Kamil Perry
Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to appetizers. Its distinct tangy flavor and creamy texture make it a popular choice for many. While it is readily available in supermarkets, making it at home is a simple and cost-effective option. One of the most popular ways to consume goat cheese is in its liquid form, as a dip or spread. This can be achieved by blending or whipping the cheese with other ingredients, creating a smooth and creamy consistency.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Goat cheese, cream cheese, olive oil, salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme, honey, garlic, red pepper flakes, lemon juice |
| Consistency | Thick, rich, creamy, smooth, fluffy |
| Taste | Tangy, sweet, savory |
| Accompaniments | Toasted baguette, pita chips, crackers, crostini, fruits, veggies, bagels, sandwiches, wraps, meats, salads, toasts, bread |
| Preparation | Combine ingredients in a food processor or blender, adjust consistency with milk or cream, drizzle with honey, sprinkle with herbs |
| Storage | Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days |
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What You'll Learn
Using a food processor
A food processor can be used to liquify goat cheese and turn it into a creamy spread or dip. This can be done by combining goat cheese with other ingredients such as cream cheese, lemon juice, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
To begin, mince a clove of garlic in the food processor. Next, add the goat cheese, cream cheese, and any other desired ingredients, such as red pepper flakes, lemon juice, and black pepper. Process the ingredients until they are fully combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. For a smoother consistency, it is recommended to process the ingredients in small batches.
For a more liquid consistency, consider adding a small amount of milk or water to the food processor while blending. Additionally, you can transfer the blended mixture to a dish towel or cheesecloth and squeeze to separate the pulp from the liquid, creating a smoother, more pourable consistency.
Another option is to create a breaded goat cheese appetizer using a food processor to grind up the coating. Grind up panko, cornstarch, and flour in the food processor until they form a fine powder. Dip goat cheese balls in a mixture of egg and club soda, then coat them in the ground panko mixture. This creates a crispy exterior for fried goat cheese appetizers.
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Adding herbs and spices
Goat cheese is a tangy soft cheese that pairs well with a variety of herbs and spices. When choosing herbs to pair with goat cheese, consider the other ingredients in your dish and experiment with different combinations to find your favourite flavours.
Some common pairings include dill, chives, basil, rosemary, and garlic. Dill is particularly well-suited for goat cheese, as its fresh and fragrant nature complements the cheese's distinct flavour. Chives, on the other hand, offer a subtle onion flavour that enhances the tanginess of the goat cheese. Chives are also a classic pairing for goat cheese, especially in dishes like tarts, quiches, and salads. Thyme is another herb that pairs beautifully with goat cheese. For a simple appetizer, goat cheese can be mixed with herbs and olive oil, and served with crackers or toasted baguette slices.
You can also try marinating the goat cheese in olive oil and your chosen herbs, allowing the flavours to meld and intensify. This marinated goat cheese is a delightful appetizer, perfect for crackers or toasted baguette slices. Additionally, you can create a garlicky herbed goat cheese spread by combining goat cheese with dill, flat-leaf parsley, garlic, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper. This spread is delicious on grilled sourdough bread or crackers, and it also pairs well with eggs, roasted vegetables, or pasta.
If you're looking for something a little more unique, try adding spices like allspice, coriander, orange zest, bay leaves, or star anise to your goat cheese. You can also experiment with different types of basil, such as Italian basil or Thai basil, or try pairing your goat cheese with tarragon, mint, or parsley. For a crunchy texture, add chopped almonds, pistachios, or walnuts to your goat cheese dish. A drizzle of honey or chopped dried apricots can also enhance the flavour.
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Draining the cheese
Place a cheesecloth inside a sieve and get ready to start draining the cheese. This process will help separate the solid cheese from the liquid whey. It is important to use a cheesecloth as it allows the whey to drain through while retaining the cheese solids. You can find cheesecloth in most kitchen supply stores or online.
Pour the goat's milk into the cheesecloth-lined sieve. This step will initiate the draining process. Make sure to pour slowly and carefully to avoid any spillage. The cheesecloth will catch the solid cheese while allowing the whey to drain through. If you don't have a sieve, you can simply place the cheesecloth over a large bowl and then pour the milk into it.
