Randy Chandler
Goat cheese and honey is a simple yet delicious combination that can be served in a variety of ways. The creamy tanginess of goat cheese pairs beautifully with the sweetness of honey, creating a perfect balance of flavours. Whether you're looking for a starter, a main course, or a dessert, there are plenty of options to choose from. You can create a beautiful cheese board with goat cheese, honey, and various toppings, or you can incorporate these ingredients into dishes like grilled cheese sandwiches, salads, and even desserts. The versatility of goat cheese and honey makes them a great duo to experiment with in the kitchen.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese temperature | Goat cheese should be served at room temperature, not straight from the refrigerator |
| Honey type | Chestnut honey is recommended, but local wildflower honey is also a good option |
| Cheese type | Fresh goat cheese from the farmer's market is best |
| Cheese form | If the cheese is in a log, slice it thickly into 4 rounds or form into 4 quenelles using 2 soup spoons |
| Serving plate | Arrange the cheese on a board or plate, or spread portions onto toasted baguette rounds |
| Toppings | Drizzle honey on top of the goat cheese, and sprinkle with hazelnuts, pistachios, or pecans |
| Serving suggestions | Goat cheese with honey can be served as a starter, dessert, or as part of a potluck |
| Variations | Goat cheese with honey can be served as a grilled cheese sandwich, spread on crostini, or as a dip for fruits or vegetables |
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What You'll Learn
Goat cheese grilled cheese with honey
Goat cheese and honey is a simple yet delicious combination. The versatility of goat cheese means it can be used in salads, on pizza, in pasta, or as a spread. It pairs particularly well with wines that have a slight acidity, such as Sauvignon Blanc.
When serving goat cheese with honey, it is best not to serve the cheese cold as this blunts the flavor and affects the texture. Instead, leave the cheese out on the counter to come to room temperature before serving.
Now, let's get into the details of how to make a delicious goat cheese grilled cheese with honey:
Ingredients:
- Goat cheese (plain, crumbled)
- Butter (preferably good-quality, grass-fed)
- Bread (thick, good-quality white bread)
- Honey (liquid, for drizzling)
- Red pepper flakes
- Shredded cheese (white) cheddar, mozzarella, or a combination of both
Optional Ingredients:
- Hazelnuts or pistachios
- Chestnut honey or local wildflower honey
- Truffle honey
Instructions:
- Start by melting the butter in a pan over medium heat. You can add red pepper flakes to the butter for an extra kick of spice.
- Once the butter is melted, carefully transfer it to a small bowl and set the pan aside without washing it.
- Use a pastry brush or the back of a spoon to spread butter on one side of each slice of bread.
- Place one slice of bread, buttered-side down, back into the pan.
- Add the crumbled goat cheese and shredded cheese to the bread.
- Drizzle one tablespoon of honey over the cheese.
- Top with the other slice of bread, buttered-side up.
- Cover the pan with a lid to help the cheese melt and cook until the bread is toasted and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- When the sandwich is done, drizzle another tablespoon of honey on top. If desired, sprinkle with more red pepper flakes.
- Slice, serve, and enjoy!
Feel free to adjust the ingredient quantities to your taste and the size of your bread. You can also add extra toppings, such as nuts, to take this grilled cheese to the next level. Enjoy the sweet and savory flavors of the goat cheese and honey combination!
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Goat cheese with honey as a dip
Goat cheese with honey is a delicious and easy-to-make dip that can be served as an appetizer or snack. The sweetness of the honey pairs perfectly with the tanginess of the goat cheese, creating a unique and addictive flavour combination. This dip can be made in a food processor or blender and is ready in just a few minutes, making it a great option for impromptu get-togethers or parties.
Ingredients:
- Goat cheese (softened at room temperature)
- Honey (preferably raw and sweet)
- Greek yoghurt or cream cheese
- Toppings of choice (such as walnuts, dried fruit, thyme, or bacon)
- Crackers, bread, apple slices, or veggies for dipping
Instructions:
- Allow the goat cheese to soften at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes. This will make it easier to blend and create a smoother dip.
- Place the softened goat cheese, Greek yoghurt or cream cheese, and honey in a food processor, blender, or stand mixer. You can also use a hand mixer or a spoon if you don't have any of these appliances.
- Blend the ingredients until they are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth, creamy, and fluffy. This should only take a couple of minutes.
- Transfer the dip to a serving bowl. If you want to get creative, you can drizzle a little extra honey on top or swirl it around the exterior of the bowl.
- Top the dip with your choice of toppings. Some popular options include chopped walnuts or other nuts, dried figs or cranberries, fresh thyme, or even crispy bacon bits and scallions.
- Serve the dip immediately with crackers, bread, apple slices, or raw vegetables for dipping.
Tips:
- If you want to make the dip in advance, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a few days. Bring it back to room temperature before serving.
- Get creative with your toppings and dippers! This dip is a blank canvas, so feel free to experiment with different combinations.
- For a more elegant presentation, serve the dip in a shallow bowl with a variety of dippers arranged around it.
