Bushra Griffith
Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, both sweet and savoury. Its distinct tangy flavour and creamy texture make it a great addition to salads, crackers, fruits, and even baking. With a higher fat content than cow's milk cheese, goat cheese is rich and decadent, making it a perfect pairing for many other foods. So, what are the best pairings for goat cheese?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Season | Spring, Summer, Autumn |
| Type of Cheese | Soft, Ripened, Creamy, Tangy |
| Sweet Pairings | Honey, Fruits (Peach, Apricot, Nectarine, Berries, Apples, Pears, Figs, Grapes), Jam, Conserves, Stewed Fruit, Gingerbread |
| Savory Pairings | Arugula/Spring Mix Salad, Spinach, Roasted Beets, Prosciutto, Pinot Noir, Roasted Mushrooms, Walnuts, Thyme, Phyllo Dough, Tomato Soup, Balsamic Vinaigrette, Flatbreads, Crackers, Nuts, Asparagus |
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What You'll Learn
Goat cheese and honey
When creating this combination, it is important to consider the type of honey and goat cheese to use. For the honey, options like acacia, chestnut, and lavender are great choices, as they offer unique aromatics that can enhance the overall flavour profile. Using local honey is also recommended, as it shares the same terroir as the goat milk, resulting in a more harmonious pairing. As for the goat cheese, freshness is key. The tang and texture of the cheese are critical factors, so it is best to opt for the freshest, highest-quality option available, preferably from your local farmer's market.
There are several ways to serve goat cheese and honey. One simple yet elegant option is to drizzle the honey over fresh goat cheese, creating a beautiful contrast of colours and flavours. To add a crunchy texture, you can sprinkle the dish with finely chopped hazelnuts, pecans, or even dried rosemary. Another option is to form the goat cheese into small balls or patties, coat them with crushed pecans and cinnamon, and then drizzle with honey. Serving this combination on a bed of arugula or spinach not only adds colour but also provides a fresh, earthy flavour that complements the sweetness of the dish.
For a warm and comforting option, baking the goat cheese and honey is a delightful choice. Simply warm the goat cheese in the oven and drizzle with honey before serving. Toasted bread rubbed with garlic pairs wonderfully with this warm, sweet, and savoury treat. You can also wrap the goat cheese and honey in phyllo dough and bake it for a crispy, flaky texture. Goat cheese and honey can also be incorporated into other dishes, such as salads or flatbreads, adding a touch of sweetness and creaminess to your meal.
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Goat cheese and fruit
Seasonal Fruit and Cheese Platter
Creating a cheese platter with goat cheese and seasonal fruits is a simple yet elegant way to showcase this pairing. In the summer, opt for fresh goat cheese with slices of peach, apricot, nectarine, or red berries like cherries and redcurrants. For autumn, choose more aged goat cheeses and pair them with apples, pears, figs, or grapes. Don't forget to include some crackers or sliced baguettes on the side for a textural contrast.
Goat Cheese, Honey, and Fruit Crostini
For a quick and easy appetiser, try making goat cheese, honey, and fruit crostini. Simply toast slices of French baguette until lightly crispy, then spread a mixture of goat cheese and honey on top. Finish it off by adding sliced seasonal fruits, such as peaches, apricots, or berries. Drizzle with additional honey before serving for a touch of extra sweetness.
Summer Fruit Salad with Fried Goat Cheese
This recipe is perfect for a hot summer day, combining the freshness of fruit with the savoury crunch of fried goat cheese. Create a colourful fruit salad with your choice of summer fruits, such as peaches, apricots, or berries. Separately, bread and fry small balls of goat cheese until golden and crispy. Add the fried goat cheese balls to the fruit salad, and serve immediately for a delightful contrast of textures and flavours.
Baked Figs with Goat Cheese
Baked figs are a delicious way to incorporate fruit into your goat cheese dishes. Start by baking whole figs until they are slightly browned, then top them with a generous amount of goat cheese. You can also wrap the figs in prosciutto before baking for an added savoury element. This combination of sweet, juicy figs and creamy goat cheese is a match made in heaven.
Apple and Pear Pairings
Apples and pears are versatile fruits that pair well with goat cheese in both sweet and savoury preparations. Try stewing, caramelising, or poaching apples and pears to serve alongside goat cheese, or create a compound butter with these fruits to spread on toast topped with goat cheese. The natural sweetness of apples and pears complements the tangy flavour of goat cheese beautifully.
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Goat cheese in salads
Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of salad combinations. Its creamy, tangy flavour adds richness and depth to the dish. When crafting a salad with goat cheese, consider using arugula as the base green. Arugula, also known as rocket, has a peppery flavour that pairs well with the creaminess of the goat cheese. You can also add other types of leafy greens, such as spinach, spring mix, or chopped romaine, to create a variety of textures and flavours.
To enhance the flavour of the goat cheese and create a well-rounded salad, consider incorporating a range of toppings and ingredients. Here are some suggestions:
- Fruits: Fresh or dried fruits such as cranberries, grapes, apples, or strawberries add a burst of sweetness and a chewy texture to the salad.
- Nuts: Sliced almonds, candied pecans, walnuts, or toasted raw nuts provide a crunchy texture and nutty flavour.
- Vegetables: Lebanese cucumbers offer a crisp and refreshing taste, while purple onions provide a sharp and pungent contrast.
- Meat: Crispy bacon, pancetta, or prosciutto can be added for a savoury element, or omitted for a vegetarian option.
