle with honey. Top with the other slice of bread, buttered-side up, and grill to toasted perfection.
Goat Cheese Log with Honey
For an easy and impressive appetiser, try making a goat cheese log with honey. Start by rolling a log of goat cheese in chopped, candied walnuts. Then, drizzle honey over the log. This can be served with crackers or spread on toast.
Maple-Glazed Goat Cheese
Maple syrup also pairs beautifully with goat cheese. For a simple option, brush goat cheese with maple syrup and use a hand-held browning torch to brown the surface. This can be served on a platter with salad greens, fried squash seeds, and toasted French bread or crackers. Alternatively, you can drizzle maple syrup over a goat cheese log, creating a sweet and tangy treat.
Maple Roasted Squash with Goat Cheese
For a heartier option, try making maple-roasted squash with goat cheese. Toss squash wedges in olive oil, maple syrup, sea salt, and pepper, then roast in the oven until tender and crispy. Serve with crumbled goat cheese, a drizzle of olive oil, and fresh Italian parsley. The natural sweetness of the squash pairs perfectly with the tangy goat cheese.
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Add herbs and garlic
Adding herbs and garlic to plain goat cheese is a great way to add flavour and create a delicious appetizer or spread. This can be done in a number of ways, from a simple drizzle of herb-infused oil to a more complex mix of ingredients.
One option is to create a garlicky herbed goat cheese spread. This can be made by mixing together goat cheese, olive oil, and milk. Grated garlic, salt, and fresh herbs can then be added to taste. This spread can be served immediately with crudites and crackers, or stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When serving, a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs can be added on top.
Another option is to create a baked goat cheese with garlic and herbs. This recipe involves baking the goat cheese with an oil mixture that includes garlic, herbs, and other seasonings. The cheese is sliced and placed in a single layer in a baking dish, with the oil mixture spooned on top. It is then baked until heated through and served with sliced baguette or crackers.
When choosing herbs to add to goat cheese, fresh herbs are generally preferred, but dry herbs can also work. Popular herb choices include dill, parsley, basil, rosemary, thyme, and oregano. These herbs can be used individually or in combination to create different flavour profiles.
Goat cheese with herbs and garlic can be served in a variety of ways, such as on toasted bread slices, in salads, or as a topping for figs or pizzas. It can also be used as a filling for stuffed squash blossoms or jalapeño poppers.
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Roll in nuts
Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be dressed up in a variety of ways, depending on the toppings and flavour combinations used as a coating. One popular way to elevate plain goat cheese is to roll it in nuts. This technique not only adds a crunchy texture but also enhances the flavour of the cheese.
To create a nut-coated goat cheese log, start by placing your desired toppings on a plate, spreading them out evenly. Common nuts used for this purpose include almonds, pecans, walnuts, pistachios, and pine nuts. It is recommended to chop the nuts into smaller pieces to ensure they coat the cheese evenly. You can also toast the nuts beforehand to enhance their flavour and aroma.
Once your toppings are prepared, remove the goat cheese from its packaging and place it on the plate. Roll the cheese log back and forth to cover the surface with the nuts. If needed, use a spoon or your hands to sprinkle and press the nuts into any uncovered areas. This technique ensures a thorough coating and helps the nuts adhere to the cheese.
For a more intricate flavour profile, consider combining different types of nuts or incorporating additional ingredients. For example, you could create a cranberry-pecan or cranberry-walnut combination, adding dried cranberries to the mix. Alternatively, you can experiment with sweet and savoury combinations by incorporating honey, maple syrup, or even dark chocolate into your nut coating.
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Coat in olive oil
Olive oil is a great way to dress up plain goat cheese, and it is a simple, yet effective way to make plain goat cheese incredibly flavorful.
To coat goat cheese in olive oil, you can either drizzle the olive oil on top of the goat cheese or submerge the cheese entirely in olive oil. If you are drizzling the olive oil, it is best to use a good-quality extra-virgin olive oil, as you will really be able to taste it. You can warm the olive oil in a pan with herbs and garlic to create a warm herb-and-garlic-infused oil to drizzle on top of the goat cheese. If you are submerging the goat cheese in olive oil, it is important to use a decent extra-virgin olive oil and ensure that the cheese is fully immersed. This will help to preserve the cheese in the fridge for up to one week.
When drizzling olive oil on top of goat cheese, you can get creative with the herbs and spices you use to infuse the oil. You can use any herbs you have on hand, such as basil, rosemary, thyme, or dill. It is recommended to stick to just one variety of herb at a time to get a good, clean flavor. If you are making a warm herb-infused oil, simply warm the olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat and add the garlic. Stir until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic, and then add your desired herb. If you are making a sweet version, you can add honey and lavender to the olive oil. Other spices you can add to the olive oil include red pepper flakes, black or red peppercorns, cumin seeds, and bay leaves.
If you are submerging the goat cheese in olive oil, you can also get creative with the flavorings you add to the oil. In addition to herbs and spices, you can add flavorings such as garlic, thyme, fennel seed, and lemon peel to the olive oil to infuse it with flavor. You can also add strips of lemon zest, bay leaves, and thyme to the jar with the goat cheese and olive oil.
Whether you drizzle or submerge the goat cheese in olive oil, it is a great way to dress up this plain cheese and make it a delicious appetizer or part of a cheese board.
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Serve with crackers or sliced baguette
There are many ways to dress up plain goat cheese and serve it with crackers or sliced baguette. Here are some ideas:
Flavoured Goat Cheese Logs
You can make flavoured goat cheese logs by coating them in honey and then rolling them in various toppings. For example, you can use sweet toppings such as chopped walnuts, edible flowers, or dark chocolate-covered acai. Alternatively, for a savoury option, coat the log in olive oil and then roll it in toppings such as sea salt, cracked pepper, or herbs like rosemary. You can also add in some dried apricots, cranberries, or other dried fruits and nuts. These logs can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Goat Cheese Trio
Another option is to create a goat cheese trio by cutting a log of goat cheese in half and topping each section with different toppings. Some topping ideas include fig preserves, honey and chopped walnuts, or pesto. This can be served with crackers or sliced baguette on the side, allowing guests to spread the cheese onto the crackers or bread.
Goat Cheese Appetizer
For a simple and quick appetizer, prepare a log of goat cheese on a serving plate and whisk up a dressing made of extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, sea salt, and chopped parsley. Score the goat cheese lengthwise and a few times crosswise, then pour the dressing over the cheese. This should be prepared about 30 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to soften and absorb the flavours. Serve with crackers or sliced baguette.
Holiday Goat Cheese Board
If you're looking for something more festive, you can create a holiday goat cheese board by pairing flavoured goat cheese logs with crackers, meats, nuts, spreads, and other festive decorations like greenery, pine cones, and cinnamon sticks. Sweet additions like grapes, honey, and fig spread pair well with the honey-flavoured goat cheese, while salty items like meats, nuts, and olives go well with natural or garlic and herb-flavoured goat cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
Sweet toppings that go well with goat cheese include honey, maple syrup, fig preserves, strawberry slices, and dried cranberries.
Savoury toppings that pair well with goat cheese are meats, nuts, olives, roasted garlic, herbs such as rosemary, and spices such as cinnamon.
Some unusual toppings for goat cheese include dark chocolate, candied nuts, and edible flowers.
A quick and easy way to dress up plain goat cheese is to coat it in olive oil and a mixture of herbs and spices.
