Kamil Perry
Goat cheese is a soft, creamy, and tangy cheese with a diverse range of uses. It can be made at home with just a few simple ingredients and a bit of time, resulting in a delicious spreadable cheese. This cheese is a great addition to salads, crackers, fruits, and even baking. Making goat cheese at home is an easy and affordable process, and with some experimentation, one can create their own unique flavors.
How to get goat cheese
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Goat's milk, lemon juice |
| Optional ingredients | Calcium chloride, rennet, mesophilic culture, edible flowers, chopped nuts, cranberries, mixed herbs, olive oil, tapenade |
| Equipment | Cheese press, cheese cloth, butter muslin |
| Time | 3.3 hours minimum |
| Temperature | 76F (24C), 82C (180F) |
| Yield | 1.5 lbs, 4 cups |
| Storage | Can be frozen for up to 6 months |
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What You'll Learn
Making goat cheese at home
First, you will need to source some fresh goat's milk. It's best to use full-fat, pasteurized goat milk, which can be found at farmer's markets or local grocery stores. Avoid ultra-pasteurized milk, as it won't curdle in the same way. If you can get your hands on raw goat milk, that works too.
Next, you will need a pot made from a non-reactive metal, such as cast iron or stainless steel, that can hold at least half a gallon of liquid. You will also need a thermometer, which can be a simple candy thermometer or an instant-read thermometer.
Now, you are ready to begin the cheese-making process! Here are the steps:
- Line a colander with two or three layers of fine cheesecloth.
- In your pot, slowly heat the goat milk to around 185°F (86°F according to some sources), stirring frequently to ensure even heat throughout.
- Remove from the heat and add lemon juice or vinegar, stirring briefly until combined. You can also use citric acid, which you can buy at most grocery stores, as your curdling agent.
- Allow the mixture to sit for about 30 minutes. The curds will be like tiny specks, not large clumps.
- Slowly ladle the mixture into the cheesecloth.
- Add salt (preferably non-iodized salt like kosher salt) and stir lightly.
- Gather the ends of the cheesecloth and tie them with kitchen string. Tie this to your faucet and allow it to hang and drip for about an hour.
- Place the cheese on a cutting board and shape it as desired. You can chill the cheese for 30 minutes before shaping to make it easier to work with.
- If you want to roll your cheese into a log, dollop it onto a sheet of wax paper or plastic wrap and use it to help shape the cheese with less mess.
- To store, wrap the goat cheese log in plastic wrap and twist the ends together tightly. You can also use beeswax wrap.
- Your homemade goat cheese will last between one and two weeks in the fridge, but it's best to use it within a week.
You can serve your homemade goat cheese in a variety of ways, such as spreading it over toast, bagels, or croissants, crumbling it over salads, mixing it into pasta sauces, or using it as a topping for pizza or baked potatoes. Enjoy your delicious and homemade goat cheese!
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Flavouring goat cheese
Herbs and Spices
You can use dried herbs such as chives, thyme, rosemary, tarragon, dill, basil, or za'atar. These can be stirred in with the salt for an evenly distributed flavour or added on top of the cheese. Fresh herbs can also be used to cover the goat cheese once it has been moulded.
Nuts
When making logs or disks, you can cover them in chopped nuts, either raw or toasted. Walnuts are a popular choice.
Sweet Combinations
Honey is a classic pairing with goat cheese, and you can also add orange zest, or dried fruit such as cranberries, blueberries, apricots, or strawberries.
Savoury Combinations
Garlic is a popular addition to goat cheese, and you can also add sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted bulbs of garlic with fresh herbs.
Oils
You can add a drizzle of olive oil or tapenade on top of your goat cheese.
Zest and Pepper
Lemon zest and cracked pepper is a recommended combination. You can also add red pepper and sprinkle it evenly over the surface of the cheese, patting it down so it sticks.
Other Combinations
You can also try combinations such as strawberry rosemary sea salt, or a classic combo of dried fruit and nuts for a festive, crowd-pleasing appetizer.
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Storing goat cheese
Fresh, unopened goat cheese can be stored in the fridge for about two months. Fresh goat cheese can be served straight from the fridge, as it warms up quite quickly. However, aged goat cheese should be brought to room temperature before serving, to ensure maximum flavour.
Once opened, goat cheese should be removed from its original packaging and stored in a lidded plastic or glass container in the refrigerator. You can also wrap the cheese in wax or parchment paper and then in plastic wrap, before placing it in the refrigerator. The vegetable drawer is the perfect location for storing cheese, as the temperature is normally between 8°C and 10°C, which is quite similar to that of a cave. Well-aged cheeses can be stored in the middle of the refrigerator, between 4°C and 6°C, while fresh cheese should be stored at the top of the refrigerator, between 0°C and 4°C, to stop it from ripening further.
Some goat cheeses can be frozen, especially dry and semi-hard goat cheeses, which can withstand freezing and thawing. However, fresh and ripened goat cheeses are not suitable for freezing, as their texture and flavour can be altered.
