Patrick Oconnell
Goat cheese, also known as Chevre, is a soft and creamy cheese with a tangy flavour. It is often used in appetizers and dips, paired with honey, herbs, and crackers or bread. While goat cheese is crumbly on its own, it can be made softer and creamier by adding milk, cream, or cream cheese. This makes it perfect for spreading on toast or using as a dip.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Texture | Creamy, crumbly, soft, smooth, fluffy, spreadable |
| Taste | Tangy, savory, sweet, earthy |
| Preparation | Can be whipped with a food processor or hand mixer, can be mixed with milk or cream to make it spreadable |
| Serving suggestions | Can be served as a dip with crackers, veggies, or bread, or as a topping for toast or sandwiches |
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What You'll Learn
How to make whipped goat cheese
Whipped goat cheese is a simple, quick, and easy appetizer or spread that you can make in under 20 minutes. It is creamy, tangy, and bright. The basic recipe involves whipping goat cheese with cream cheese, sour cream, or heavy cream to achieve a smooth, creamy, and spreadable consistency. You can also add various ingredients like garlic, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and black pepper to enhance the flavor and give it a little kick. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make whipped goat cheese:
Ingredients:
- Goat cheese (soft goat cheese, also called chevre, is recommended)
- Cream cheese or sour cream or heavy cream
- Optional: garlic, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, black pepper, herbs (parsley, thyme, sage, rosemary), honey, salt
Method:
- Prepare the Ingredients: If you are using garlic, peel and mince a clove or two of garlic. You can use a food processor to mince the garlic. If you are using lemon, squeeze some fresh lemon juice. Chop any herbs you plan to use.
- Combine the Cheeses: In a food processor, add the goat cheese and your chosen secondary cheese (cream cheese, sour cream, or heavy cream). You can also add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor. Blend the cheeses together until they are fully incorporated and smooth. If you do not have a food processor, you can use a hand mixer in a large non-glass bowl.
- Add Mix-Ins: Once the cheeses are combined, add your desired mix-ins like garlic, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Pulse the food processor until all the ingredients are whipped together and well combined. You can also add herbs like parsley at this stage and give the mixture a few more pulses.
- Serve or Store: Transfer the whipped goat cheese to a serving bowl or dish. You can serve it immediately with crackers, crostini, breadsticks, or cut vegetables like celery and carrot sticks. If you want to make it ahead, you can store the whipped goat cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. Just give it a good stir before serving if it has firmed up.
Variations and Serving Suggestions:
- Toppings: For a special touch, top the whipped goat cheese with crispy pancetta and toasted panko breadcrumbs. Cook the pancetta in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, then add the panko and parsley, stirring until golden brown.
- Sweet Version: If you have a sweet tooth, try adding a drizzle of honey to the mixture or serving it with honey on the side.
- Vegetables: For a pop of color and texture, add roasted vegetables like beets or butternut squash to the food processor along with the cheeses.
- Fruit: For a summery appetizer, serve the whipped goat cheese with grilled peaches and hot honey. Pipe or spoon the whipped goat cheese onto sliced bread or crackers and top with grilled peach slices and a drizzle of honey.
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Goat cheese and cream cheese proportions
Goat cheese is naturally crumbly, but whipping it with cream cheese can make it creamy and spreadable. The amount of cream cheese you add depends on how creamy you want your goat cheese to be. For a basic whipped goat cheese recipe, you can use a food processor to blend together a large log of goat cheese (8-10 ounces) with a scoop of cream cheese and a pinch of salt. You can also add a few tablespoons of heavy cream or milk to thin out the consistency.
If you want to get more creative, you can add herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley, or spices like red pepper flakes or black pepper. For a sweeter version, you can add honey, or for a savoury version, you can add garlic and lemon juice. If you want to thin out the consistency even more, you can add a splash of milk or Greek yogurt.
For a dairy-free option, you can use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. You can also use sour cream or mascarpone instead of cream cheese. If you don't have access to a food processor, you can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer to blend the ingredients.
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Toppings and mix-ins
Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from appetizers to desserts. It has a distinct tangy and savoury flavour, which can be enhanced with various toppings and mix-ins. Here are some ideas for toppings and mix-ins to elevate your goat cheese creations:
Toppings
- Honey is a classic pairing with goat cheese, adding sweetness and visual appeal. Drizzle honey over goat cheese crostini or mix it into the cheese for a smooth spread.
- Nuts such as pecans or pistachios add crunch and texture. Toasting the nuts beforehand enhances their flavour and aroma.
- Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil bring a bright, fresh flavour to the cheese.
- Sea salt and cracked black pepper add a savoury touch and enhance the other flavours.
- Fresh fruits or dried fruits such as apples, pears, cranberries, or blackberries provide a sweet and tangy contrast to the cheese.
- Caramelized onions and roasted garlic lend a rich, earthy flavour to the cheese.
