Bushra Griffith
Cranberry goat cheese is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or dessert. The combination of tangy goat cheese and sweet-tart cranberries makes for a delicious and creamy spread that can be served on crackers, crostini, or bread. This dish is especially popular during the holiday season, with its festive red colour and ability to be made ahead of time. The spread can be made in a food processor or baked in the oven, and can also include additional ingredients such as sugar, thyme, honey, lemon zest, and various nuts.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Appetizer |
| Occasion | Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Eve, Holidays, Parties |
| Taste | Sweet, Tangy, Tarty, Creamy |
| Texture | Spreadable, Crunchy, Crispy |
| Color | Pink, Red |
| Temperature | Hot, Room Temperature |
| Ingredients | Goat Cheese, Cranberries, Sugar, Pomegranate Arils, Fresh Rosemary, Bread, Crackers, Lemon Zest, Thyme, Honey, Almonds, Parsley, Walnuts, Pecans, Pistachios, Cinnamon, Milk, Flour, Salt, Yeast, Egg, Butter, Orange Juice, Orange Zest, Vanilla Extract, Raspberry or Balsamic Vinegar, Brown Sugar, Blackberries, Blueberries |
| Preparation | Blending, Baking, Toasting, Drizzling, Rolling, Chopping |
| Serving Size | 1g |
| Calories | 167kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Protein | 6g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3g |
| Trans Fat | 0.001g |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Cranberry goat cheese spread as a holiday appetizer
Cranberry goat cheese spread is a versatile holiday appetizer that can be served in many ways. It is a simple, yet impressive dish that can be made ahead of time and served with a cheese board, bread, or crackers. The spread has a unique pinkish colour, a creamy texture, and a tangy taste, making it a delightful addition to any holiday gathering.
To make the cranberry goat cheese spread, combine fresh or frozen cranberries, pomegranate juice, sugar, and lemon zest in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the cranberries are soft and broken down, creating a thick and saucy consistency. Allow the mixture to cool completely before transferring it to a food processor. Add goat cheese, a pinch of salt and pepper, and blend until smooth. For a sweeter spread, adjust by adding more sugar. The spread can be served immediately or stored in a covered container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
When it comes to choosing the perfect bread for this spread, there are several options to consider. The spread can be served on a fresh baguette or French bread that has been lightly toasted, providing a delightful combination of crispy and creamy textures. Alternatively, it can be used as a filling for sandwiches or served on crackers, such as buttery crackers, whole wheat crackers, or gluten-free options. For a fancier presentation, consider using homemade rosemary Parmesan crackers, which add a spectacular touch to the appetizer.
To elevate this appetizer even further, it can be paired with various garnishes and sides. Fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or parsley can be added for a pop of colour and a boost of flavour. Nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, pecans, or pistachios, can also be sprinkled on top or served on the side, offering a crunchy texture and a variety of flavours. Fresh fruits like apple slices, grapes, or pear wedges can also be included, providing a refreshing contrast to the creamy spread.
Cranberry goat cheese spread is a versatile and delicious holiday appetizer that can be tailored to your taste preferences and dietary needs. It is a simple dish that can be prepared in advance, making it a convenient option for busy holiday gatherings. With its unique flavour, creamy texture, and festive appearance, it is sure to impress your guests and become a holiday favourite.
Goat Cheese: Friend or Foe of Your Diet?
You may want to see also
How to make cranberry goat cheese spread
Cranberry goat cheese spread is a delicious and simple appetizer for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday gathering. It can be made ahead of time and served with a cheese board, bread, or crackers. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make this tasty treat:
Ingredients:
- Goat cheese
- Fresh cranberries
- Sugar (optional)
- Pomegranate juice (optional)
- Lemon zest (optional)
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh rosemary (optional)
- Pomegranate arils (optional)
Instructions:
- If you want to add a little extra sweetness to your spread, start by placing the cranberries, pomegranate juice, sugar, and lemon zest in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat until the cranberries are simmering and breaking down. Continue cooking until they are completely broken down and have a thick, saucy consistency. Then, let the mixture cool completely.
- Place the goat cheese in the bowl of your food processor. Pulse until the cheese starts to come together, then turn on the processor and let it blend until the cheese is smooth.
- Add a pinch of salt and pepper to the goat cheese and pulse again to combine.
- Scrape in about 1/4 cup of the cranberry sauce mixture (or more, to taste) and pulse a few more times until everything is combined. You can blend it until smooth or leave it a little chunky, whichever you prefer.
- Transfer the spread to a jar or bowl. At this point, you can cover and refrigerate it overnight before serving, or serve it immediately.
- To serve, spread the goat cheese mixture on crackers, crostini, or bread. Garnish with pomegranate arils, fresh rosemary, and/or additional cranberries.
Variations:
For a twist on this recipe, try one of these variations:
- Roll the goat cheese in chopped almonds or pecans and drizzle with honey before serving.
- Bake the goat cheese in the oven until warm and creamy, and serve it with fresh baguette or French bread.
- Substitute the honey with white sugar, brown sugar, maple syrup, or agave nectar, or add orange juice and orange zest for a citrusy kick.
- Make a batch of Homemade Rosemary Parmesan Crackers to serve with the spread.
Enjoy the sweet and tangy flavors of this festive appetizer!
Queso and Goat Cheese: What's the Difference?
