Randy Chandler
Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from baked dips to pasta. While goat cheese doesn't melt in the same way that other cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar do, it can still be softened and made creamier by heating it with milk and Parmesan cheese. This combination gives the goat cheese a smooth and creamy texture, perfect for dips or sauces. To make it softer and more spreadable, you can simply mix it with a spoonful of milk or cream.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of goat cheese | Plain goat cheese (chèvre) or flavored goat cheese |
| Quantity | 4, 8, or 10 ounces |
| Form | Goat cheese log instead of pre-crumbled goat cheese |
| Add-ons | Parmesan cheese, milk, cream, olive oil, black pepper, fresh herbs, roasted nuts, sun-dried tomatoes, or honey |
| Baking temperature | 400 degrees |
| Baking time | 17-18 minutes or until the top turns lightly golden brown and it starts bubbling |
| Baking dish | Oven-proof bowl |
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What You'll Learn
How to make goat cheese dip
Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various dishes, from sandwiches to baked dips and pasta. One of the best ways to enjoy goat cheese is by making a warm, creamy, and tangy dip that can be served as an appetizer or side. This easy-to-make dip is perfect for game days, family gatherings, or holiday meals. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make a delicious goat cheese dip:
Ingredients:
- Goat Cheese (plain or flavored)
- Milk (whole milk, 1%, 2%, half-and-half, or dairy-free alternatives)
- Parmesan Cheese (or Asiago/Romano)
- Fresh Herbs (thyme, parsley, rosemary, oregano, basil, or chives)
- Optional: roasted garlic, honey, sun-dried tomatoes, chopped olives, minced red onions, capers, etc.
Instructions:
- Start by choosing your goat cheese. It's best to use a log of plain goat cheese (chèvre) rather than pre-crumbled, as it melts better and gives a smoother texture. However, you can also use flavored goat cheese if desired.
- To make the dip, crumble the goat cheese into a bowl. You can use a food processor for a smoother consistency.
- Add milk to the bowl. The milk helps to loosen up the goat cheese and create a creamy texture. You can adjust the amount of milk to your preferred consistency.
- For extra flavor and creaminess, add some grated Parmesan cheese. Parmesan adds a nutty taste and melts beautifully with the goat cheese.
- Fresh herbs are a great way to enhance the dip's flavor. Add chopped herbs like thyme, parsley, rosemary, oregano, or basil. If using chives, add them right before serving to maintain their color and freshness.
- Optional: For a roasted garlic goat cheese dip, add roasted garlic to the mixture. You can roast the garlic cloves ahead of time and store them in the fridge.
- Mix all the ingredients until well combined and creamy. You can use a food processor or blender for a smoother dip.
- For a savory dip, consider adding ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, chopped olives, minced red onions, or capers. These ingredients pair well with goat cheese and add a burst of flavor.
- Transfer the dip to a baking dish and bake it in the oven for a warm and melty texture. It typically bakes in about 20 minutes.
- Once baked, you can top the dip with additional ingredients like bacon, honey, dried fruit, or chopped nuts for a sweet and salty crunch.
- Serve the goat cheese dip with pita chips, crostini, sturdy crackers, or fresh vegetables like carrots or celery.
This goat cheese dip can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It's a versatile and delicious appetizer that can be customized to your taste preferences, making it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Enjoy!
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Melting goat cheese with milk
While goat cheese does not melt in the same way that other cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar do, it can be made smooth and creamy by heating it with milk and Parmesan cheese. The milk helps to loosen up the goat cheese, and the Parmesan will melt and combine with the goat cheese to give it a smooth texture.
To make a goat cheese sauce, you can use a recipe that calls for milk and goat cheese. For example, you can make a roasted garlic goat cheese dip by combining goat cheese, milk, Parmesan cheese, and roasted garlic. This dip bakes in just 20 minutes and is a perfect make-ahead appetizer for your next party.
You can also add other ingredients to the dip, such as fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, rosemary, oregano, or basil. If you prefer dried herbs, you can substitute two teaspoons of fresh herbs for one teaspoon of dried herbs. You can also add ingredients like honey, red pepper flakes, or crispy crumbled bacon to sweeten or spice up the dip.
When making a goat cheese sauce, it is important to note that adding too much milk can dilute the goat cheese flavor. You may need to experiment with the amount of milk you add to find the right balance between smoothness and flavor.
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Baking goat cheese
There are several baked goat cheese recipes that you can try, each with slightly different ingredients and methods. Here is one such recipe:
Ingredients:
- Goat cheese (plain or flavoured)
- Olive oil
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper
- Mixed baby greens
- Red wine vinegar
- Honey (optional)
- Garlic (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Method:
- Slice the goat cheese log into equal rounds.
- Dip each round in olive oil and coat all sides.
- Roll the coated round in a mix of panko breadcrumbs and salt.
