Andy Montoya
Chevre, or goat's cheese, is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to pizzas and even desserts. Its tangy, creamy flavour makes it a delicious addition to many recipes. Chevre can be served in a variety of ways, such as spread on crackers or bread, used as a dip, or melted into a sauce. It can also be paired with sweet or savoury toppings, such as honey, fruit, or nuts. For a more sophisticated dish, chevre can be baked into fritters or blended into a mousse. When it comes to drinks, goat's cheese pairs well with white wines, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling, as well as lighter reds like Beaujolais.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Serving ideas | Spread on crackers, bread, toast, or baguette slices; served with fruit and/or vegetables; drizzled with honey; topped with garlic dressing; added to salads, pasta, pizza, or risotto; used as a dip; paired with wine |
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What You'll Learn
As a topping for salads, crackers, or bread
Chevre cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas for using chevre cheese as a topping for salads, crackers, or bread:
Salads
When using chevre cheese in salads, consider cutting it into cubes and tossing them into your salad for easy serving and a chic look. Alternatively, you can create a classic salad dressing by whisking plain yogurt with white wine vinegar and then folding in crumbled chevre. You can also make a Nordic-style salad dressing by blending softened chevre with buttermilk, minced chives, and cream. For a colourful seasonal salad, combine tangy goat cheese crumbles with beets, pears, and tender, peppery baby arugula leaves, and dress it with a little oil and vinegar. Chevre cheese also works well as a substitute for feta in a Greek cucumber, onion, and tomato salad.
Crackers
Chevre cheese is a great topping for crackers, especially when paired with sweet accompaniments. You can spread chevre cheese on crackers and top it with honey, fruit jams, or fresh fruit. Dried fruits, nuts, and cured meats are also delicious additions. If you want to create a more savoury cracker topping, you can mix chevre cheese with cream cheese and roll the mixture into balls before coating them with sweet and crunchy toppings like nuts and cranberries.
Bread
Chevre cheese can be spread on bread and drizzled with honey, olive oil, or blueberry jam. For added flavour, you can sprinkle on some sea salt, rosemary, or pepper. Toasting the bread lightly in the oven can also enhance the texture and taste.
Chevre cheese can be a delicious and versatile topping for salads, crackers, or bread, offering a rich and tangy flavour to enhance your dishes.
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As a dip for crudites or bread
Chevre cheese, or goat cheese, is a soft, creamy cheese with a tangy flavour. It is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of ways, including as a dip for crudites or bread. Here are some ideas on how to serve chevre cheese in this way:
Herb Goat Cheese Dip
This dip is full of wonderful Mediterranean flavours and is delicious with raw vegetables, crackers, or pita bread. To make it, simply blend goat cheese, extra-virgin olive oil, plain yogurt, and plenty of herbs such as chives, Italian parsley, mint, thyme, and rosemary. You can also add salt and pepper to taste. Chill the dip for a couple of hours to enhance the flavour and drizzle with additional olive oil before serving.
Honey Goat Cheese
Combine goat cheese with honey and top with fresh fruits and vegetables. This dip can be served with crackers, rice crackers, or bread. You can also add other toppings such as jams, dried fruits, cured meats, or nuts.
Baked Chevre Cheese
Create a simple dip by baking chevre cheese in the oven and serving it with bread or crackers. To make this, spread the cheese on a slice of crusty bread, drizzle it with olive oil or honey, add a pinch of sea salt, and toast it lightly in the oven.
Chevre Cheese with Garlic Dressing
This dip is an irresistible combination of tangy goat cheese and garlicky dressing. To make it, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, sea salt, and chopped parsley. Score a log of goat cheese lengthwise and then a few times crosswise. Pour the dressing over the cheese and serve with crackers or sliced baguette.
Chevre Cheese Balls
Mix chevre cheese with cream cheese and a pinch of salt. Form the mixture into small balls and roll them in a variety of sweet and crunchy toppings such as nuts and cranberries. Serve these cheese balls as a dip with bread, crackers, or apple slices.
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In a grilled cheese sandwich
Chevre, or goat's cheese, is a great option for grilled cheese sandwiches. It melts well, has a tangy flavour, and can be paired with a variety of other cheeses and ingredients. Here is a step-by-step guide to making a delicious grilled chevre sandwich:
Choosing the Bread
The type of bread you use is important. You want to choose a bread with a tight crumb, such as sourdough, that doesn't have large airy holes. A sandwich-style loaf or Texas toast, which is thicker than regular sandwich bread, also works well. Sourdough adds a nice tang to the sandwich, but if you prefer a more classic taste, you can opt for white bread. Other options include brioche or ciabatta, but make sure the loaf is sturdy enough to handle the heat.
Preparing the Bread
Butter is a key ingredient in grilled cheese sandwiches. Spread a thin layer of butter on one side of each slice of bread. You can also add mayonnaise to the bread or softened butter for extra flavour. Some recipes suggest sprinkling garlic salt or garlic powder on the buttered side of the bread for an extra kick.
The Cheese
For grilled cheese sandwiches, it's important to choose cheeses that melt well. Chevre, or goat's cheese, is a great melting cheese. You can use it on its own or pair it with other cheeses. Cheddar is a popular option, and you can use sharp, mild, or a blend. Monterey Jack is another good choice, and you can also try mozzarella, Havarti, or Gruyere.
