Randy Chandler
Goat cheese is a delicious and creamy treat that can be served in a variety of ways. A popular method is to create a goat cheese board, similar to a charcuterie board, where the cheese is spread across a cutting board or platter and topped with a variety of sweet and savory toppings. This can include fresh fruits, vegetables, crackers, meats, nuts, and spreads. Goat cheese logs, which are rolled in herbs, nuts, and dried fruits, can also be sliced and served on a platter with crackers or bread. The options are endless, and a goat cheese platter can be a beautiful and tasty appetizer or snack for any occasion.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese | Goat cheese, preferably creamy |
| Cheese type | Plain, honey, garlic and herb, or other flavoured varieties |
| Toppings | Fruits (fresh or dried), vegetables, cured meats, jams, nuts, herbs, olives, crackers, bread, etc. |
| Preparation | Cut logs of goat cheese in half, spread on a platter, and spoon toppings over each section |
| Presentation | Use tiered serving trays or cutting boards (round, square, or rectangular) to display the cheese and toppings |
| Timing | Prepare no more than 1 hour before serving; can be made 1-2 hours in advance and stored in the fridge |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing a platter
The first thing to consider when choosing a platter is the number of guests you are serving. If you are making a small platter for 4-5 people, a single, smaller board should be sufficient. For larger groups, consider using multiple boards or a larger platter with additional space around it to display all your tasty treats.
The next thing to consider is the shape of your platter. Round, square, and rectangular cutting boards all work well for goat cheese platters. If you are using a single board, a round board can be a good choice as it allows you to easily spread the goat cheese and toppings in a circle, ensuring that everything is within easy reach for your guests. If you are using multiple boards, rectangular or square boards can be a good choice as they can be easily placed together or arranged separately on a table.
Another option is to use a tiered serving tray. These trays are often used for displaying desserts, but they can also work well for goat cheese platters, especially if you are short on space. A tiered tray takes up less room on the table and can create a visually appealing display.
Finally, don't stress too much about finding the "right" platter. You can use a variety of household items as a surface for your goat cheese platter, including plates, platters, or cutting boards. Get creative and feel free to use what you have available!
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Preparing the goat cheese
Once you've selected your cheese, it's time to prepare it. If you're using plain goat cheese, you can simply spread it across a cutting board or platter. This provides a base for other toppings and creates a beautiful presentation. If you want to add some flavour to the cheese, you can mix in honey to create a sweet and savoury option. Alternatively, you can create a goat cheese log by combining the cheese with herbs, pecans, and cranberries, shaping it into a log, and chilling it. This makes it easier to slice and serve.
For a more creative approach, consider using a tiered serving tray to display your goat cheese. These trays are typically used for desserts, but they can add a unique touch to your cheese presentation. If you want to get really festive, add some greenery, pine cones, and cinnamon sticks to your display.
When it comes to toppings, the options are endless. You can choose from a variety of sweet and savoury options, including fresh fruits such as strawberries, apples, and grapes, as well as jams, honey, and dried fruits. If you prefer something more savoury, cured meats, olives, and crackers are a perfect match for goat cheese. Get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your favourite pairings.
Preparing goat cheese is a versatile and simple process that allows you to be creative and cater to your taste preferences. Whether you spread it, mix it, or shape it, goat cheese is a delicious and impressive addition to any platter.
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Adding toppings
Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that pairs well with both sweet and savoury toppings. Here are some ideas for toppings to add to your goat cheese platter:
Fruits and Vegetables
Fresh, dried, or jammy—fruit adds a burst of sweetness to your platter. Try pairing goat cheese with traditional options like apples, strawberries, or grapes. For something more exotic, opt for fig jam or spread. You can also add a savoury element with sun-dried tomatoes or fresh herbs like basil, rosemary, or thyme.