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Goat cheese with honey on a board
Goat cheese and honey is a simple yet delicious combination. The tang and texture of the goat cheese are critical, so be sure to get the freshest and best goat cheese you can find. You can serve the cheese at room temperature, but it's best not to serve it cold as this can blunt the flavor and affect the texture.
To serve goat cheese with honey on a board, start by spreading the goat cheese on a clean board. If the goat cheese is in a log, slice it into thick rounds or form it into quenelles using two soup spoons. Next, drizzle honey over the goat cheese. You can use any type of honey you like, but for a more complex flavor, try chestnut honey or truffled honey. If you want to add some extra crunch and texture, sprinkle the honey with chopped hazelnuts, pistachios, or other nuts of your choice.
You can also add some fresh or dried fruit to your board, such as figs, cranberries, or sliced apples. Fresh herbs like basil, rosemary, or thyme can also be a nice addition. If you want to make it a more substantial dish, serve the goat cheese and honey board with crackers, crostini, or slices of baguette on the side. You can also offer a selection of sweet and savory toppings, such as jams, cured meats, or nuts, and let your guests create their own bite-sized snacks.
For an easy appetizer or dessert that's sure to impress, simply combine rich, creamy goat cheese with honey and top it with your choice of fresh fruits, veggies, and nuts.
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Goat cheese with honey on a salad
Goat cheese with honey is a simple yet impressive dish that can be served as a starter, dessert, or even as part of a salad. When preparing this dish, it is important to remember that the tang and texture of the goat cheese are critical. It is recommended to buy the freshest and best goat cheese available, and to serve it at room temperature to fully enjoy its flavour and texture.
For a delicious and simple salad, start with a base of spinach and add in chopped apples, sliced strawberries, and walnut pieces. You can also add in some sliced peaches and plums for a fruity twist. Next, add in the goat cheese. If you are using plain goat cheese, you can drizzle honey over the cheese or toss the salad in a honey goat cheese dressing. If you are using honey goat cheese, simply add the desired amount to the salad. For a more substantial meal, you can also add grilled chicken or shrimp to the salad.
To make a quick and easy champagne vinaigrette, whisk together olive oil, champagne vinegar, garlic, dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a bowl until well combined. Drizzle this over the salad and toss to coat.
For an extra special touch, you can serve the goat cheese on a cutting or serving board. If the goat cheese is in a log, slice it thickly into rounds or use two soup spoons to form it into quenelles by scooping and rounding the cheese as you pass it back and forth between the spoons. You can also sprinkle some chopped hazelnuts, pistachios, or pecans over the cheese for added texture and flavour.
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Goat cheese with honey as a dessert
Goat cheese and honey is a simple, delicious, and versatile combination that can be served as a dessert in many ways. Here are some ideas and tips to get you started:
Choosing the Right Ingredients:
Start by selecting the freshest and best-quality goat cheese you can find. The tang and texture of the cheese are essential in this straightforward dish. Visit your local farmer's market and ask for tastes to find the one you like. Remember, refrigeration blunts the flavour and affects the texture of the cheese, so let it come to room temperature before serving. For the honey, you can opt for a local variety or go for something unique like chestnut honey, which has an earthy, gamey flavour that adds depth to the dish. If you want to be adventurous, try truffled honey.
Serving Ideas:
- Cheese Board: Create a stunning cheese board with your favourite crackers, fresh berries, and other garnishes like nuts, dried fruit, or herbs. Spread the goat cheese and honey mixture on crackers for a sweet, light, and creamy dessert.
- Baked Goat Cheese: Spread soft goat cheese in a small oven-proof bowl or ramekin and bake until warm. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves, sea salt, and cracked pepper. Serve with toasted baguette slices rubbed with garlic.
- Goat Cheese Balls: Divide the goat cheese into equal portions and roll them into balls. Combine cinnamon and chopped nuts (like pecans or hazelnuts) in a bowl. Roll the cheese balls in the nut mixture, gently pat them into patties, and transfer them to a serving plate. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with herbs like rosemary.
- Honey Goat Cheese Cheesecake: Make a classic New York-style cheesecake with a twist by adding goat cheese and honey to the batter. The tanginess of the goat cheese and the sweetness of the honey create a delightful flavour combination.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need goat cheese, shredded cheese (white cheddar or mozzarella), liquid honey, butter, red pepper flakes, and thick, good-quality white bread. First, add the crumbled goat cheese and shredded cheese to the bread and drizzle with honey. Then, top with the other slice of bread, buttered-side out. Cover with a lid to help the cheese melt and cook until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted. Finally, drizzle more honey on top of the sandwich and sprinkle with red pepper flakes.
You can serve goat cheese with honey on a board or plate, or spread it on toasted baguette rounds, crackers, or crostini. You can also mix in toppings such as nuts, rosemary, prosciutto, arugula, or balsamic cream. For a savoury option, serve goat cheese with honey and roasted pears and sausage.
Chestnut honey is a popular choice to pair with goat cheese, as it adds depth and structure to the dish. However, any type of honey will work. Local wildflower honey or truffled honey are also great options.
Fresh goat cheese from your local farmer's market will have the best tang and texture. Do not serve the cheese cold, as refrigeration blunts the flavour and affects the texture. Instead, leave it on the counter during your meal so it comes to room temperature.
