Patrick Oconnell
Cranberry cinnamon goat cheese is a delicious and versatile appetizer. It can be served in many ways, such as with crackers, crostini, or toasted bread. It also works well as part of a cheese board or as a topping for salads or pancakes. For a more substantial meal, it can be used in paninis, nachos, or zucchini roll-ups. This cheese is a perfect holiday appetizer as it is simple to make, requiring few ingredients and little preparation time. It can also easily be made gluten-free by serving it with gluten-free crackers or bread.
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What You'll Learn
As a cheese board component
Cranberry cinnamon goat cheese is a delicious and versatile option for a cheese board. It adds a tangy and sweet element to your platter, especially during the fall and winter months. Here's a guide to help you make the most of this cheese as a component of your cheese board:
Preparing the Cheese Board:
Firstly, decide on the size of your cheese board. If you're hosting a large gathering, consider making a double batch of the cranberry cinnamon goat cheese to ensure you have enough for your guests. You can also prepare some other types of cheese to accompany the cranberry cinnamon variety, such as a hard aged cheese and a strong-flavoured cheese, to offer a range of flavours and textures.
Presenting the Cheese:
When it comes to presenting the cheese, start by removing the goat cheese from the refrigerator and carefully unwrapping it. Transfer the cheese to a serving dish or board, allowing it to sit out for about 30 minutes before serving. This will enable the cheese to slightly soften, making it easier to spread. If you're serving it with crackers, which is a popular choice, you can provide a variety of gluten-free options, such as butter, wheat, club, or table water crackers.
Enhancing the Flavour:
To enhance the flavour of the cranberry cinnamon goat cheese, consider adding some complementary garnishes and accompaniments. A drizzle of honey, some extra cranberries, chopped pecans, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt can elevate the taste experience. You can also include dried fruits, cured meats, and gluten-free crackers on the board to create a well-rounded and visually appealing spread.
Creative Serving Suggestions:
For a creative twist, you can form the cranberry cinnamon goat cheese into "truffles." Simply chill the cheese mixture until firm, then use a small scoop or melon baller to create truffle-sized balls. Roll these "truffles" in chopped, toasted pecans, pressing firmly so they adhere. This will surely impress your guests!
Storage and Leftovers:
If you have any leftover cranberry cinnamon goat cheese, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to five days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to two to three months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag or container.
With these tips, you're well on your way to creating a delightful cheese board featuring cranberry cinnamon goat cheese as a star component!
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Baked with cranberry sauce
Baked cranberry cinnamon goat cheese is a delicious dish that can be served as an appetizer or as part of a cheese board. Here are some tips and variations on how to prepare and serve this tasty treat:
Preparation:
Start by preparing the cranberry sauce. Combine cranberries, sugar, water, orange zest, and ground cinnamon in a saucepan. Cook until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens – this should take around 8-15 minutes, depending on whether your cranberries are fresh or frozen. Allow the sauce to cool completely before assembling.
Next, prepare the goat cheese log. Let the goat cheese soften slightly at room temperature while the cranberry sauce cools. Once the cheese is slightly softened, you can slice it into medallions or leave it as a log, depending on your preference.
Assembly:
Lay a sheet of plastic wrap on a work surface. Spoon a generous amount of the cooled cranberry sauce onto the plastic wrap and shape it into a rectangle the length of your goat cheese log. Place the unwrapped goat cheese on top of the cranberry sauce. Top the cheese with the remaining cranberry sauce, ensuring that it covers the entire surface, including the sides, as if frosting a cake. Wrap the plastic wrap around the cheese to seal everything in. Refrigerate until about 30 minutes before serving, then let the cheese sit out to slightly soften before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
Baked cranberry cinnamon goat cheese can be served in a variety of ways:
- As an appetizer on its own.
- As part of a cheese board with other cheeses, dried fruits, cured meats, and crackers.
- Spread on crackers, gluten-free if desired, or toasted bread slices.
- Crumbled over a salad with roasted or pickled beets and a balsamic vinaigrette.
- As a dip: bake the cheese in a pie pan until the edges are slightly brown and the dip is bubbly, then sprinkle with diced smoked bacon and toasted pecans, and drizzle with maple syrup. Serve with crackers or toasted bread slices.
Get creative and enjoy the sweet and tangy flavors of this delicious baked cranberry cinnamon goat cheese!
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Crumbled over a salad
Cranberry cinnamon goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can add a tangy and sweet element to your salad. Here are some ideas on how to incorporate it into your salad:
Choosing the Right Cheese
Start by selecting a suitable goat cheese base. While some recipes call for plain goat cheese, others specifically use cranberry cinnamon goat cheese. You can find goat cheese sold in logs or medallions, which are perfect for slicing and crumbling. If you can't find cranberry cinnamon goat cheese, you can always get creative and make your own by mixing in dried cranberries and cinnamon to taste.
Crumbling the Cheese
Once you have your desired cheese, it's time to crumble it over your salad. Let the cheese come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to make it easier to crumble. Use your hands or a fork to break up the cheese into small pieces, sprinkling it generously over your salad.
Salad Ingredients
When it comes to the salad itself, there are endless possibilities. Consider pairing the cheese with roast or pickled beets and a balsamic vinaigrette, as suggested by a user on Reddit. You could also include ingredients like walnuts, apples, and lettuce, drawing inspiration from other suggested dishes such as a panini with apples, walnuts, and honey.
