Goat Cheese Companion: Which Cheeses Complement Goat Cheese?

Goat cheese, or chèvre, is a popular choice for those who are lactose intolerant. It is made from goat's milk and has a famously tangy, earthy and intense flavour. It is also creamy, soft and spreadable. So what goes well with goat cheese? There are a plethora of options, ranging from sweet to savoury. For a sweet pairing, honey is a classic choice, as are fruits like apricots, peaches, apples, pears, and nuts like walnuts, hazelnuts and pistachios. For a savoury pairing, goat cheese goes well with crackers, bread, cured meats, eggs, vegetables like asparagus, avocado, beetroot, mushrooms, and much more.

Goat cheese with honey

When preparing this dish, it is essential to use fresh, high-quality goat cheese to ensure the best flavour and texture. Simply drizzle the honey over the goat cheese, or spread the cheese onto toasted baguette slices and then add the honey on top. For an extra touch of flavour and texture, sprinkle some chopped hazelnuts or pistachios on top. You can also experiment with different types of honey, such as chestnut honey, which has an earthy, gamey flavour that adds depth to the dish.

If you're feeling creative, there are endless possibilities for incorporating goat cheese and honey into your recipes. Try spreading the mixture onto crostini, fruits, or veggies, or using it as a dip for crackers. You can even add it to sandwiches, wraps, or bagels, or use it as a topping for pizza or grilled meats. For a sweet treat, drizzle the honeyed goat cheese over warm pumpkin or banana bread.

Goat cheese with fruits and vegetables

Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of sweet and savoury dishes. It is particularly good when paired with fruits and vegetables, which can bring out unexpected flavours.

Fruits

When it comes to fruit, goat cheese works well with fresh, seasonal produce. In the summer, try combining goat cheese with slices of peach, apricot, nectarine, or red berries such as cherries or redcurrants. In the autumn, opt for apples, pears, figs, or grapes, which pair nicely with more aged cheeses. Dried fruits like apricots, cranberries, and raisins are also a good option.

Goat cheese and fruit is a classic combination in salads, but it can also be used in cooking or as an appetiser. Try stewing, caramelising, or poaching apples and pears to create delicious sweet and savoury recipes. Fig jam or onion confit are also perfect for elevating warm goat cheese on toast. For a simple appetiser, arrange some slices of fresh fruit, such as apples or pears, on a platter with a few chunks of goat cheese.

Vegetables

As for vegetables, goat cheese pairs well with a variety of roasted root vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, parsnips, beets, carrots, and leeks. It also goes well with bell peppers, especially red ones, asparagus, avocado, beetroot, mushrooms, zucchini, and onions.

One popular way to enjoy goat cheese with vegetables is to simply crumble it on top of a salad or side dish. If the dish is hot, the goat cheese will melt and provide extra creaminess. You can also try baking or roasting the vegetables and then topping them with goat cheese and honey for a sweet and savoury dish.

Recipes

• Grilled Apricot Salad with Prosciutto: This simple recipe combines the sweetness of grilled apricots with the salty, smoky flavours of prosciutto crudo and the creaminess of goat cheese.
• Roasted Vegetables with Honey and Goat Cheese: This dish combines roasted winter vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, butternut squash, parsnips, and carrots, with honey and goat cheese for a mix of earthy and sweet flavours.
• Goat Cheese and Honey on Toast: Spread some warm, toasted bread with goat cheese and honey for a delicious appetiser or salad topper.
• Cucumber and Tomato Salad: Mix cucumbers, tomatoes, tangy tamarillo, aromatic basil, and creamy crumbled goat cheese, and top with toasted panko breadcrumbs.

Goat cheese with nuts

Goat cheese and nuts is a classic combination. Walnuts are a great choice to go with goat cheese, as they have a smooth texture that complements the cheese well. Drizzle a little honey on top to give the combination a sweeter, milder taste.

You can also sprinkle some raw pecans on top of goat cheese for a crunchy and creamy combination. For a more diverse offering, you can chop up a mixture of nuts such as raisins, walnuts, and pistachios to go with the cheese.

Pine nuts are another option that can add a nice layer of flavour to goat cheese. For example, you can put goat cheese, pine nuts, arugula, and a drizzle of balsamic reduction on a pizza.

Nuts are a great addition to a cheese board as they provide a complementary crunch and visual appeal. So, consider arranging some walnuts, hazelnuts, or pistachios on your cheese platter.

Goat cheese with cured meats

Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from appetizers and snacks to main courses and desserts. When paired with cured meats, goat cheese can create a dynamic flavour profile that enhances both components. Here are some tips and ideas for combining goat cheese with cured meats:

Choosing the Right Goat Cheese

Goat cheese comes in various forms, ranging from fresh, surface-ripened, to aged. Each type offers distinct flavours and textures that can complement cured meats differently. Fresh goat cheese, for instance, is creamy and light, with a tangy flavour. In contrast, aged goat cheese tends to be firmer and more expensive, making it ideal for special occasions. When selecting a goat cheese to pair with cured meats, consider the intensity of flavours and the desired texture contrast.