When assembling the salad, it is recommended to toss the arugula and other greens in the dressing first, and then top them with the remaining ingredients. For the dressing, a tangy lemon vinaigrette can be made by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, honey, mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper. The dressing should be thick and creamy, providing a nice coating for the greens.
Finally, add the goat cheese. It is best to use ripened goat cheese as it has a creamier, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Crumble the goat cheese into large pieces and sprinkle it over the salad. You can also add some poppy seeds for an extra pop of texture and visual appeal. Toss the salad gently to combine all the ingredients, and then serve it as a delicious and nutritious side dish or main course.
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Goat cheese on crackers
Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, including salads, crackers, and even baking. Its distinct tangy flavor and creamy texture make it a great choice for those looking to add a rich, savory element to their meals. Here are some tips and ideas for creating delicious goat cheese crackers:
Choosing the Right Crackers
When it comes to selecting crackers to pair with your goat cheese, opt for a variety that is relatively neutral in flavor and not too thick or dense. Flatbread crackers, for instance, make an excellent choice as they provide a crunchy base that complements the creaminess of the cheese. Additionally, their subtle flavor allows the distinctive taste of the goat cheese to shine through.
Toppings and Accompaniments
Enhance your goat cheese crackers with a variety of toppings and accompaniments that will elevate both the flavor and the presentation. Here are some options to consider:
- Fruits: Fresh fruits such as strawberries, peaches, apricots, nectarines, and red berries like cherries or red currants can add a burst of sweetness and a pop of color to your crackers. In the autumn, apples, pears, figs, or grapes make ideal pairings with aged goat cheeses.
- Honey: Drizzle a mild honey like acacia honey over your goat cheese crackers for a classic combination. For a more intense cheese, choose a richly aromatic honey such as chestnut or lavender honey to create a sophisticated flavor profile.
- Nuts: Mixed nuts not only provide a crunchy texture but also a salty contrast to the creamy cheese. Consider using a combination of nuts and cranberries, and perhaps even a touch of "Toast Sugar" for an extra sweet and spicy kick.
- Herbs: Fresh thyme adds a subtle aroma and flavor to your crackers, while dried roses provide a unique and unexpected twist, making your creation truly stand out.
Creating the Perfect Bite
When assembling your goat cheese crackers, consider the following tips for a well-balanced and delicious result:
- Start with a thin layer of goat cheese on your cracker, spreading it evenly across the surface.
- If using honey, you can drizzle it directly onto the goat cheese or provide it on the side as a dip.
- For fruits, slice them thinly to ensure they don't overwhelm the cracker. You can also use stewed, caramelized, or poached fruits for a more intense flavor.
- If using nuts, a rough chop will provide a satisfying bite and texture without being too overwhelming.
- Finally, top your cracker with a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves and/or dried rose petals for a beautiful and flavorful finish.
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Goat cheese and wine
Goat cheese is a versatile and tangy cheese that can be paired with a variety of wines to enhance its flavour. Its creamy texture and rich taste make it a perfect match for both sweet and savoury dishes, and it can be enjoyed warm or cold. Here are some tips to consider when pairing goat cheese with wine:
Wine Pairings
Goat cheese pairs well with a variety of wines, depending on the specific type of goat cheese and the desired flavour profile. Here are some wine pairings to consider:
- For a soft and creamy goat cheese, a light and crisp white wine such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio can complement its delicate flavour.
- If you're serving a more aged and intense goat cheese, try a fuller-bodied white wine like a Chardonnay or a Viognier. These wines have the depth of flavour to stand up to the stronger taste of the cheese.
- When enjoying goat cheese in a salad or with other fresh ingredients, consider a rosé wine. Its crispness and acidity will refresh the palate and enhance the flavours of the cheese and accompanying dishes.
- For those who prefer red wine, a lighter variety such as a Pinot Noir can be a good choice. Its fruity notes will complement the tanginess of the goat cheese without overwhelming its flavour.
Food Pairings
In addition to wine, the choice of food pairings can also enhance the overall tasting experience:
- Fresh fruits: Goat cheese pairs well with sweet and acidic fruits such as strawberries, peaches, apricots, and red berries. These fruits can provide a refreshing contrast to the creaminess of the cheese.
- Honey: The classic combination of honey and goat cheese is a match made in heaven. Pair a mild goat cheese with a light honey like acacia, or choose a more intense cheese with richly aromatic honey such as chestnut or lavender.
- Nuts and crackers: For a crunchy texture and salty contrast, serve goat cheese with mixed nuts and crackers. This combination provides a variety of flavours and textures that will enhance the tasting experience.
- Savoury dishes: Goat cheese also shines in savoury preparations. Try pairing it with arugula or spinach salad, roasted beets, or grilled portobello mushrooms. The earthiness of these ingredients complements the tanginess of the cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
Fruits, honey, and jam are all sweet foods that go well with goat cheese. Specific fruits that complement goat cheese include apples, pears, peaches, apricots, and figs.
Goat cheese is a versatile savoury ingredient that can be used in salads, crackers, and dips. It also goes well with artichoke, prosciutto, and arugula.
There are many recipes that use goat cheese, including goat cheese tarts, goat cheese dip, and warm goat cheese on toast.
Goat cheese is a soft, spreadable, and creamy cheese made from goat's milk. It has a tangy and rich flavour compared to cow's milk cheese.
Spring is the prime time to buy fresh goat cheese as this is when the goats are producing the richest milk.
