Andy Montoya
Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to pizzas and pastas. It has a rich, tangy flavour and a creamy texture, making it a delicious addition to many recipes. While it is available in stores, making your own goat cheese at home is a simple and cost-effective option. This can be done by combining goat's milk with heat and acid, and then draining and flavouring the mixture. Once you've made your goat cheese, you can pipe it onto various dishes using a piping bag. For example, you can pipe whipped goat cheese onto sliced bread and serve it with grilled peaches and hot honey, or you can pipe it onto crostini for a tasty appetizer.
How to Pipe Goat Cheese
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Goat cheese, heavy cream, honey, grilled peaches |
| Tools | Food processor, piping bag, airtight container |
| Storage | Goat cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days |
| Serving suggestions | Pipe onto sliced bread or toast, or serve as a dip with breadsticks, pita chips, pretzels, or crackers |
| Variations | Use flavored goat cheese (e.g. honey or blueberry), add herbs (oregano, sage, thyme, parsley, basil, mint, chives, dill), or top with hot honey |
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What You'll Learn
How to make whipped goat cheese
Whipped goat cheese is an easy-to-make appetizer that can be prepared in just a few minutes. It is light, creamy, and perfectly balanced between tangy, herby, and sweet. It can be served with toasted baguette, crunchy pita chips, crackers, or fresh veggies.
Ingredients
- Goat cheese (chèvre)
- Cream cheese
- Honey
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, chives, oregano, parsley, basil, dill, tarragon, marjoram, watercress, etc.)
- Lemon juice/zest
- Milk or Greek yoghurt (optional, for a thinner consistency)
Instructions
- Start with room temperature ingredients. Place the goat cheese and cream cheese in a food processor or high-speed blender. You can also use a stand mixer or handheld mixer.
- Add the remaining ingredients (except the fresh herbs) and blend on high until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
- For a thinner consistency, add a splash of milk or heavy cream and blend again.
- Transfer the whipped goat cheese to a serving bowl and sprinkle in the fresh herbs. You can also add other toppings like honey, olive oil, or red pepper flakes.
- Serve with your choice of dippers such as toasted baguette, pita chips, crackers, or fresh veggies.
Tips
- The whipped goat cheese can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Before serving, let it come to room temperature and give it a good stir to loosen it up.
- If you don't want to use honey, you can substitute it with whipped honey, hot honey, or maple syrup.
- For a dairy-free option, use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
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How to pipe goat cheese onto bread
There are many ways to pipe goat cheese onto bread, and it is a great, creamy addition to many recipes. One way is to make Whipped Goat Cheese with Grilled Peaches. First, add goat cheese and heavy cream to a food processor and pulse until smooth. Then, transfer the mixture to a piping bag. You can then pipe the whipped goat cheese onto sliced bread and serve it with grilled peaches and hot honey.
Another way to pipe goat cheese onto bread is to make Goat Cheese, Fig, and Herb Quick Bread. First, scatter the fig mixture over the dough, then cover with chilled bits of goat cheese. Grate clementine or tangerine zest over the cheese. Using as few strokes as possible, stir everything together. Scrape the dough into a loaf pan and use a spatula to move the dough into the corners and smooth out the top. It is okay if it looks lumpy. Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden. This bread combines tangy (goat cheese), sweet (figs, orange zest, and honey), and savoury (basil, rosemary, and thyme) flavours.
You can also make Goat Cheese Garlic Bread. First, spread garlic paste onto the bread, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Finally, add the goat cheese. You can use seasoned goat cheese, such as garlic and herb, to enhance the flavours in the recipe. Then, broil the bread for 2 minutes until the cheese begins to lightly brown and the edges of the bread crisp up. Serve the bread warm.
Goat cheese can also be used as a pizza topping. Indian naan bread can be used as a base, taking the place of pizza dough. You can also spread goat cheese onto toast and top it with a quick and easy stove-top fruit sauce.
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Goat cheese as a salad topping
Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can add a rich, creamy texture and tangy flavour to a salad. It can be used as a topping to elevate a simple salad and create a more sophisticated dish.
One way to use goat cheese as a salad topping is to coat it with a layer of nuts. Toasted nuts such as almonds, walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts can be used, adding a crunchy texture and nutty flavour to the salad. The type of nut used can be chosen to complement the other ingredients and the dressing.
Another option is to pipe the goat cheese onto the salad. To do this, the cheese can be softened with some cream and piped using a large star piping tip. This technique can be used to create decorative shapes and add visual appeal to the dish.
Goat cheese can also be baked and used as a topping. The cheese can be coated with thyme and breadcrumbs and baked until soft, adding a crunchy texture and aromatic flavour to the salad. This method is ideal for creating a warm and hearty salad.