Cured Meat and Goat Cheese Pairing Ideas

• Salami and Prosciutto: These are classic charcuterie meats that pair well with goat cheese. Salami, with its spicy notes, can stand up to the tanginess of goat cheese. Prosciutto, on the other hand, is a delicate, thinly sliced dry-cured ham that provides a nice textural contrast to the creaminess of the cheese.
• Dry-Cured Sausages: Look for high-fat, thinly sliced options such as sopressata or finocchiona. The fatty, salty profile of these sausages balances the acidity of goat cheese.
• Whole Muscle Cuts: Prosciutto, capacolla, and country hams are excellent choices to pair with goat cheese. These cuts are typically made from pork and offer a nice contrast in flavour and texture.
• Terrines and Pâtés: These can be made from a variety of meats, such as duck liver, rabbit, pork, or lamb, and often include additional ingredients like truffles, pistachios, or pickled vegetables. The creaminess of goat cheese complements the richness of these cured meats.

Condiments and Accompaniments

When creating a charcuterie board or pairing goat cheese with cured meats, consider adding condiments and accompaniments to enhance the flavours:

• Fruits: Fresh or stewed fruits such as apples, figs, grapes, and berries can provide a sweet contrast to the savoury notes of the meat and cheese.
• Nuts: Walnuts, hazelnuts, pistachios, or almonds add crunch and texture to the pairing. They also help round off the meal, providing a satisfying bite.
• Condiments: Consider adding a sweet and tangy element with condiments like cherry, strawberry, or balsamic compote, or honey. These can elevate the flavours of both the meat and cheese.
• Bread: Serve with thinly sliced, crusty breads, such as a nutty bread or a raisin bread, to provide a base for the meat and cheese.

Presentation and Serving Tips

• Allow the cheese to come to room temperature: Remove the cheese from the fridge about 2 hours before serving to let it warm up and enhance its flavour and texture.
• Cut the cheese into bite-sized pieces: This makes it easier for guests to enjoy and ensures the perfect ratio of meat to cheese in each bite.
• Separate serving platters: Group each meat and cheese pairing, along with their condiments, on separate boards or platters. This allows guests to mix and match and explore different flavour combinations.
• Provide a variety of crackers or breads: Offer a selection of seeded crackers, almond crisps, or other artisan crackers to complement the meat and cheese.
• Wine pairings: When serving goat cheese with cured meats, consider pairing it with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Gris/Grigio, or a sparkling wine like Champagne or Prosecco.

Goat cheese with crackers

Goat cheese and crackers are a great snack to have. You can make a delicious and beautiful appetizer or light lunch with goat cheese, crackers, and fresh fruit and veggie toppings. Here are some ideas for a tasty and gorgeous goat cheese and crackers spread:

Choose the Right Crackers

First, select your favourite crackers. You can use rice crackers, flatbread crackers, or any other type of cracker you prefer. If you're feeling fancy, you can even use slices of baguette or chunks of crusty bread.

Toppings and Pairings

Now, let's talk about toppings and pairings to elevate your goat cheese and crackers.

Honey

Drizzle some honey on your goat cheese and crackers for a classic combination. The sweetness of honey balances the rich, creamy, and tangy flavour of the goat cheese. You can also try mixing the honey with the goat cheese to create a honey goat cheese spread.

Fruits

Fresh fruits are a great way to add a burst of colour and a mellow sweetness to your goat cheese and crackers. Choose seasonal fruits to complement the cheese. In the summer, opt for slices of peach, apricot, nectarine, or red berries like cherries or redcurrants. In autumn, go for apples, pears, figs, or grapes, which pair well with more aged goat cheeses. You can also try stewing, caramelising, or poaching apples and pears to create delicious sweet and savoury combinations.

Nuts

Nuts are a classic partner for cheese and provide a crunchy texture. Walnuts, hazelnuts, pistachios, and macadamia nuts all go well with goat cheese. You can chop and mix different types of nuts for a diverse offering.

Herbs

Fresh herbs like basil, thyme, rosemary, or chives can add a burst of flavour to your goat cheese and crackers. You can also try marinating the goat cheese with herbs like dill, basil, and crushed red pepper for a tangy and herby combination.

Meats

If you want something more savoury, pair your goat cheese and crackers with cured meats or prosciutto. You can also create a meat and cheese board with salami, prosciutto, or bacon on the side.

Jams and Dried Fruits

Fruit jams, especially fig jam, can be a delicious topping for your goat cheese and crackers. You can also try dried fruits like cranberries, apricots, or dates for a sweet and chewy contrast.

Other Toppings

Other toppings you can consider include pesto, pine nuts, sea salt, sun-dried tomatoes, or even a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.

Presentation Ideas

Now that you have all the ingredients, it's time to assemble your goat cheese and crackers! You can create bite-size snacks by spreading the goat cheese on the crackers and adding your desired toppings. Or, you can serve the ingredients separately and let your guests create their own combinations.

Enjoy experimenting with different toppings and pairings to find your favourite combinations!

Frequently asked questions