Additional Tips
Don't be afraid to experiment with other complementary ingredients. Fresh or dried fruits like apples, pomegranate seeds, or dried cranberries can add a nice contrast to the creamy cheese. Toasted nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, can provide a satisfying crunch. You can also try adding herbs like mint, thyme, rosemary, or basil for a fresh flavor profile.
Storage and Serving
Cranberry cinnamon goat cheese can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a month or frozen for extended periods. When serving, it is recommended to let the cheese soften slightly at room temperature to make it easier to crumble and blend with your salad ingredients.
By following these suggestions, you can create a delicious and unique salad featuring crumbled cranberry cinnamon goat cheese. Enjoy experimenting with this versatile ingredient and discovering your favorite combinations!
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As a dip
When serving cranberry cinnamon goat cheese as a dip, the first step is to choose the right vessel. A shallow bowl made of ceramic or glass is ideal, as it allows for easy access to the dip and showcases the visually appealing colors and textures of the cheese and toppings. If you want to add a rustic touch, consider using a wooden board or a slate platter. Before adding the cheese, it is best to line the serving dish with a bed of fresh, crisp salad leaves. Arugula, baby spinach, or mixed greens work well, providing a nice contrast in terms of color and flavor. They also ensure that the cheese doesn't slide around on the plate.
Next, you can get creative with the presentation of the cheese itself. For a more casual gathering, simply spoon the cheese onto the bed of leaves, keeping it rustic and relaxed. For a more elegant or formal occasion, you can shape the cheese into a neat round or oval disk, packing it tightly so that it holds its form. Top the cheese with a generous amount of the cranberry cinnamon mixture, ensuring that the colors and textures are well distributed. A light dusting of cinnamon can also be added for extra flavor and visual appeal.
To add some height and interest to the dish, consider adding a few carefully placed piles of other complementary ingredients. Toasted nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, add a nice crunch, and their rich flavor pairs well with the tangy cheese and sweet cranberries. You could also add a small pile of dried cranberries or cinnamon-dusted apple slices for extra texture and flavor. A drizzle of honey around the plate can also add a lovely touch of sweetness and a beautiful, glossy finish to the dish.
Finally, don't forget to provide your guests with something to dip into this delicious creation. Crisp, crunchy vegetables such as carrots, celery, and bell peppers are always a good option, offering a fresh contrast to the rich cheese. Sliced, toasted baguette, crackers, or crispbreads are also excellent choices, providing a neutral base to showcase the flavors of the dip. For a more indulgent option, you could offer small, toasted brioche slices or even cinnamon-sugar pita chips, which would complement the cinnamon in the cheese beautifully.
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On gluten-free crackers
Cranberry cinnamon goat cheese is a delicious and versatile treat that can be served in a variety of ways, including on gluten-free crackers. Here are some ideas to elevate your next snack or appetizer:
Choose Your Crackers
Select gluten-free crackers that complement the flavours of the goat cheese. You can opt for round butter crackers, wafer-thin water crackers, seeded crackers, grissini, or sourdough crackers. If you prefer a sweeter option, gluten-free graham crackers or nut-and-fruit studded mini toasts could be a tasty choice.
Prepare the Goat Cheese
The goat cheese can be purchased or homemade. To make your own, combine cranberries, sugar, water, orange zest, and ground cinnamon in a saucepan. Cook until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens, then let it cool. Spread the cranberry sauce on a sheet of plastic wrap, place the goat cheese log on top, and cover with the remaining sauce. Wrap the cheese with the plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve. This will make it easier to spread the creamy cheese onto your crackers.
Assemble and Serve
Remove the goat cheese from the refrigerator and let it sit for about 30 minutes to slightly soften before serving. Carefully unwrap the cheese and place it on a serving dish or board. If desired, drizzle honey on the serving platter or plate to hold the cheese in place and add a touch of sweetness. Place the goat cheese log on top and garnish with additional toppings like pecans, cranberries, or a sprig of rosemary. Serve with your chosen gluten-free crackers and enjoy!
Variations and Tips
- For a festive touch, add an extra pinch of cinnamon to your goat cheese for an extra boost of warmth.
- If you're serving a crowd, double the recipe and use an 8-ounce goat cheese log. Increase the pecans and dried cranberries to 1/3 cup each and use 1.5 tablespoons of chopped rosemary.
- Get creative with your toppings and garnishes. Try adding a drizzle of honey, a sprinkle of flakey sea salt, or extra cranberries and pecans for a delightful crunch.
- For a mess-free serving experience, use two spatulas to lift the cheese from the plastic wrap and transfer it to a serving plate.
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Frequently asked questions
Combine cranberries, sugar, water, orange zest, and ground cinnamon in a saucepan. Cook until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens. Let the sauce cool, then assemble the log by covering a log of goat cheese with the cranberry sauce. Wrap the log in plastic wrap and refrigerate until about 30 minutes before serving, then let the cheese soften before serving.
Cranberry cinnamon goat cheese can be served as an appetizer with crackers, crostini, or toasted bread. It can also be served as part of a cheese board or as a topping for salads.
Cranberry cinnamon goat cheese will last up to a month in the refrigerator and can be frozen for up to 2 months or up to 6 months.