Nuts
Nuts provide a crunchy texture and a boost of flavour to your platter. Pecans, pine nuts, and walnuts are great choices to sprinkle on top of your goat cheese. For an extra festive touch during the holidays, roll your goat cheese log in chopped pecans and cranberries for a visually appealing and tasty treat.
Sweet and Savoury Spreads
Honey is a classic pairing with goat cheese, providing a delightful contrast of sweet and tangy flavours. For a savoury option, try pesto, which adds a punch of flavour to your platter.
Meats and Crackers
Cured meats, such as salami or prosciutto, are a delicious addition to your goat cheese platter, offering a savoury contrast to the creamy cheese. Serve your goat cheese with crackers or crostini on the side, providing a crisp base for your guests to create their own tasty combinations.
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Presentation and decor
The presentation of your goat cheese platter can be as simple or as elaborate as you like. A rustic wooden board or large plate can serve as the perfect base for your creation. If you're short on space, consider using a tiered serving tray to display your platter. This will add a sense of height and elegance to your presentation.
When it comes to the cheese itself, you can simply place the goat cheese log on the platter and spoon different toppings over each section. Alternatively, you can get creative and shape the goat cheese into a log or a board. For a log, combine the cheese with herbs, nuts, and dried fruits, and roll it into a log shape. Chill it in the refrigerator, and then coat it with a layer of nuts, herbs, and dried fruits. For a board, smear the goat cheese evenly across the surface of your board or platter, creating a beautiful base for your toppings.
The toppings you choose will also play a crucial role in the presentation of your platter. Fresh fruits and vegetables, such as strawberries, apple slices, grapes, and basil or rosemary leaves, will add a pop of colour and a sense of freshness to your platter. Dried fruits, nuts, and cured meats will provide texture and variety. Jams, honey, and pesto can be drizzled or spooned over the cheese for a decadent touch. To make it even more festive, add some greenery, pine cones, or cinnamon sticks as edible decor.
Remember, the key to a stunning presentation is to create a balanced and harmonious composition. Play with different colours, textures, and heights to make your goat cheese platter visually appealing and inviting.
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Storage
Storing goat cheese correctly is essential to preserving its flavour and texture. Goat cheese typically lasts one to two weeks in the refrigerator, but its shelf life depends on how long it was aged, with fresher cheeses having a shorter shelf life.
Storing Fresh Goat Cheese
Fresh goat cheese should be white in colour, with a firm, not mushy, texture. It can be stored anywhere in the fridge for about two months if it is unopened and vacuum-sealed. Once opened, it should be stored in an airtight container and ideally consumed within five days. To extend its shelf life, you can freeze fresh goat cheese, but this may alter its texture and flavour.
Storing Aged Goat Cheese
Aged goat cheese should be stored in a stable, humid environment like a vegetable crisper drawer in the refrigerator. Avoid storing it in the coldest part of the fridge, which is usually the back and bottom shelves. Before storing, wrap the cheese in wax or parchment paper, and for extra protection, place it in an airtight glass container.
General Tips for Storing Goat Cheese
- Goat cheese needs humidity and some room to breathe, so avoid using plastic wrap as it can invite unwanted mould and suffocate the cheese.
- Only buy what you plan to eat within seven days, as goat cheese is best enjoyed fresh.
- When storing leftover cheese, wrap it correctly to avoid transferring odours and flavours between different cheeses and to protect against microbial contamination.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use a cutting board, plate, or platter as a base. Spread the goat cheese across the surface and top with your desired toppings. You can also add crackers, meats, and dips/spreads.
Goat cheese pairs well with both sweet and savory toppings. Some options include honey, jams, dried fruits, nuts, cured meats, olives, and fresh fruits and vegetables.
Yes, you can spread the goat cheese on a platter and store it in the fridge until you are ready to serve. You can also add toppings and store the platter in the fridge for 1-2 hours, but not overnight.
A goat cheese platter is a great appetizer or snack for any occasion. It is easy to transport and can be a good option for a crowd. It can also be a nice holiday or party appetizer.
