Andy Montoya
Marinated goat cheese is a simple, tasty, and versatile dish that can be used in a variety of ways, such as in salads, sandwiches, or as a spread on toast or crackers. The process of marinating goat cheese is straightforward and allows for a lot of creativity in terms of flavor combinations. The basic technique involves submerging the cheese in olive oil and adding various flavorings such as herbs, spices, and citrus peel. The cheese is then left to marinate for at least a few hours or up to a few days, allowing the flavors to infuse. This results in a flavorful and creamy cheese that can be served as an appetizer or used in other recipes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preparation time | 5-10 minutes |
| Refrigeration time | 2 hours minimum, 2 days optimum, 1 week maximum |
| Oil | Extra-virgin olive oil |
| Flavourings | Thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, garlic, lemon peel, honey, lavender, chilli, pink peppercorns, salt, pine nuts |
| Consistency | Spreadable, whipped |
| Serving suggestions | Salad, toast, crackers, baguette, sandwiches, pizza, grilled chicken |
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What You'll Learn
How to prepare the goat cheese for marinating
Preparing goat cheese for marinating is a simple process. First, decide on the shape of your cheese. You can either roll the cheese into balls or slice the log into rounds. If you opt for the latter, use unflavoured dental floss or a cheese wire to cut clean slices, and make sure the cheese is still chilled.
Next, prepare your choice of marinade. You can use olive oil and flavour it with herbs and spices such as thyme, rosemary, red pepper flakes, fennel seeds, garlic, lemon zest, or bay leaves. Place the herbs and spices in a clean, sterilised jar, and then pour in a layer of olive oil.
Now it's time to add the cheese. Place a layer of sliced goat cheese on top of the oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Continue layering with herbs and cheese, making sure the cheese is completely covered by a thin layer of oil.
Finally, seal the jar and leave it to marinate. You can let it stand at room temperature for an hour or so, or refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. The longer it sits, the more the flavours will develop.
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Choosing the right olive oil
When it comes to choosing the right olive oil for marinating goat cheese, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is recommended to use extra-virgin olive oil as it is both flavorful and subtle, adding richness to your marinade. You don't need to spend a fortune, but choosing a decent quality oil is important. Make sure you like the flavor of the oil by itself before mixing it with your goat cheese.
The type of olive oil you choose can also depend on the other ingredients you plan to use in your marinade. Consider the flavors you want to infuse into the goat cheese and choose an olive oil that will complement those flavors. For example, if you're looking to create a sweet version with honey and lavender, a light and fruity olive oil might work well. On the other hand, if you're going for a spicy marinade with chili and lemon peel, a more robust and pungent olive oil could be a better choice.
Additionally, think about the texture you want to achieve. Olive oil will solidify in the fridge, which can be desirable if you're looking to preserve your marinated goat cheese for up to a week. However, if you prefer a softer, more spreadable consistency, you might want to consider blending the goat cheese with a small amount of olive oil in a food processor to create a whipped texture.
It's also worth noting that olive oil serves as a binding agent in marinades, helping to blend different flavors together and adhere them to the cheese. This is especially important if you plan to use other liquids or ingredients in your marinade, such as garlic lemon juice, which may slip off the cheese without the help of olive oil.
Lastly, don't be afraid to experiment and get creative with your olive oil choices. You can always adjust the amount of olive oil used in your marinade, as well as any other ingredients, to suit your taste preferences. The beauty of marinated goat cheese is that you can customize it to your liking and create a signature dish that's all your own.
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Adding flavour to the oil
The oil you use to marinate your goat's cheese will take on the flavour of the cheese and the herbs and spices you add to it. You can use this oil in future recipes, such as drizzling over salads, grilled chicken, or for dipping bread.
When choosing an oil, it is recommended to use extra-virgin olive oil. You should make sure that you like the flavour of the oil by itself before mixing it with your cheese. You don't need to use an ultra-expensive oil, but it should be of decent quality.
You can add a variety of herbs and spices to your oil to infuse it with flavour. Thyme is a popular choice, pairing beautifully with goat's cheese. Other herbs that work well include rosemary, chives, and fennel seed. You can also add spices such as red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. If you want to add a bit of crunch and extra flavour, sprinkle on some toasted pine nuts.
If you want to add a citrus element to your oil, you can add lemon zest or strips of lemon peel. For a sweet version, you could try adding honey.
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How long to marinate the cheese
The length of time you should marinate goat cheese depends on the flavour intensity you want to achieve. For a subtle infusion of flavours, a minimum of 2 hours in the fridge is required. However, the longer you leave it, the more intense the flavours will become. It is recommended to leave the cheese to marinate for at least a day or two for the best results. One source suggests that leaving the cheese at room temperature for an hour before refrigeration will also help the flavours to mingle.
After making your marinated cheese, it is important to note that it should be consumed within a week due to the risk of botulism. The oil will turn cloudy and may congeal when chilled, but this is normal. Simply take the cheese out of the refrigerator about an hour before serving, and it will regain its original clarity and texture.
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How to serve marinated goat cheese
Marinated goat cheese is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas on how to serve it:
As an Appetizer
Marinated goat cheese makes a great appetizer or starter. Simply place the cheese in a small, shallow serving dish, or cut it in half and divide it into two dishes for easier access. Sprinkle the cheese with herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives, and spices like red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Let the flavours meld for about 30 minutes at room temperature, then serve with crackers, crostini, or toasted slices of baguette. You can also add a cute spreading knife and a small bowl of toasted pine nuts on the side for a nice crunch and extra flavour.
In a Salad
Marinated goat cheese is a delicious addition to a salad. Cut the cheese into thick slices or crumbles and place them on a bed of greens with roasted beets or arugula. Drizzle some of the herby marinade oil over the salad, along with a splash of lemon juice, and top with toasted pine nuts.
On Toast or Sandwiches
Spread the marinated goat cheese on toasted bread, such as a warm baguette, whole-grain bread, or rustic bread. You can also add other ingredients like jammy eggs, sundried tomatoes, or grilled chicken breasts. For an extra flavour boost, drizzle some of the marinade oil over the chicken or use it as a dip for the bread.
As a Gift
Marinated goat cheese also makes a great edible gift for the holidays. Place the cheese in a jar with the marinade oil and add a label with serving suggestions. The recipient can then use the cheese in any of the ways mentioned above.
Other Ideas
- Crumble the marinated goat cheese on a pizza after baking.
- Use it as a filling for galettes or sandwiches.
- Add it to a platter with other cheeses, crackers, and nuts for a cheese board.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to let the goat cheese sit for at least 30 minutes at room temperature before serving. However, for optimal taste, it should be left in the fridge for at least a few hours or even a couple of days to allow the flavours to mingle.
You can use a good-quality extra-virgin olive oil. The olive oil can be infused with various ingredients such as garlic, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, lemon peel, peppercorns, and fresh herbs.
Cut the goat cheese log into slices or rounds and place them in a glass jar or shallow serving dish. If you want a spreadable consistency, you can blend the goat cheese with olive oil in a food processor until smooth.
Marinated goat cheese should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be kept for up to one week, but it is best consumed within a few days to enjoy the fresh flavours.