Additional Ingredients
While grilled cheese sandwiches are all about the cheese, you can add a few extra ingredients to enhance the flavour. Thinly sliced tomatoes are a popular addition, as they add a juicy flavour. You can season the tomatoes with salt and everything bagel seasoning. Fresh dill is another tasty addition. If you want to add some spice, try sliced jalapeños or other hot peppers.
Cooking the Sandwich
Place the sandwich in a hot skillet or griddle and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until crispy and golden brown. It's important to be patient and cook the sandwich on low heat to ensure even browning and melting. Cut the sandwich diagonally and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
Grilled cheese sandwiches are often served with tomato soup, as the acidity and creaminess of the soup pair well with the sandwich. You can also dip your sandwich in yellow mustard or serve it with a side of pickles for a tangy contrast.
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As a replacement for cream cheese or ricotta in desserts
Chevre, or goat's cheese, can be used as a replacement for cream cheese or ricotta in desserts. It has a similar creamy texture to these cheeses, but its flavour is tangier and earthier, so it may not be ideally suited as a substitute in all recipes. However, if you enjoy the flavour of goat's cheese, it can add an exciting twist to your dish.
When substituting chevre for cream cheese or ricotta in desserts, you can use it in baked goods, such as cakes, or as a topping for salads or crackers. Chevre pairs well with sweet toppings like honey, jams, dried fruits, and nuts. It can also be combined with cream cheese to make a creamy dip.
If you are nervous about using chevre in desserts due to its strong flavour, you can try blending it with other cheeses to make the flavour more mild. For example, you can mix chevre with cream cheese to make a creamy dip or spread. You can also try mixing chevre with mascarpone, a soft Italian cheese with a rich and creamy texture, to create a substitute with a milder flavour that can be used in a variety of desserts.
Additionally, you can use chevre as a substitute for cream cheese or ricotta in cheesecake. For a dairy-free option, you can blend soaked cashews with lemon juice, salt, and nutritional yeast to create a creamy, cheesy flavour. This option is ideal for those seeking a paleo or dairy-free dessert without sacrificing taste and texture.
When using chevre as a substitute in desserts, consider the flavour profile of the dish and whether the tangy, earthy flavour of chevre will complement or overpower the other ingredients. With some creativity and experimentation, chevre can be a versatile and exciting ingredient in a variety of sweet treats.
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As a sauce for chicken, pasta, or pizza
Chevre, or goat's cheese, is a soft, creamy, and spreadable cheese with a tangy flavour. It can be used in a variety of ways, including as a sauce for chicken, pasta, or pizza. Here are some tips and recipes for using chevre cheese in these dishes:
Chicken
When using chevre cheese with chicken, it is often paired with herbs such as rosemary and garlic. For a simple yet delicious chicken dish, consider the following recipe:
Ingredients:
- Chicken thighs
- Goat cheese
- Greek yogurt
- Garlic
- Rosemary
Instructions:
- Prepare the chicken thighs by seasoning and cooking them according to your preference.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the goat cheese, Greek yogurt, garlic, and rosemary until a creamy sauce forms.
- Serve the chicken with the creamy goat cheese sauce on the side or poured over the chicken.
Pasta
Chevre cheese can be used to make a delicious and creamy pasta sauce. It pairs well with short pasta shapes and a variety of vegetables, such as spinach, asparagus, onions, and peppers. Here is a basic recipe for chevre pasta sauce:
Ingredients:
- Chevre cheese
- Pasta water
- Lemon juice and zest
- Chicken (optional)
- Spinach
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
- In a large bowl, combine chevre cheese, pasta water, lemon juice, and zest. Stir until the cheese becomes creamy.
- If using chicken, cook it separately with seasonings and vegetables of your choice.
- Add the cooked pasta and chicken-spinach mixture to the bowl with the sauce and toss to coat well.
- Adjust the consistency of the sauce by adding more pasta water if needed.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and garnish with green onions.
Pizza
When using chevre cheese on pizza, it is important to note that simply sprinkling it on top of the pizza before baking may cause it to clump together. Instead, try mixing the cheese with other ingredients to create a sauce that can be spread over the pizza base. Here is a basic guide:
Ingredients:
- Chevre cheese
- Greek yogurt and/or milk
- Herbs (e.g., rosemary)
- Garlic
- Other pizza toppings of your choice
Instructions:
- Mix the chevre cheese with Greek yogurt, milk, or other liquids to create a sauce base.
- Add in your desired herbs and seasonings, such as garlic and rosemary.
- Spread the sauce over your pizza base, either before or after baking, depending on your preference.
- Add your choice of toppings and bake the pizza according to your usual method.
Feel free to experiment with different combinations of ingredients and seasonings to find your favourite chevre cheese sauce recipes!
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Frequently asked questions
Chevre cheese can be served as an appetizer in many ways. You can make a goat cheese board with fresh fruits and veggies, crackers, and baguette slices. You can also make a goat cheese log with a garlicky dressing, or a goat cheese mousse.
Chevre cheese can be added to many meals. You can put it on pizza, in pasta, in chicken or turkey, in scrambled eggs, in salads, in sandwiches, and in soups.
Chevre cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many creative ways. You can make a goat cheese and tomato tart, a grilled cheese sandwich, fritters, or a chicken veloute sauce. You can also use it in desserts, such as a fruity, cheesy toast that tastes like berry cheesecake.
White wines tend to pair best with goat cheese, but light, fruity reds can also work well. Some specific types of wine that are recommended include Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Beaujolais, Gewurztraminer, and Torrontes. Gin and sparkling wine-based cocktails, as well as champagne, also pair well with chevre cheese.