- Pancetta or bacon cooked until crisp adds a savoury, meaty element to the dish.
- Breadcrumbs, especially panko, provide a crunchy texture and can be toasted for extra flavour.
- Roasted vegetables like beets, butternut squash, or tomatoes add colour and texture, making the dip thicker and more substantial.
Mix-Ins
- Cream cheese or sour cream help to create a smooth, creamy consistency and make the goat cheese more spreadable.
- Lemon juice or lemon zest adds a bright, tangy pop of flavour.
- Red pepper flakes bring a subtle spiciness and a touch of colour.
- Garlic enhances the savoury flavour of the cheese and can be minced or roasted.
- Parsley or other fresh herbs add a burst of freshness and colour to the mix.
- Olive oil can be drizzled over the cheese for added richness and flavour.
- Spices like cayenne, nutmeg, or black pepper can be mixed in for added warmth and complexity.
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Dairy-free alternatives
Goat cheese is a dairy product, but there are several dairy-free alternatives that you can make at home or purchase from specialty stores.
One option is to make your own vegan goat cheese using tofu as the base. This method does not require the complicated process of culturing or fermenting at home and can be made in a food processor with simple ingredients like extra firm tofu, refined coconut oil, lemon juice, white miso paste, extra virgin olive oil, and plain unsweetened non-dairy milk. The tofu can be blended with other ingredients like vinegar, lemon juice, the contents of a probiotic capsule, and water to create a creamy and crumbly texture that mimics traditional goat cheese.
Another option is to use soaked cashews as the base for vegan goat cheese. This method involves culturing or fermenting, which can be done by soaking nuts in water for several hours and then blending them with vinegar, lemon juice, the contents of a probiotic capsule, and water. This process results in a tangy flavor similar to goat cheese, and the addition of fresh herbs can enhance the similarity.
If you don't want to make your own vegan goat cheese, there are also some commercially available options. For example, Vegnature is a popular goat cheese alternative, and Treeline offers a "Dairy-Free French-Style Cheese" that can be found in some US supermarkets. The Cultured Kindness cheese shop in Portland, Oregon, is also mentioned as a source for excellent vegan goat cheese, although they may not distribute outside of the local area.
These dairy-free alternatives to goat cheese provide options for those who are lactose intolerant, vegan, or simply looking for a new culinary experience.
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How long does it take to make?
Making goat cheese is a straightforward process that can be done at home with just a few ingredients. The time it takes to make goat cheese can vary depending on the specific recipe and method followed, but it typically ranges from a few hours to a full day. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of the process and the approximate time each step takes:
Preparing the Milk
Firstly, it is important to use fresh goat's milk, as milk that has been sitting for too long can develop a strong "goaty" taste. Raw goat's milk is an option, but it requires immediate processing after milking. If using pasteurized milk, it is best to avoid ultra-pasteurized or ultra-homogenized milk as it will not curdle properly. Full-fat goat's milk is recommended. The milk should be heated slowly to a specific temperature, typically between 76°F and 185°F. This process can take around 12 to 30 minutes, depending on the starting temperature of the milk and the equipment used.
Curdling the Milk
Once the milk reaches the desired temperature, a curdling agent is added, such as citric acid or lemon juice. The mixture is then stirred continuously for about 15-30 minutes until curds form. The curds will be smaller and less formed compared to cow's milk curds. This step is crucial in transforming the milk into cheese.
Draining and Setting
After curdling, the mixture is poured into a cheesecloth-lined colander and allowed to drain. This process can take around one to two hours. The longer the draining time, the thicker the cheese will become. For a softer cheese, a shorter draining time of about 6 hours will result in a spreadable consistency. For a firmer, crumbly cheese, it can be left to drain for up to 24 hours.
Flavouring and Moulding
Once the cheese has drained and reached the desired consistency, salt is added for flavour and preservation. Additional flavours, such as herbs or spices, can be mixed in at this stage. The cheese is then formed into a log or placed in a mould. This step can be completed within an hour.
Refrigeration and Aging
Finally, the cheese is refrigerated and can be consumed immediately or aged for a few days to enhance its flavour. Goat cheese can typically be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
In summary, the total time to make goat cheese can range from a few hours to a full day, depending on the specific steps, ingredients, and desired outcome. The process is relatively simple and can be easily adapted to create a variety of flavours and textures.
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Frequently asked questions
Goat cheese is crumbly and not creamy by itself. However, when whipped with cream cheese, milk, or cream, it becomes creamy and spreadable.
To make goat cheese creamy, you can use a food processor to blend it with cream cheese, milk, or cream. You can also add herbs, honey, lemon juice, or garlic for extra flavor.
Creamy goat cheese is a great appetizer and goes well with crackers, bread, pita chips, or fresh vegetables. It can also be used as a dip or spread on sandwiches and toast.
