Patrick Oconnell
Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used to elevate a variety of dishes. Its tangy, creamy flavour pairs well with both sweet and savoury ingredients, making it an excellent choice for everything from salads to desserts. So, what are some of the best options to serve with goat cheese?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fruits | Apples, Pears, Figs, Grapes, Pomegranate Seeds, Apricots, Nectarines, Red Berries, Cherries, Redcurrants, Strawberries, Peaches, Tropical Fruits, Berries |
| Nuts | Walnuts, Hazelnuts, Pistachios, Pecans |
| Breads | Multigrain Bread, Nutty Bread, Flatbread, Pita, Naan, Brioche, Baguette, Crostini, Crackers |
| Vegetables | Tomatoes, Beets, Red Onion, Bell Peppers, Olives, Cucumber, Arugula, Pickled Onions, Dried Cranberries, Sunflower Seeds, Roasted Vegetables |
| Condiments | Honey, Jam, Mustard, Olive Oil, Vinaigrette, Pesto, Parsley, Red Wine Vinegar, Dried Cranberries, Balsamic Dressing |
| Proteins | Chicken, Eggs |
| Dairy | Yogurt, Fromage Blanc, Cream Cheese, Parmesan, Cheddar |
| Other | Gingerbread, Salad, Pasta, Pizza, Soup, Fritters, Quiche, Pudding, Pie, Toast, Tarts |
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What You'll Learn
Goat cheese and fruit
Cheese Boards
A colourful cheese board decorated with various cheeses, fruits, nuts, and vegetables is a great way to showcase goat cheese and fruit together. In addition to fresh or aged goat cheese, consider adding some semi-hard cheeses like Gruyere and Manchego, as well as aged and firm cheeses like cheddar and aged gouda. For the fruit component, apples, figs, grapes, pomegranate seeds, and apricots pair beautifully with goat cheese. To add some crunch and visual appeal, include a mixture of chopped nuts such as raisins, walnuts, pistachios, and hazelnuts.
Salads
Goat cheese can be a delicious addition to salads, especially when paired with fruits. Try a salad with arugula, pickled red onions, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans drizzled with vinaigrette. Alternatively, a farro salad with parsley, goat cheese, dried cranberries, and a balsamic dressing is a tasty option. For a heartier salad, add some protein pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and goat cheese, or try a spring mix with dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, beets, chicken, and goat cheese.
Appetizers and Snacks
Desserts
Goat cheese can even be incorporated into desserts, adding a savoury element to balance out the sweetness. Try stirring in crumbled goat cheese into a buttery brioche pudding sweetened with maple syrup and fresh berries, or fill a buttery pie crust with goat cheese, caramelized onions, and egg custard for a savoury quiche. For a lighter dessert option, a goat cheese mousse can be served as a topping for warm crostini or as a dip for fresh fruit.
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Goat cheese salads
Goat's cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of salads. Here are some ideas for goat cheese salads:
Arugula Salad
Arugula, also known as rocket, has a peppery taste that pairs well with goat cheese. Try making a salad with arugula, pickled red onions, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans. Dress the salad with a vinaigrette for a tangy and sweet finish.
Cucumber and Tomato Salad
A refreshing cucumber salad with tomatoes, red onion, and a drizzle of red wine vinegar is a perfect base for crumbled goat cheese. Add some parsley or other herbs for an extra burst of flavour.
Farro Salad
For a heartier salad, farro is a great base. Combine farro with parsley, goat cheese, dried cranberries, and a balsamic dressing. The tanginess of the goat cheese complements the sweetness of the dried cranberries, while the balsamic adds a depth of flavour.
Beet Salad
Beets and goat cheese are a classic combination. Try a salad with roasted beets, spring mix, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and chicken. The earthiness of the beets is offset by the creamy goat cheese, while the cranberries add a touch of sweetness.
Summer Salad
Celebrate summer with a light and refreshing salad. Combine heirloom tomatoes with fresh basil, spinach, lemon, and garlic. Add some crumbled goat cheese for a tangy and creamy finish.
French Bistro Salad
Create a classic French bistro dish with a simple salad of tender lettuce and warm, panko-crusted goat cheese rounds. The warmth and creaminess of the goat cheese contrasts beautifully with the crispness of the lettuce.
Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can enhance the flavour of salads. Experiment with different combinations of ingredients and enjoy the creamy, tangy taste of goat cheese in your next salad creation!
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Goat cheese on toast
Goat's cheese on toast is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit many different tastes and occasions. It can be served as a snack, appetiser, breakfast, lunch, or even a light dinner. The key to a delicious goat's cheese on toast is to use room-temperature cheese, which will give you a thick smear on your bread, and to toast your bread until it is golden.
A simple way to elevate your goat's cheese on toast is to add honey. Drizzle honey over the cheese and sprinkle with fresh thyme, cracked pepper, and sea salt. This combination makes a delicious breakfast or lunch, especially when served with a handful of salad greens. For an extra layer of flavour, fry your walnuts in olive oil before sprinkling them over the toast and drizzling with honey.
