Frederic Melton
Crumbling goat cheese is a common problem for many people, as the creamy kind can be very sticky and difficult to work with. There are several methods to shred goat cheese, including using a knife, a fork, your hands, or a pastry bag. Some people also recommend chilling the cheese in the freezer for a few minutes to make it easier to crumble. Once crumbled, goat cheese can be used as a topping for salads, wraps, pizzas, and crostinis.
How to Shred Goat Cheese
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | Cold cheese is easier to shred than cheese at room temperature |
| Tools | Hands, fork, knife, rubber spatula, pastry bag, colander, cheese grater |
| Technique | Cut, crumble, grate |
| Consistency | Soft, semi-soft, hard |
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What You'll Learn
Crumble with a fork
Crumbling goat cheese with a fork is a great way to avoid the cheese sticking to your fingers. Goat cheese is naturally sticky, and your body heat can melt the cheese, making it harder to crumble. Using a fork helps to keep the cheese cool and therefore easier to crumble.
To crumble goat cheese with a fork, start by placing the cheese in the freezer for a few minutes. Freezing the cheese will dehydrate it, making it firmer and easier to crumble. It is best to divide the cheese into portions before freezing. Wrap the cheese in freezer-safe plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag or wrap it in foil to protect it from freezer burn.
Once the cheese is very cold, remove it from the freezer and use a fork to crumble it. You can also try pulling the cheese apart with the fork. If you are serving the cheese as part of a dish, it is best to let it warm up a little before serving, as cheese tastes better at room temperature.
If you are crumbling goat cheese to serve on a cheese board, it is important to cut the cheese correctly to preserve the aromas and extend the shelf life. Round cheeses should be cut like a cake, working from the centre outwards to create triangular wedges. Long cheeses should be cut into round slices. Pyramid-shaped cheeses should be cut into thin triangular portions from the centre down through the height of the cheese.
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Freeze the cheese first
Freezing goat cheese is a great way to make it easier to shred. The cold temperature helps to firm up the fat in the cheese, making it less sticky and easier to crumble or grate.
To freeze goat cheese, start by placing the cheese in the freezer for 5-10 minutes. You can leave the cheese in its original packaging or wrap it in foil, wax paper, or another suitable material. Freezing the cheese will dehydrate it, making it drier and less creamy. This will make it easier to crumble and less likely to smear or stick to your fingers when shredded.
It is important not to leave the cheese in the freezer for too long, as it may become too hard and difficult to work with. 5-10 minutes in the freezer should be enough to firm it up without making it too hard.
Once the cheese has been chilled, you can remove it from the freezer and begin shredding. You can use a knife to cut the cheese into shreds, or use a grater for a finer texture. If you want to crumble the cheese, you can use your hands or a fork to break it up into small pieces. Freezing the cheese first will help ensure that it crumbles neatly without smearing.
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Use a knife
Shredding goat cheese with a knife can be a little tricky, but it's definitely doable! Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get the job done:
First, it's important to choose the right knife for the task. A traditional knife with a curved tip and a twin-forked end is a good option for goat cheese. Make sure your knife is sharp and suitable for the consistency, texture, and type of cheese you're working with. Keep in mind that different types of cheese grate differently. Goat cheese tends to be crumbly, so a grater might not be the best option.
Next, you'll want to prepare your goat cheese for shredding. It's recommended to keep the cheese very cold, as this will help it hold its shape better while you're shredding. However, don't freeze it, as freezing can alter the texture of the cheese. If your goat cheese is very soft and creamy, you might want to consider placing it in the fridge for a few minutes to firm it up slightly.
Now, you're ready to start shredding! Using a sharp knife, cut the goat cheese into thin, long sticks, similar to how you would cut carrots into matchsticks. This technique will give you shreds of cheese that you can use in your recipes. Take your time and work carefully to achieve the desired consistency.
If you're looking for crumbled goat cheese, there are a few different approaches you can take. One method is to cut the cheese into small pieces with a knife, place them on a piece of foil or wax paper, and then invert the paper over your dish and scrape the cheese into it. You can also try crumbling the cheese with your fingers or using a fork to avoid the warmth of your hands affecting the cheese.
Remember to clean your knife between cuts, especially if you're switching between different types of cheese, to avoid mixing flavours. With a bit of practice and patience, you'll be able to shred goat cheese like a pro!
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Use a pastry bag
Shredding goat cheese with a pastry bag is a great option if you're looking to avoid the mess that usually comes with shredding soft goat cheese. It's important to note that goat cheese is a soft cheese, and soft cheeses are crumbly and don't work well with a traditional cheese grater.
To use a pastry bag to shred your goat cheese, you'll first need to choose the right type of bag. There are two main types of pastry bags: those made from plastic and intended for cake decoration, and sturdier versions used for pressing cookie dough. The sturdier option is likely to be more suitable for shredding cheese, as the plastic version may not be strong enough to handle the pressure required to extrude the cheese.
Once you have your pastry bag, you'll need to decide on the size of the nozzle. If you're looking for thin, ribbon-like shreds of cheese, opt for a small-diameter nozzle. For thicker shreds, a larger nozzle will be more appropriate. Pack the bag with the desired amount of goat cheese, being careful not to overfill it.
To shred the cheese, apply pressure to the bag and squeeze the cheese through the nozzle. Depending on the consistency of your cheese, you may need to use a significant amount of force. The result will be ribbons of cheese that you can then use in your recipe. This method is particularly useful if you're looking to create a visually appealing dish, such as a pizza, where the melted cheese will still look neat and evenly distributed.
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Slice and pull with your hands
Slicing and pulling with your hands is a great way to shred goat cheese, but it can be a messy process. Soft goat cheese can be difficult to work with, but there are some tips and tricks to make the process easier.
First, you can try placing the goat cheese in the freezer for a few minutes to make it firmer and easier to handle. This helps to dehydrate the cheese, reducing its moisture content and making it less sticky. However, be careful not to leave it in the freezer for too long, as you don't want it to freeze solid. Two to three minutes should be enough, and remember to let it warm up a bit before serving, as cheese tastes best at room temperature.
Once the cheese has been chilled, you can start slicing and pulling. Using a sharp knife, cut the cheese into thin slices, and then use your fingers to pull the slices into smaller pieces. If the cheese is still sticking to your fingers, try using gloves, or wipe your hands with a small amount of oil. You can also try using two knives or a knife and a spatula to handle the cheese without touching it directly. Scissors can also be useful, as the cut cheese will stick to the scissors, and you can then use them to place the cheese where you want it.
While slicing and pulling with your hands can be a messy process, it can be a quick and effective way to shred goat cheese, especially if you first chill the cheese to make it firmer and less sticky.
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Frequently asked questions
Place the goat cheese in the freezer for 5-10 minutes. The cheese will dehydrate and become easier to crumble without smearing. You can then use a knife or your hands to shred the cheese.
It is important to work with cold cheese, so it is firmer and easier to crumble. You can use a knife, your hands, or a fork to shred the cheese.
Shredded goat cheese will last for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