Let the cheese drain. Depending on the amount of cheese you are making, this process can take around an hour. During this time, the whey will gradually drain through the cheesecloth, leaving you with solid cheese in the cloth. You can collect the whey in a bowl underneath the sieve if you plan to use it in other recipes. Whey has many culinary uses, such as in bread making or as a nutrient-rich drink.
Alternatively, if you don't want to use a sieve, you can bundle up the cheesecloth and hang it from a faucet. This method will also allow the whey to drain out of the cheesecloth, leaving you with solid cheese. This method is useful if you don't have a suitable bowl or sieve, or if you want to drain the cheese over a longer period.
Once the cheese has finished draining, you will be left with solid cheese in the cheesecloth. At this stage, you can proceed to the next step of flavouring and moulding the cheese according to your preference. Remember to add salt to the drained cheese and mix well before moving on to the next steps of your goat cheese-making journey.
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Melting the cheese
Melting goat cheese is a simple process that can be done in a few different ways. One common method is to use a saucepan on the stovetop. Start by heating some oil over medium heat. You can then add other ingredients such as onions and cook until translucent. Next, add flour and stir for a minute. At this point, you can start adding milk, stirring continuously. Once you've added about a cup of milk, you can add your goat cheese and keep stirring until it melts. Keep adding milk until you reach your desired consistency.
Another way to melt goat cheese is to use a food processor or blender. This method is useful if you want to make a whipped goat cheese dip or spread. Simply add your goat cheese to the food processor or blender and pulse until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency. You can also add other ingredients to the processor, such as cream cheese, garlic, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes, to enhance the flavor and texture.
If you're looking for a more hands-on approach, you can try melting goat cheese by hand. Start by letting the goat cheese come to room temperature to soften slightly. Then, use a fork or a whisk to vigorously mix the cheese until it becomes smooth and creamy. This method can be more time-consuming and labor-intensive, but it's a good option if you don't have access to kitchen appliances.
Additionally, you can experiment with different add-ins to customize your melted goat cheese. For a sweeter option, try drizzling honey into the mixture. Fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives can add a savory touch. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even throw in some dried spices like tarragon or za'atar. Just be mindful of the quantities to avoid overwhelming the delicate flavor of the goat cheese.
Remember, when melting goat cheese, it's important to keep a close eye on the consistency and texture. Goat cheese can go from melted to overcooked quite quickly, so it's best to work in small batches and stir continuously. By following these tips, you'll be able to create delicious melted goat cheese for your recipes or as a standalone dip.
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Storing the cheese
Storing goat cheese correctly is essential to preserving its flavour and aromas. If you're buying packaged goat cheese, the best way to store it is in the fridge in its original packaging. Once opened, it is best to wrap it in wax paper, parchment paper, aluminium foil, or plastic wrap, and seal it tightly in a plastic or glass container to prevent it from drying out and to avoid transferring odours and flavours between different cheeses. You can also use a cheese box to keep the cheese apart from other foods stored in the refrigerator.
Goat cheese needs humidity and some room to breathe. The vegetable drawer in the refrigerator is the perfect storage location, with a temperature normally between 8°C and 10°C—an atmosphere quite similar to that of a cave. Depending on your tastes, you can also place well-aged cheeses in the middle of your refrigerator between 4°C and 6°C, or store fresh cheese in the top of the refrigerator between 0°C and 4°C to stop it from ripening further.
If you have more leftover cheese than expected, you can freeze dry goat cheeses and semi-hard cheeses. However, fresh and ripened goat cheeses should not be frozen, as their texture and flavour can be altered by the thawing process. To freeze goat cheese, wrap the cheese properly, then place it in an airtight container, preferably made of glass to avoid absorbing odours.
If you're storing soft goat cheese, you can use a Cheese Grotto. With the right humidity, a fresh soft cheese disc can develop a lovely rind, even at slightly cooler temperatures.
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Frequently asked questions
To liquify goat cheese, you can use a food processor or blender to whip it with other ingredients like cream cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. You can also heat goat cheese in a saucepan with milk to make a sauce.
Liquifying goat cheese can be done in under 5 minutes using a food processor or blender.
You can add a variety of ingredients to liquified goat cheese, such as honey, herbs, salt, and pepper.
Liquified goat cheese can be used as a dip for crackers, vegetables, or fruits. It can also be used as a spread on sandwiches, wraps, or toast.
