Bushra Griffith
Goat cheese logs are a delicious and versatile appetizer. They can be made with a variety of ingredients, such as honey, lemon, blueberries, chives, dried apricots, mint, strawberries, and more. You can also add edible flowers, herbs, and garlic to your goat cheese log. When it comes to slicing a goat cheese log, it's important to make sure the cheese is very cold but not frozen, as freezing will change the texture of the cheese. Using a wire cheese slicer or dental floss can help you achieve consistent, thin slices. You may also need to put the log back in the fridge for a few minutes between slices to keep it firm.
How to slice a goat cheese log
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | The cheese should be very cold, but not frozen. |
| Tools | Use a wire cheese slicer, dental floss, or fishing line. |
| Technique | Wipe the knife with a damp towel between cuts. |
| Presentation | For clean cuts, use unflavored dental floss. |
| Consistency | For consistent slices, put the log back in the fridge every few slices. |
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What You'll Learn
Use dental floss or a wire cheese slicer
Slicing a goat cheese log can be a messy affair, and it can be challenging to get consistent, thin slices. One way to get around this is to use dental floss or a wire cheese slicer.
Dental floss is a great tool to slice through soft, creamy goat cheese. It helps you avoid the mess that usually comes with cutting through soft cheese and also helps you achieve clean, consistent slices. The type of dental floss used is important, as flavored floss can alter the taste of the cheese. Therefore, unflavored and unwaxed dental floss is recommended. To use dental floss to slice goat cheese, wrap the floss around your fingers, hold it taut, and pull it downward through the cheese.
A wire cheese slicer is another effective tool for slicing goat cheese. It is a simple device consisting of piano wire and two wooden spool handles. It is important that the cheese is very cold when using this method, but not frozen, as freezing will alter the texture of the cheese.
Using either dental floss or a wire cheese slicer, you can easily cut through a goat cheese log and achieve consistent, thin slices.
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Keep the cheese very cold
Keeping the cheese very cold is a crucial step in achieving consistent, thin slices when cutting a goat cheese log. While freezing the log can help to firm it up and make it easier to slice, it is important to note that freezing will alter the texture of the cheese. Therefore, it is recommended to keep the cheese very cold without freezing it.
To keep the cheese cold, it is best to place it in the refrigerator for a few minutes between each slice. This will help to firm up the cheese and make it less likely to smoosh or fall apart when cut. It is important to be patient and not to rush the slicing process, as the cheese needs to be very cold for optimal results.
Additionally, it is recommended to clean the knife after each slice. This will help to prevent the cheese from sticking to the knife and create a cleaner cut. By keeping the knife clean and cold, you can achieve more consistent slices.
If the cheese is still difficult to cut, you can try using a wire cheese slicer or dental floss. Dental floss, preferably unflavored and unwaxed, can be wrapped around your fingers, held taut, and pulled downward through the cheese to create thin, consistent slices.
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Coat the cheese with honey or olive oil to help toppings stick
If you're making a goat cheese log, you can coat it with honey or olive oil to help toppings stick. This works particularly well if you're using toppings that are prone to falling off, such as berry slices, blossoms, and flower petals.
To coat your goat cheese log with honey or olive oil, first remove the cheese log from its packaging and place it on a plate. If you're using honey, you can drizzle it over the cheese log as-is, or you can warm the cheese to room temperature first. If you're using olive oil, you can drizzle it over the cheese log as-is. Once the cheese log is coated, you can proceed to add your desired toppings.
If you're making a whipped goat cheese, you can combine the goat cheese with other ingredients, such as cream cheese, salt, and pepper, in a food processor. Then, drizzle honey or olive oil over the mixture and blend until it's light, creamy, and fluffy. Finally, spread the mixture into a shallow bowl and add your desired toppings.
If you're making a goat cheese grilled cheese sandwich, you can drizzle honey over the bread before adding the cheese and other toppings. You can also mix the honey with butter and red pepper flakes and spread the mixture on the bread.
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Roll the log in a mixture of nuts and herbs
To roll a goat cheese log in a mixture of nuts and herbs, you can start by preparing the mixture. You can use a combination of chopped pecans, cranberries, and herbs such as parsley, basil, and oregano, and garlic. You can also add in other ingredients like cinnamon, dried apricots, or even dark chocolate. Once you have your desired mixture, spread it out on a sheet of parchment or wax paper, creating an even layer.
Next, you'll want to prepare the goat cheese log. If you're using a store-bought goat cheese log, simply remove it from its packaging. If you're making your own, you can mash soft goat cheese with a fork in a mixing bowl, add your desired herbs and spices, and mix until well combined. Then, place the cheese mixture on a sheet of plastic wrap and form it into a log shape, twisting the ends of the plastic wrap to seal it. Chill the log in the fridge for about 30 minutes so it can firm up.
Now, it's time to roll the goat cheese log in the nut and herb mixture. Unwrap the chilled cheese log and gently roll it in the mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the coating adheres evenly, including the ends. If you find that the mixture isn't sticking well, you can try bringing the cheese log closer to room temperature or drizzling it with honey or olive oil before rolling.
Once your goat cheese log is coated, you can shape it further as desired. You can serve it immediately or refrigerate it until ready to serve. If you're making it in advance, wrap the coated log in plastic wrap, and it will last for about a week in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer.
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Chill the log for 30-45 minutes to help it hold its shape
Chilling your goat cheese log in the refrigerator for 30-45 minutes is a crucial step in achieving clean, consistent slices. This step is especially important if you are working with a soft, creamy goat cheese, which can become messy and difficult to cut without proper chilling. By chilling your goat cheese log, you allow the cheese to harden and firm up, making it easier to handle and slice.
The ideal chilling time can vary depending on the texture and consistency of your goat cheese. Aim for a slight firmness that allows the log to hold its shape but is still soft enough for any desired coatings to be pressed into it. This usually takes around 30 to 45 minutes in the refrigerator. If you are short on time, you can also place the goat cheese log in the freezer for a shorter duration, but be cautious as freezing can alter the texture of the cheese.
Chilling the goat cheese log helps to ensure that your slices are neat and even. It also reduces the likelihood of the cheese crumbling or falling apart as you cut it, resulting in a more aesthetically pleasing presentation. This is especially important if you are serving the goat cheese as part of a charcuterie board or cheese platter, where a well-presented log can elevate the overall visual appeal of your creation.
Remember, the chilling time may vary depending on the size and initial texture of your goat cheese log, so adjust the duration as needed. Once chilled, you can proceed with slicing the log into consistent, thin slices, using tools like dental floss or a wire cheese slicer for the cleanest cuts.
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Frequently asked questions
To slice a goat cheese log, it is recommended to use a wire cheese slicer or dental floss. You can also use a cheese harp, which is fitted with a cheese-cutting wire. Make sure the cheese is very cold, but not frozen, as freezing will change the texture of the cheese.
Wrap the floss around your fingers, hold it taut, and pull it downward through the cheese. Make sure to use unflavored floss.
Place the goat cheese log in the fridge for 20-45 minutes to allow it to harden. You can also place it in the freezer for a few minutes, but be aware that freezing it for too long will change the texture of the cheese.
Drizzle the log with honey or olive oil before adding the toppings. This will help them stick to the cheese.
Cut thin triangular portions from the center down through the height of the cheese. Always carve a tip on each piece you serve to avoid the last portion being just the rind.