For a heartier option, you could broil cheddar or Swiss cheese on top of the bread and then garnish with a mixture of herbs and nuts. This savoury toast pairs well with a glass of bubbly wine to cut through the richness of the cheese.
Goat's cheese on toast also works well with sweet and savoury combinations. Try spreading your toast with fig jam or onion confit to create a warm, sweet and savoury treat. You could also top your toast with sliced strawberries or apple, or stuff dried figs with goat's cheese and pistachios for a rich dessert.
For a more substantial meal, try serving your goat's cheese on toast with a fried egg on top. Fry an egg in a hot pan, spreading the goat's cheese on the toast while the egg cooks. When the egg white is halfway cooked, flip it and cook for a few more moments before placing it on top of the goat's cheese. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with red pepper flakes and sea salt. For an extra creamy layer, add avocado.
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Goat cheese with nuts
Goat cheese and nuts is a classic combination, offering a delightful mix of textures and flavours. The crunch of nuts complements the creamy, tangy goat cheese, while the sweetness of some nuts can balance the savoury notes of the cheese.
Walnuts are a popular choice to pair with goat cheese, as their smooth texture and subtle flavour profile go well with the cheese. You can serve them together on a cheese platter or board, or use them as a topping for toast or crackers spread with goat cheese. For a more indulgent option, try drizzling honey over warm goat cheese and walnuts, and add a sprinkle of thyme for an extra layer of flavour.
Other nuts that pair well with goat cheese include pistachios, hazelnuts, and pecans. You can chop these nuts and sprinkle them over a salad containing goat cheese, or stuff them inside a dried fig or date along with the cheese for a sweet and savoury bite. For a heartier option, stuff bell peppers with goat cheese and chopped nuts, coat them with pesto, and roast them in the oven.
When choosing nuts to pair with goat cheese, consider the overall flavour profile and texture you want to achieve. Spicing the nuts with chilli powder or paprika can also add an extra kick to the combination.
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Goat cheese with honey
Goat cheese and honey is a classic combination that can be served as a starter or dessert. The sweetness of honey complements the tangy and fluffy goat cheese, creating a delightful contrast of flavours. Here are some tips and suggestions for serving goat cheese with honey:
Selecting the Cheese and Honey:
Goat cheese, also known as chèvre, is at its freshest and most flavourful in spring. When purchasing goat cheese, opt for the freshest and best-quality option available, as the tang and texture are essential in this simple dish. Choose a local honey to drizzle on top, such as acacia honey for a milder cheese or chestnut honey for a more intense, aromatic experience. Chestnut honey adds depth and an earthy, gamey note to the dish.
Presentation and Serving Suggestions:
- Drizzle honey over fresh goat cheese and sprinkle with finely chopped hazelnuts, pistachios, or pecans.
- Form the goat cheese into small balls, coat them with a mixture of chopped pecans and cinnamon, and then drizzle with honey for a sweet and savoury treat.
- For a warm option, bake the goat cheese in the oven until slightly warm and then drizzle with honey. Sprinkle with fresh thyme, sea salt, and cracked pepper for added flavour.
- Spread goat cheese with honey on toast or baguette rounds for a simple, delicious appetiser.
- For a unique twist, try serving goat cheese and honey on gingerbread. The subtle notes of honey, cinnamon, and nutmeg in gingerbread can elevate the flavour of the goat cheese.
- Create a sweet and savoury salad by combining arugula, pickled red onions, goat cheese, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans, drizzled with vinaigrette.
- For a more indulgent dessert, serve goat cheese and honey with whipped cream, ice cream, or a dusting of chocolate or cinnamon.
Pairing with Other Foods:
Goat cheese and honey can be part of a larger cheese board or appetiser spread. Here are some suggestions for other foods that pair well with them:
- Fresh fruits: In the summer, opt for slices of peach, apricot, or nectarine, or red berries like cherries or redcurrants. In autumn, choose apples, pears, figs, or grapes to complement the goat cheese and honey.
- Nuts: Include a variety of nuts such as walnuts, hazelnuts, or pistachios. These add a crunchy texture and visual appeal to your spread.
- Bread: Multigrain bread or nutty bread goes well with goat cheese and honey.
- Conserves and jams: Try pairing goat cheese and honey with fig jam or onion confit for extra sweetness and flavour.
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Frequently asked questions
Fruits, vegetables, crackers, and bread are all great side dishes to serve with goat cheese.
Apples, figs, grapes, pomegranate seeds, apricots, peaches, and berries are some fruits that pair well with goat cheese.
Tomatoes, roasted bell peppers, beets, and onions are some vegetables that pair well with goat cheese.
Some dishes that can be made with goat cheese include salads, flatbread pizzas, sandwiches, omelettes, quiches, tarts, and dips.