- Place the rounds on a parchment paper-lined baking dish and chill for an hour.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 450˚F for 10 minutes or until golden brown.
- Toss the mixed greens with red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Serve the baked goat cheese rounds with the greens and enjoy!
You can also add other ingredients like garlic, honey, or red pepper flakes to the goat cheese mixture before baking for enhanced flavour. Additionally, you can serve the baked goat cheese with various accompaniments, such as crackers, artisan crisps, raw vegetables, crusty bread, bagel chips, pita chips, or fresh berries.
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Using goat cheese in sauces
Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, including sauces. While it doesn't melt in the same way as other cheeses, it can still be incorporated into sauces to add a creamy texture and a tangy flavour. Here are some tips and ideas for using goat cheese in sauces:
Choosing the Right Type of Goat Cheese
Goat cheese, also known as chèvre, typically comes in logs or pre-crumbled. For sauces, it is recommended to use a log of goat cheese as it melts better and gives the sauce a smoother texture. Plain goat cheese is a good option, but you can also use flavoured varieties to add extra depth to your sauce.
Creating a Basic Goat Cheese Sauce
To make a basic goat cheese sauce, you can start by creating a blond roux with vegetable oil and flour. Slowly add milk to the roux while stirring constantly until you reach your desired consistency. Then, add your goat cheese and continue stirring until it has melted into the sauce. This type of sauce can be used for dishes like scalloped potatoes or macaroni and cheese.
Adding Flavour to Your Sauce
Goat cheese has a mild flavour that pairs well with a variety of ingredients. You can add herbs like rosemary, thyme, basil, or parsley to your sauce for a fresh flavour profile. Caramelised onions, roasted garlic, and red bell peppers are also great additions that can enhance the taste of your goat cheese sauce.
Using Goat Cheese Sauce in Recipes
The versatility of goat cheese sauce allows it to be used in numerous dishes. You can serve it over grilled chicken, grilled portabella mushrooms, or eggplant for a savoury main course. It can also be used as a dip for crackers or vegetables, baked into a pizza, or stuffed into sandwiches. For a more indulgent option, try using the sauce in recipes like scalloped potatoes or macaroni and cheese.
Adjusting the Consistency
Goat cheese sauce can range from thick and creamy to thin and pourable, depending on your preference. If you find the sauce too thick, you can add more milk to thin it out. However, be mindful that adding too much milk can dilute the goat cheese flavour, so adjust accordingly.
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Goat cheese on crackers, veggies, and fruits
Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed in various dishes, including crackers, veggies, and fruits. Here are some tips and ideas for melting goat cheese and incorporating it into your meals:
Goat Cheese Crackers
Goat cheese crackers are a delicious and easy-to-make snack that can be enjoyed plain or topped with charcuterie or other cheeses. The soft nature of goat cheese, also known as chevre, makes it ideal for mixing with other cracker ingredients, resulting in a smooth and tangy flavour. To make goat cheese crackers, start by ensuring your butter and goat cheese are soft for easy mixing. You can use a hand mixer to blend them thoroughly. If you're adding herbs, choose options like rosemary, thyme, or oregano for a savoury flavour profile. Chill your cracker dough before cutting and baking to ensure your crackers maintain their shape.
Goat Cheese on Veggies
Melting goat cheese can be a delicious addition to vegetables. Soft goat cheese, or chevre, can be used as a dip for veggies like carrots, celery, or peppers. You can also try grilling or roasting vegetables and topping them with melted goat cheese for a warm and savoury side dish.
Goat Cheese on Fruits
Goat cheese pairs surprisingly well with fruits. Try spreading some soft goat cheese on slices of apple, pear, or peach for a sweet and savoury snack. You can also use melted goat cheese as a topping for grilled fruit desserts, such as grilled peach or plum halves. Additionally, goat cheese can be stuffed into dates or figs for a unique and tasty treat.
Melting Tips
Goat cheese is a versatile cheese that melts easily. When melting goat cheese, consider using a gentle heat source like a double boiler or a low oven temperature to maintain its creamy texture and prevent it from becoming tough or greasy. You can also add a small amount of milk or cream to the cheese to help it melt smoothly.
Remember, when working with goat cheese, feel free to experiment with different herbs, spices, and ingredients to find combinations that suit your taste preferences.
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Frequently asked questions
To melt goat cheese, mix it with a spoonful of milk or cream. You can also melt it in the oven by baking it with shredded Parmesan cheese and cream cheese.
Bake the goat cheese in an oven preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 17-18 minutes or until the top turns lightly golden brown and starts to bubble.
It takes about 17-18 minutes to melt goat cheese in the oven.
You can add olive oil, black pepper, fresh herbs, roasted nuts, or sun-dried tomatoes to melted goat cheese.
You can serve melted goat cheese with crackers, veggies, and fruits. You can also use it as a dip for bread or as a sauce for recipes like scalloped potatoes or macaroni and cheese.
