Bushra Griffith
Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be spiced up in many ways and used in a variety of dishes, including salads, pizzas, and sandwiches. It can be crumbled, sliced, or spread. To spice up goat cheese, you can add herbs such as basil, chives, rosemary, or tarragon, as well as spices like garlic, lemon zest, or red pepper flakes. For some extra texture, you can add chopped nuts or a drizzle of honey. Goat cheese can be served as a simple appetizer with crackers or toasted baguette slices, or it can be used as an ingredient in more complex dishes such as grilled cheese sandwiches, pasta, or omelettes.
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What You'll Learn
Goat cheese with honey
Goat cheese and honey is a simple, delicious, and versatile combination. The sweetness of honey beautifully complements the tangy, soft goat cheese. This pairing can be enjoyed as a starter, a dessert, or even as part of a cheese board.
When preparing this dish, it is best to bring the goat cheese to room temperature to enhance its flavour and texture. If you are using a log of goat cheese, slice it into thick rounds or use two soup spoons to shape it into quenelles. You can also roll the goat cheese into balls and coat them with a mixture of pecans and cinnamon for an extra crunch. Once you have prepared the goat cheese, arrange it on a board or plate, or spread it onto toasted baguette rounds.
The key step is to drizzle honey on top of the goat cheese. Chestnut honey is an excellent choice, as it adds depth and an earthy, gamey flavour to the dish. However, you can also experiment with different types of local honey to find your preferred taste. For added texture and flavour, sprinkle the dish with finely chopped hazelnuts, pistachios, or other nuts of your choice.
For a savoury option, you can create a goat cheese grilled cheese sandwich with honey. Spread butter infused with red pepper flakes on one side of each slice of bread. Place one slice of bread, buttered-side down, in a pan. Add crumbled goat cheese and shredded cheese, then drizzle with honey. Top with the other slice of bread, buttered-side up, and cook until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.
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Goat cheese with herbs
Goat cheese is a tangy soft cheese that pairs well with a variety of herbs and spices. Some common herbs that pair well with goat cheese include dill, chives, basil, rosemary, and parsley. You can also experiment with adding additional flavours, like lemon juice, red pepper flakes, or jalapeño slices.
When preparing goat cheese with herbs, it is recommended to use fresh herbs as the ingredients are minimal. However, freeze-dried dill can also work in a pinch. To prepare the goat cheese, you can thinly slice the cheese into thin rounds using a knife or dental floss. Coat the bottom of your dish with oil and add minced garlic. Arrange a layer of cheese on top and sprinkle with herbs of your choice. Cover the cheese with more oil and add the rest of the cheese rounds. Top off with more herbs and oil so that everything is covered.
For some extra flavour, you can try marinating the goat cheese with herbs and spices. To do this, gently break the goat cheese into large pieces and let it sit at room temperature. Infuse oil with spices such as allspice, coriander, garlic, bay leaves, and red pepper flakes by cooking them over low heat for 15-20 minutes. Pour the infused oil over the goat cheese and let it sit for about 30 minutes. Serve the marinated goat cheese with toast or bread.
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Goat cheese with spices
Goat cheese, or chèvre, is a creamy, tangy, and savoury soft cheese that pairs well with a variety of herbs and spices. It can be used in many dishes, including salads, pizzas, sandwiches, and even desserts.
Spices and Herbs
Goat cheese can be spiced up with herbs such as thyme, basil, chives, rosemary, dill, and mint. For a more subtle onion flavour, chives are a great option, especially in dishes like tarts, quiches, and salads. Dill is also well-suited to goat cheese, as its fresh and fragrant nature complements the cheese's distinct flavour. Other herbs that can be used include fennel seeds, lemon zest, sage, tarragon, and parsley.
Spices like red pepper flakes, garlic, black pepper, and garlic powder can also be used to add a kick to the cheese. For a simple appetizer, mix goat cheese with olive oil and herbs, and serve with crackers or toasted baguette slices.
Sweet Combinations
For those with a sweet tooth, honey is a popular addition to goat cheese, especially when paired with red pepper flakes. The honey can be drizzled over the cheese or used in a grilled cheese sandwich. Warm honey can also be drizzled over a mixture of goat cheese and Greek yoghurt, creating a caramel-like consistency. Goat cheese can also be baked into a cheesecake and paired with fresh berries.
Other Combinations
Goat cheese can be used in a variety of savoury dishes, such as corn husks grilled with goat cheese and served with a relish made from charred corn kernels, scallions, chile, lime juice, cilantro, and basil. It can also be combined with Parmesan, milk, and pasta-cooking water for a thick and rich sauce to be served with pasta. For a more substantial meal, goat cheese can be added to a pizza with sharp Parmesan, tender sautéed eggplant, and bold pesto.
Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be spiced up in a variety of ways to suit different tastes and dishes.
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Goat cheese with nuts and fruit
Goat cheese, nuts, and fruit are a classic combination that can be elegant and delicious. This combination is a great way to spice up goat cheese and elevate any dish, whether it's an appetizer, a salad, or a main course. Here are some tips and ideas to create flavorful and textural delights:
When choosing the fruit, consider something sweet and juicy to contrast the tangy and creamy goat cheese. Soft fruits like peaches, plums, or apricots are excellent choices, especially when they are in season and at their ripest. Their sweetness pairs beautifully with the goat cheese, and their soft texture means they can be easily blended or mashed to create a spread or dip. For a refreshing option, try grapes or berries such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. Their bright flavors and slight tartness can complement the goat cheese wonderfully.
Dried fruits are another option that provides a more concentrated burst of flavor and a chewy texture. Try using dried cranberries, apricots, or even cherries. Soaking the dried fruit in a liquor, such as brandy or Grand Marnier, can add an extra layer of flavor and sophistication. This combination is perfect for a cheese plate or as a stuffing for chicken or pork.
As for nuts, the key is to provide a satisfying crunch and a depth of flavor. Toasted walnuts or pecans are fantastic options, as their rich, buttery flavor and crisp texture can enhance the overall taste experience. Almonds, with their slightly sweeter taste and harder crunch, can also be a great addition. For a more subtle, earthy flavor and softer texture, try pistachios or pine nuts. Crushing or chopping the nuts will ensure a more balanced texture and easier eating.
When combining these ingredients, consider a simple approach to let the flavors shine. Crumble the goat cheese over a bed of mixed greens, top with chopped nuts and sliced fresh fruit, and then drizzle with a balsamic vinaigrette for a delightful salad. For an elegant appetizer, stuff dates or fresh figs with goat cheese and top them with a single toasted nut. A more complex dish could involve stuffing chicken breasts with a mixture of goat cheese, nuts, and dried fruit, creating a savory and flavorful main course.
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Goat cheese sauce
Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many dishes, including salads, pizzas, sandwiches, and pasta. It is a tangy soft cheese that pairs well with a variety of herbs and spices. Here are some ideas for goat cheese sauce:
Herbed Goat Cheese Sauce
This sauce is great over grilled chicken, grilled portabella mushrooms, or eggplant. If you cannot find herbed goat cheese, use plain goat cheese and add herbs. Combine olive oil, wine, and chicken broth in a saucepan; simmer over medium heat until reduced by about half. Add the parsley, goat cheese, salt and pepper, and garlic. Continue simmering, stirring frequently, until the sauce is creamy and thickened to your liking.
Creamy Goat Cheese Pasta Sauce
This sauce can be made in one pot in less than 30 minutes. Cook the pasta al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. Make the sauce by heating butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until the garlic becomes aromatic. Add the goat cheese, half-and-half, and stir. Whisk until smooth. Reduce the heat to medium, add the cooked pasta and 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water to the skillet, and stir well to coat the pasta. Let it bubble in the sauce for 1-2 minutes. If you'd like a thinner sauce, add more pasta water.
Marinated Goat Cheese Sauce
Gently break goat cheese into large pieces and arrange them in a serving bowl. Let sit at room temperature while you infuse the oil. Crush allspice and coriander with the flat side of a chef’s knife. Place in a small saucepan along with garlic, orange zest, bay leaves, star anise, oil, and red pepper flakes. Cook over low heat, swirling the pan occasionally, until the garlic is golden, 15–20 minutes. Pour over goat cheese. Let sit until cool, about 30 minutes. Serve with toasted bread.
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Frequently asked questions
To spice up goat cheese for a simple appetizer, mix it with olive oil and herbs such as thyme, dill, chives, basil, rosemary, or mint. For some extra flavour, add spices like red pepper flakes, garlic, lemon zest, or scallions. You can also add some crunch with chopped almonds, pistachios, or walnuts.
You can serve spiced goat cheese with crackers, toasted baguette slices, apple and pear slices, or warm crusty bread.
To make a grilled cheese sandwich with spiced goat cheese, cook butter with red pepper flakes on medium-low heat for about five minutes. Carefully spread the butter on one side of both slices of bread. Heat a pan and place one slice of bread buttered-side down. Add crumbled goat cheese and shredded cheese, and drizzle honey over the top. Cover with the other slice of bread, buttered-side up, and cook until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.
You can add spiced goat cheese to a salad for a mix of sweet and tangy flavours. For example, combine bitter arugula, sweet Asian pear, tangy lemon dressing, and crunchy pumpkin seeds with goat cheese.
Spiced goat cheese can be used in a variety of dishes, including corn husk parcels, ratatouille, cheesecake, pasta, pizza, and cauliflower soup.
