Frederic Melton
Goat cheese, also known as chèvre, is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from appetizers to pasta sauces. While it is delicious on its own, sometimes a recipe calls for a softer, more spreadable cheese. Luckily, there are several easy ways to soften goat cheese. For a simple solution, one can mix the cheese with milk or cream. Alternatively, one can make whipped goat cheese, which is a light, creamy, and tangy spread that can be used in a multitude of ways.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Softening Method | Mix with milk or cream |
| Type of Goat Cheese | Soft goat cheese (chevre) |
| Goat Cheese to Use | Goat cheese, cream cheese, salt |
| Additional Ingredients | Honey, fresh herbs, black pepper, olive oil, rosemary, thyme, red pepper flakes, lemon zest, garlic clove |
| Serving Suggestions | Crostini, crackers, fruits, veggies, bagels, sandwiches, wraps, baguette, pita chips, pretzels, dried fruits, raw veggies, toast, tortilla chips, wonton crackers |
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What You'll Learn
Use milk or cream
If you're looking to soften goat cheese, milk or cream is a great option. This method is ideal if you're looking to make a creamy, spreadable goat cheese. It's also a simple and quick process.
To start, take a small bowl and add a spoonful or two of milk or cream to your goat cheese. The exact amount will depend on how much cheese you are softening and how creamy you want it to be. For a thinner consistency, add more milk or cream.
Next, use a spoon or fork to mash the cheese and milk/cream together. Keep mixing until the goat cheese is smooth and creamy. This should only take a few seconds. You can also use a food processor or blender to combine the ingredients. If you're using a food processor, simply add the goat cheese and milk/cream and blend on high speed until you achieve the desired consistency.
If you're making whipped goat cheese, you can also add other ingredients to the mixture. Popular additions include honey, herbs such as rosemary and thyme, salt, and pepper. You can also add a splash of milk or cream to thin out the consistency of the whipped goat cheese to your liking.
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Whip it
Whipping goat cheese is a great way to soften it and make it more spreadable. It also adds air to the cheese, resulting in a silky smooth consistency and light texture. You can use a food processor, blender, mixer, or whip the goat cheese by hand.
Ingredients
To make whipped goat cheese, you will need:
- Goat cheese
- Cream cheese
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley, chives, tarragon, thyme, rosemary, or basil)
- Lemon juice or lemon zest
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Honey, milk or heavy cream, red pepper flakes, garlic, or any other seasonings or mix-ins of your choice
Method
- Allow the goat cheese to come to room temperature. This will make it softer and easier to whip.
- Add the goat cheese and any additional ingredients to a food processor, blender, or bowl.
- If using a food processor or blender, pulse or blend until the ingredients are combined and the cheese is smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- If whipping by hand, use a spoon or fork to mix the ingredients until smooth. This method may result in a slightly lumpier texture.
- For a thinner consistency, add a splash of milk or heavy cream and blend again.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Transfer the whipped goat cheese to a serving bowl.
- Top with a drizzle of honey, a sprinkle of herbs, and/or any other desired toppings.
- Serve with crackers, crostini, pita chips, veggies, or your favorite dippers.
Tips
- If you want an extra creamy texture, use whipped cream cheese instead of traditional cream cheese.
- For a dairy-free option, use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
- You can make this recipe in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
- Before serving, let the whipped goat cheese come to room temperature for the best texture.
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Use a food processor
Using a food processor is a quick and easy way to soften goat cheese. It's an ideal method if you want to make a creamy, spreadable goat cheese dip, and it only takes a few minutes.
First, take your goat cheese out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. This will make it easier to blend. You can speed up this process by cutting the cheese into smaller pieces.
Next, add the goat cheese to the bowl of your food processor. You can also add other ingredients at this stage to flavour your dip. Some popular additions are cream cheese, honey, garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or parsley. If you want to add a spicy kick, you can include red pepper flakes.