You may want to see also
Breads and crackers to pair with the spread
Cranberry goat cheese spread is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of breads and crackers. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Breads
- Baguette: Slice a baguette into half-inch pieces, drizzle with olive oil, and toast until lightly golden. This provides a crunchy base for the soft cheese and bright compote.
- French Bread: Lightly toast slices of fresh baguette or French bread and spread the goat cheese mixture on top. The warm, creamy cheese and tangy cranberries create a delightful combination of crispy and creamy textures.
- Sweet and Tangy Goat Cheese Cranberry Star Bread: This bread is a showstopper and perfect for the holidays. It is filled with creamy goat cheese, cranberries, and cinnamon, resulting in a tart yet sweet dessert or bread course.
Crackers
- Rosemary Parmesan Crackers: These homemade crackers add a spectacular touch to your spread. The rosemary's piney and aromatic flavor pairs well with the cranberries and goat cheese.
- Buttery Crackers: Opt for classic buttery crackers to complement the creamy goat cheese and tangy cranberries.
- Whole Wheat Crackers: For a healthier option, choose whole wheat crackers that will still provide a crunchy texture and savory flavor to balance the sweetness of the spread.
- Gluten-Free Crackers: Include gluten-free alternatives to cater to various dietary preferences.
- Seeded Crackers: Crackers with seeds, such as the Divas brand, can add a slight sweetness and crunch that pairs well with the spread.
Feel free to experiment with different types of bread and crackers to find your favorite combinations!
Goat Cheese and Sugar: A Healthy Balance?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Other ingredients to add to the spread
There are several other ingredients that can be added to a cranberry goat cheese spread to enhance its flavour and presentation. Here are some ideas:
Nuts
Nuts can add a crunchy texture and enhance the flavour of the spread. Almonds are a popular choice, but you can also use other nuts such as walnuts, pecans, or pistachios. To incorporate nuts into your spread, you can chop them up and mix them into the goat cheese, or roll the goat cheese log in the nuts to create a decorative coating.
Herbs
Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley can add a burst of flavour and freshness to the spread. Rosemary, with its piney aroma, pairs well with the sweetness of cranberries and the tanginess of goat cheese. Parsley brings a slightly peppery note to the spread. You can also use other herbs of your choice to experiment with different flavours.
Sweeteners
Honey and sugar are commonly used sweeteners in the spread. However, you can also experiment with different sweeteners like maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown sugar to add a unique twist to the spread. These sweeteners will balance the tartness of the cranberries and the savouriness of the goat cheese.
Citrus
Adding a citrusy element to the spread can provide a tangy and refreshing kick. Consider using orange juice and orange zest in combination with the honey or other sweeteners. This addition will create a bright and vibrant flavour profile that complements the other ingredients.
Fresh Fruits
Pairing the spread with fresh fruits like apple slices, grapes, or pear wedges can enhance both the presentation and flavour of the appetizer. The sweetness of the fruits will balance the tanginess of the spread, creating a delightful contrast.
These are just a few suggestions, but feel free to experiment with other ingredients and flavours to create your unique version of the cranberry goat cheese spread.
Goat Cheese vs Feta: Which Has More Fat?
You may want to see also
How to store cranberry goat cheese spread
Cranberry goat cheese spread is a delicious and simple appetizer for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any other holiday gathering. It can be made ahead of time and served with a cheese board, bread, or crackers. But how do you store this delightful spread?
Firstly, it is important to note that cranberry goat cheese spread should be kept refrigerated. This will help to maintain its freshness and prevent spoilage. The spread can be stored in a covered container or sealed with cling wrap directly on the surface of the spread to prevent it from drying out.
If you have made a large batch, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. However, it is best consumed within 2 days as the spread tends to dry out and lose its creamy texture over time. To extend its shelf life, you can freeze the spread. Place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in cling wrap, ensuring all air is pushed out. Frozen cranberry goat cheese spread can last for up to 2 months.
When you are ready to serve the spread after refrigeration or freezing, simply remove it from the container or unwrap it and let it come to room temperature. The spread will become softer and easier to spread as it warms up. You can also place it in the microwave for a few seconds to speed up the process. However, be careful not to overheat it, as this may cause the oil to separate and affect the texture.
In terms of serving suggestions, cranberry goat cheese spread is incredibly versatile. It can be served as a simple topping for crackers, crostini, or bread. For a fancier presentation, pair it with a selection of fresh fruits like apple slices, grapes, or pear wedges. You can also use it as a filling for sandwiches or as a component of dessert. Get creative and enjoy the sweet and tangy flavors of this delightful spread!
Goat Cheese: Aphrodisiac Superfood or Just Delicious?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Bread cranberry goat cheese spread is a festive and tasty appetizer that can be made in 15 minutes. It is a perfect holiday centerpiece and can be served with a cheese board or bread and crackers.
You will need goat cheese, fresh or frozen cranberries, orange juice, honey, rosemary, and bread or crackers for serving.
First, cook the cranberries with orange juice and honey until they break down and form a thick sauce. Then, mix the goat cheese until smooth and spread it on a plate. Finally, top the goat cheese with the cranberry sauce and serve with bread or crackers.
Yes, you can add different ingredients to the spread to create different flavors. For example, you can add cinnamon, lemon zest, sugar, or almonds. You can also use regular cream cheese instead of goat cheese for a less tangy flavor.