Additionally, goat cheese can be crumbled or sliced and used as a topping. Crumbled goat cheese can be tossed with the salad greens and other ingredients, while sliced goat cheese can be arranged on top of the salad for a more decorative presentation.
When using goat cheese as a salad topping, it is important to consider the other ingredients and flavours in the dish. Goat cheese pairs well with a variety of ingredients, such as arugula, cucumbers, onions, fruits, and nuts. It can also be combined with other cheeses, such as cream cheese, or feta, to create a more complex flavour profile.
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Goat cheese as a pizza topping
Goat cheese is a tangy and flavourful pizza topping that can be paired with a variety of ingredients to create a delicious meal. Here are some tips and ideas for using goat cheese as a pizza topping:
Choosing the Right Cheese
When selecting goat cheese for your pizza, look for soft goat cheese, also known as chèvre or chevre. This type of goat cheese has a soft and creamy texture that melts beautifully on pizza. Avoid aged or crumbly goat cheese, as it may not melt as well and can be drier in texture.
Classic Combinations
A classic combination for goat cheese pizza is to pair it with a tangy tomato sauce, such as a garlicky tomato sauce, and other toppings like sliced onions and fresh basil. The sweetness of the tomato sauce and the tanginess of the goat cheese create a delightful contrast. Another classic option is to use a simple olive oil base and top it with sliced or caramelized onions, creating a savoury and sweet flavour profile.
Creative Toppings
Goat cheese pairs well with a variety of toppings, allowing you to be creative:
- Vegetables: Roasted bell peppers, caramelized onions, and spinach are excellent choices that complement the goat cheese well. The natural sweetness of bell peppers and caramelized onions balances the sharpness of the goat cheese.
- Fruits: Figs, beetroot, and crushed or sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy and sweet dimension to the pizza.
- Meats: Prosciutto adds a savoury element to the pizza, and its saltiness pairs well with the creaminess of the goat cheese.
- Herbs and Spices: Thyme, basil, rosemary, and chilli flakes enhance the flavour of the pizza. Basil, in particular, adds a peppery and aromatic note to the dish.
- Nuts and Sweeteners: Chopped pecans, drizzled honey, and a balsamic reduction provide a sweet and crunchy contrast to the savoury ingredients.
Preparation and Baking
When preparing a goat cheese pizza, it is essential to pre-bake the dough for a few minutes before adding the toppings. This helps to ensure a crispy crust. Spread the goat cheese on the pre-baked dough, and then add your desired toppings. Bake the pizza at a temperature between 400°F and 500°F for 10 to 18 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy.
Goat cheese pizza is a versatile and tasty option that can be customised to your preferences. With its unique flavour and creamy texture, goat cheese elevates a simple pizza into something extraordinary.
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Flavour combinations with goat cheese
Goat cheese, or chèvre, is a versatile ingredient that can be paired with a variety of flavours. Here are some flavour combinations to try when piping goat cheese:
Sweet and Savoury Combinations
The sweetness of honey pairs beautifully with the tanginess of goat cheese, creating a heavenly bite. For a simple yet elegant combination, pipe goat cheese onto sliced bread or crostini and top it with grilled peaches and a drizzle of hot honey. This combination is perfect for a summer party appetizer or a cosy winter treat.
Herbs and Spices
Goat cheese blends well with a variety of herbs, both fresh and dried. Try pairing it with soft herbs like parsley, basil, mint, chives, and dill, or hardy herbs like oregano, sage, and thyme. A hint of garlic and lemon juice can also enhance the flavour of goat cheese, adding a tangy and refreshing note.
Fruits and Nuts
Goat cheese can be paired with fresh fruits like apricots, peaches, or even grilled or poached pears. For a sweet and crunchy combination, add some walnuts or raisins. If you're feeling adventurous, try spreading goat cheese on a bagel and topping it with maple syrup, honey, or cinnamon for a comforting treat.
Proteins and Condiments
Goat cheese is a great source of protein and can be paired with other proteins like chicken or fish. Create a fresh goat cheese sauce to top your favourite protein dish, adding herbal flavours like tarragon or dill. For a vegetarian option, pair goat cheese with beets for a playful take on a classic combination.
Wines and Cheeses
Goat cheese also pairs well with wines, especially dry white wines like Pinot Grigio or Riesling, or high-acidity dry red wines. For a special treat, try pairing Petit Billy, a mild cheese from Brittany, with lavender fudge and a glass of dry sparkling wine like Crémant d’Alsace.
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Frequently asked questions
Soft goat cheese, or chèvre, is the best type to pipe.
You will need a food processor and a piping bag.
You can add cream cheese, aromatics, herbs, spices, and honey to taste.
Add goat cheese and heavy cream to a food processor and pulse until smooth. Transfer to a piping bag and pipe onto your bread or cracker of choice.
Goat cheese is very versatile and can be served with anything from grilled peaches and honey to salads, pasta, pizza, and chicken.