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Goat cheese recipes
Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, ranging from appetizers to desserts. Here are some delicious recipes that incorporate goat cheese:
Baked Goat Cheese
This easy-to-make appetizer is perfect for unexpected guests or as a starter for a special dinner. In a food processor, simply combine goat cheese, cream cheese, honey, garlic, and basic seasonings such as salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Transfer the mixture to a small oven-safe dish and bake until warm and creamy. Serve with toasted slices of sourdough bread, pita chips, or fresh berries for a savory and lightly sweetened treat.
Goat Cheese Crostini
For a simple yet elegant appetizer, try making goat cheese crostini. Top toasted slices of bread or crostini with creamy goat cheese and a variety of toppings. Hetal Vasavada, a blogger and cookbook author, suggests a combination of chhundo, a pickled marmalade made with green mangoes, Kashmiri chile powder, and goat cheese. The result is a tangy, sticky-sweet, and fragrant bite-sized treat.
Grilled Cheese with Goat Cheese
For a delicious twist on a classic, make a grilled cheese sandwich with goat cheese. You can add other cheeses like smoke provolone and vegetables like tomato and arugula to create a hearty and satisfying meal.
Pasta with Goat Cheese
Goat cheese can be a wonderful addition to pasta dishes. Simply combine cooked pasta with sautéed eggplant, cherry tomatoes, spinach, shallots, chives, dill, parsley, and crumbled goat cheese. For a meaty option, add caramelized onions and mushrooms. You can also try a lemony artichoke pasta with shrimp and kalamata olives.
Goat Cheese Omelet
Add a tangy twist to your morning omelet by incorporating goat cheese. You can also include a variety of vegetables, such as spinach, and other cheeses like pecans for a surprising blend of flavors.
Goat Cheese Cheesecake
For a savory dessert option, try making a cheesecake with goat cheese. The addition of goat cheese creates a tangy and not-too-sweet treat. Serve it with a berry sauce and fresh berries on the side for a delightful contrast of flavors.
Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad
This salad combines roasted beets with creamy goat cheese, creating a delicious blend of flavors and textures. You can also add walnuts and a homemade vinaigrette dressing to take it to the next level.
Cauliflower Soup with Herbed Goat Cheese
This creamy soup features cauliflower as the star ingredient, topped with roasted cauliflower and Brussels sprouts, and a generous sprinkle of herbed goat cheese. It's a comforting and elegant dish that showcases the versatility of goat cheese.
With these recipes, you can explore the diverse applications of goat cheese in your kitchen, impressing your guests and satisfying your cravings!
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Buying goat cheese
Goat cheese, also known as Chèvre (French for goat), is one of the most popular types of cheese, with more than 120 varieties ranging from fresh to hard cheeses. It is also one of the oldest cheeses, with evidence of its production dating back to ancient Egypt and the Roman Empire. Goat cheese is known for its tangy flavour and comes in many forms, such as a fresh, crumbly log, a wrinkly round, a creamy blue, or a firm wedge.
When buying goat cheese, it is important to consider your preferences in terms of taste, texture, and intended use. If you prefer a milder flavour, look for cheeses labelled as "mild" or "creamy." These varieties pair well with crackers, baguettes, or salads and can be spread easily. For a stronger flavour, opt for aged goat cheeses, which have a sharper, more pungent taste. They can add depth to pasta dishes, burgers, or pies.
The texture of goat cheese can vary from smooth and spreadable to crumbly or firm. If you're looking for a versatile cheese that can be used in multiple dishes, go for a softer, crumblier variety. Firmer cheeses, on the other hand, are better for grilling or adding to sandwiches for a boost of flavour.
When purchasing goat cheese, it is also worth considering the ingredients used in the cheese. Some cheeses incorporate unique combinations of ingredients, such as sundried tomatoes, garlic, cranberries, or orange peel, infusing the cheese with exciting flavours that can enhance your culinary creations.
You can find a wide selection of goat cheeses at specialty cheese shops, both online and physical stores. These shops often offer guidance and resources to help you choose the right cheese, such as quizzes or classes that teach you about different varieties and pairings. Additionally, some shops provide kits for creating the perfect cheese board, complete with accompaniments and free delivery.
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Frequently asked questions
You can either buy goat cheese from the store or make it at home. If you want to make it at home, you will need goat's milk and lemon juice. Heat the milk on low until it reaches 180 F (82 C), then remove it from the heat and stir in 40 grams of lemon juice. Leave it to rest for 15 minutes, then strain it through two sheets of cheesecloth placed in a strainer. Allow it to sit for a minimum of 1 hour for soft and spreadable cheese, or place it in the fridge to drain overnight for firmer, crumbly goat cheese.
It is recommended to use pasteurized goat milk when making goat cheese, as it is safer and only needs to be heated to 86 F (29.4 C).
Goat cheese freezes well and can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 6 months.