Pulse the food processor until the ingredients are fully combined and smooth. Depending on the power of your food processor, you may need to pause and scrape down the sides of the bowl a few times to ensure everything is blended evenly.
Once you're happy with the consistency, transfer the whipped goat cheese to a bowl or serving dish. You can drizzle honey over the top and add more fresh herbs for garnish. Serve with crackers, bread, vegetables, or fruit.
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Add herbs and spices
Herbs and spices can be added to goat cheese to create a variety of flavours. You can add herbs and spices to goat cheese by mixing them directly into the cheese, using them as toppings or garnishes, or marinating the cheese in olive oil and your chosen herbs.
Some common herb and spice pairings with goat cheese include:
- Dill, which complements the cheese's distinct flavour with its fresh and fragrant nature.
- Chives, which offer a subtle onion flavour that enhances the tanginess of the goat cheese.
- Basil, which can be used fresh or dried.
- Thyme, which pairs beautifully with goat cheese.
- Rosemary, which can be used fresh or dried.
- Mint, which can be mixed into goat cheese to create a subtle mint flavour or used as a garnish.
- Oregano, which can be used dried or fresh.
- Tarragon, especially when pairing with berries.
Other ingredients that can be added to goat cheese to enhance its flavour include:
- Salt, which can enhance the flavour of the cheese and other ingredients.
- Honey, which can be drizzled on top or mixed into the cheese for a sweeter flavour.
- Fruit preserves, which can be swirled into the cheese to create a sweet flavour.
- Red pepper flakes, which add a touch of heat.
- Lemon zest and juice, which can be paired with mint and garlic.
- Olive oil, which can be used to marinate the cheese.
- Garlic, which can be mixed into the cheese or used as a topping.
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Pair with sweet foods
Goat cheese, also known as chèvre, is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of sweet dishes. Here are some ideas for pairing goat cheese with sweet foods:
Fruits and Nuts
Fruits and nuts can add a fresh burst of colour and a mellow sweetness to a cheese platter or board. Seasonal fruits are always a good choice, such as slices of peach, apricot, or nectarine in the summer, or apples, pears, figs, or grapes in the autumn. Nuts such as walnuts, hazelnuts, or pistachios can also be included for added crunch and visual appeal. For a more diverse offering, consider a mixture of chopped nuts and dried fruits like raisins or dates.
Honey
Honey is a classic pairing with goat cheese, and the two ingredients together create a true sweet and savoury delight. Drizzle honey on top of goat cheese, spread it on toast, or use it as a dip for fruits and vegetables. For an even lighter and fluffier texture, try whipped honey. If you want to add a bit of spice to your dish, consider using hot honey.
Jams and Conserves
Fig jam or raspberry conserve are perfect pairings for goat cheese, especially when spread on warm toast. These sweet and fruity flavours complement the tangy and savoury notes of the cheese.
Sweet Vegetables
Goat cheese also pairs well with sweet vegetables, such as beetroot, cherry tomatoes, onions, and sweet potato. Try adding goat cheese to a vegetable tart or pizza, or swirling it into a soup or risotto for a creamy texture and a tangy flavour.
Desserts
Goat cheese can even be incorporated into desserts. Try adding it to yogurts, fromage blanc, or Pannacotta for a savoury twist. Honey, cooked fruits, or fruit coulis can also be added to these desserts for a sweet and light touch.
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Frequently asked questions
To soften goat cheese, you can mix it with milk or cream. Alternatively, you can use a food processor, blender, mixer, or whisk attachment to beat the cheese until it is smooth.
You can add a scoop of cream cheese, a pinch of salt, and a drizzle of honey to make the goat cheese more spreadable.
Softened goat cheese can be served as a dip with pita chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables. It can also be used as a spread on crostini, bagels, or sandwiches.
Yes, you can add fresh or dried herbs and spices such as basil, rosemary, thyme, or red pepper flakes to softened goat cheese for added flavor.
Yes, you can use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative to make a dairy-free version of softened goat cheese.
