Kamil Perry
Goat cheese boards are a creative and delicious way to serve guests at a holiday get-together or party. A goat cheese board is a large board slathered with tangy goat cheese and various toppings, served with a loaf of fresh bread. The creamy goat cheese can be paired with sweet toppings like honey, dried fruits, and jams, or savoury toppings like cured meats, nuts, olives, and pepper jelly. The board can be made festive with some greenery, pine cones, and cinnamon sticks. The goat cheese can be spread across the board and stored in the fridge until ready to serve.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Flavors | Natural, Honey, Garlic and Herb, Chipotle Honey, Goat Cheddar, Spicy Pepper, Pepper Jelly |
| Toppings | Nuts, Crackers, Bread, Honey, Figs, Grapes, Olives, Strawberries, Apple Slices, Dried Cherries, Dried Apricots, Blackberries, Chopped Basil, Lemon, Balsamic Glaze |
| Board Type | Cutting Board, Tiered Serving Tray, Large Plate or Platter |
| Preparation | Spread goat cheese across the board, add toppings, store in the fridge until ready to serve |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing a board
Material:
You can opt for a traditional wooden cutting board, which adds a rustic charm to your presentation. Wooden boards are easily accessible and provide a sturdy base for your goat cheese spread. However, it's important to note that wood can retain contaminants and germs, even after thorough washing. To address this concern, consider lining your wooden board with parchment paper to ensure a sanitary surface for your food.
Alternatively, you can choose a marble or ceramic board, which offer a sleek and modern aesthetic. These materials provide a smooth surface and are generally non-porous, making them easier to clean and less likely to harbour bacteria.
Shape and Size:
The shape of your board can vary depending on your preference and the overall presentation you wish to achieve. Round, square, and rectangular boards are all suitable options. If you have a smaller group of guests, a single board may suffice. However, for larger gatherings, consider using multiple smaller boards arranged together or placing the largest board you have in the centre, surrounded by other items on the table.
If you're short on space, a tiered serving tray with multiple levels can be a creative solution. It takes up less room on the table while still allowing you to showcase your goat cheese and accompaniments attractively.
Personalization:
Feel free to get creative and personalize your board. You can choose a board with unique engravings, decorative handles, or a custom design that reflects your style or the theme of the occasion. Adding some festive decor, such as greenery, pine cones, or cinnamon sticks, can also enhance the overall presentation.
Remember, the board you choose will be the canvas for your delicious goat cheese spread, so select one that is not only functional but also complements the aesthetic you wish to create.
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Flavours and combinations
Goat cheese has a tangy and creamy flavour and a unique taste that not everyone enjoys. It is best paired with sweet and savoury flavours. The natural flavour of goat cheese pairs well with sweet and savoury foods. The honey flavour of goat cheese goes well with sweet additions.
Some common toppings and pairings for goat cheese on a charcuterie board include meats, crackers, nuts, olives, grapes, honey, and fig spread. You can also add some greenery, pine cones, and cinnamon sticks for a festive touch.
For a more creative combination, you can try a goat cheese board inspired by the viral butter boards. Spread softened goat cheese on a board and top it with flaky sea salt, fresh figs, fig preserves, walnuts, and hot honey. This combination is especially good when served with a loaf of fresh bread on the side.
If you want to add a spicy kick to your goat cheese board, consider adding pepper jelly or chipotle honey. These combinations will give your board a pleasantly piquant flavour that will cater to guests who enjoy spicy food.
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Preparing the goat cheese
When choosing a board, you can use a cutting board, preferably wooden, or a large plate or platter—any long, flat surface will do. If you're concerned about contamination or germs on a wooden board, you can line it with parchment paper.
For the goat cheese itself, you can use plain, creamy goat cheese, or opt for flavoured varieties. Some popular options include natural, garlic and herb, and honey. You can also get creative and use flavoured goat cheese logs, such as chipotle honey or pepper jelly goat cheese, to add a unique twist to your board.
Once you've spread the goat cheese, you can add your desired toppings. For a savoury board, you might include cured meats, nuts, olives, and crackers. If you prefer something sweeter, dried fruits like cherries, apricots, and blackberries, along with honey or jam, can add a delightful touch. You can also get festive by adding some greenery, pine cones, and cinnamon sticks for decoration.
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Adding toppings
Next, think about adding some nuts for crunch. Walnuts, almonds, and pecans are great options. You can also add some spices, such as flaky sea salt, or pepper for a kick. Honey is a fantastic addition, especially if you want to add a little extra sweetness. Drizzle it over the goat cheese and fruit, or serve it on the side as a dip. Jams and preserves are also a wonderful choice, with fig jam or pepper jelly being a popular pairing with goat cheese.
If you want to add some savoury elements, consider cured meats, such as salami or prosciutto, or add some olives for a salty contrast. You can also add some fresh herbs like basil or chopped rosemary for added flavour and colour. Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations of toppings to create a unique and delicious goat cheese board.
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Serving suggestions
Goat cheese boards are a great appetiser for holiday get-togethers or parties. They are easy to make, delicious, and can be served as an alternative to charcuterie or butter boards.
To make a goat cheese board, you will need a large, flat surface, such as a cutting board, plate, or platter. If you are using a wooden board, consider lining it with parchment paper to prevent cross-contamination. Spread the goat cheese evenly across the board, leaving some space for toppings. You can use plain, creamy goat cheese or add some flavour with honey, garlic, herbs, or spices.
For toppings, dried fruits such as cherries, apricots, and blackberries go well with goat cheese, as do nuts, honey, and jams. If you want something savoury, cured meats, olives, and crackers are a good option. You can also add some greenery, pine cones, and cinnamon sticks for a festive touch.
Be sure to take the goat cheese out of the refrigerator about an hour before serving to let it come to room temperature and make it easier to spread. If you want to prep the board ahead of time, you can spread the goat cheese and add toppings, then store it in the fridge for up to two hours before serving.
A goat cheese board is usually served with fresh bread on the side and individual butter knives for guests.
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Frequently asked questions
LaClare goat cheese is a good option, with its array of delicious flavors and styles. You can also use Montchevre, which comes in 12 different flavors.
Take the goat cheese out of the refrigerator and let it get to room temperature so that it's easy to spread. Then, spread it onto your board using a spoon or spatula.
You can include dried fruits like cherries, apricots, and blackberries, as well as nuts, honey, and pepper jelly. If you want something savory, you can add cured meats, crackers, or olives.
You can spread the goat cheese across the board and store it in the fridge until you're ready to serve. You can also add toppings and store the board in the fridge for about 1-2 hours, but it's not recommended to prep it overnight.
You can use a cutting board, preferably wooden, or a large plate or platter. If you're using a wooden board, it's a good idea to line it with parchment paper to prevent cross-contamination.
