Andy Montoya
Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Its tangy, rich, and earthy flavour makes it a great addition to salads, pasta, and sandwiches. It can be melted, crumbled, whipped into a spread, or baked, and pairs well with herbs, nuts, spices, and fruits like berries, tomatoes, and pears. Goat cheese can also be used as a topping for pizzas and burgers, or as a filling for chicken and turkey. With its distinctive taste and creamy texture, goat cheese adds a delicious twist to any meal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Dish | Appetizer, Salad, Main Course |
| Specific Dish | Pasta, Pizza, Salad, Soup, Dessert, Sandwich, Burger |
| Ingredients | Honey, Herbs, Nuts, Fruits, Vegetables, Meat, Eggs |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Salads
A popular salad combination includes leafy greens such as arugula, romaine lettuce, spinach, and Lebanese cucumbers. You can also add nuts, fruits, and berries like cranberries, grapes, and strawberries to make it sweet and savory. A dressing made with honey, balsamic vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil can be drizzled on top to bring all the flavors together.
Another option is to make a warm French goat's cheese salad, also known as "Salade de Chèvre Chaud." This salad uses fresh goat's cheese on crostini or grilled cheese on bread. It typically includes oak lettuce, but any soft-leaf lettuce like cos/romaine or even iceberg works well. To make it extra special, you can add pine nuts and walnuts, and a simple dressing of balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil.
If you're looking for a heartier option, try adding protein like chicken or bacon to your goat cheese salad. Chicken pairs well with goat cheese in many forms, from grilled to baked to Caesar salads. Bacon, whether crispy or in crumbles, adds an irresistible saltiness that complements the tangy goat cheese.
Finally, don't forget to season your salad greens with salt and pepper before adding the dressing. This will ensure that your salad has layers of flavor and isn't underseasoned.
Goat Cheese Nutrition: Healthy or Hype?
You may want to see also
Crackers
Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that pairs well with various crackers. When choosing a cracker to pair with goat cheese, consider options that have some texture and flavour, such as:
Sesame Seed Crackers
Sesame seed crackers add a nice contrast to the creamy cheese while providing a crunchy texture. They can be baked in a cast-iron skillet to achieve a crispy exterior and soft interior.
Wheat Crackers
Wheat crackers, such as TRISCUIT crackers, are a popular choice to pair with goat cheese. They provide a whole-grain base and a crunchy texture to complement the creaminess of the cheese.
Graham Crackers
Graham crackers offer a crunchy yet easy-to-bite-through texture and a light, sweet flavour that balances the saltiness of goat cheese. They are versatile and can be enjoyed on their own or used in various recipes like s'mores.
Parmesan Crackers
Parmesan crackers are another versatile option that pairs well with different cheeses, including goat cheese. They have a more complex flavour than Ritz Crackers and are known for their sturdiness, making them ideal for soft cheeses.
Pita Chips
Pita chips are a great option for pairing with goat cheese due to their versatility. They come in a wide range of flavours, from cinnamon sugar to ranch, and can be enjoyed as a standalone snack or with goat cheese.
In addition to these options, you can also experiment with other crackers like pretzels, bagel chips, or even gluten-free crackers to find your preferred combination with goat cheese.
Goat Cheese: Gluten-Free Delicacy or Danger?
You may want to see also
Pasta
Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used to make a variety of delicious pasta dishes. Here are some tips and recipes to create mouth-watering pasta meals with goat cheese:
Creamy Goat Cheese Pasta
For a simple yet indulgent dish, try making a creamy goat cheese pasta. This recipe typically calls for cooking the pasta al dente, reserving some pasta water, and making a sauce with butter, garlic, goat cheese, and half-and-half. Once the sauce is smooth, add the cooked pasta and some pasta water, stirring well to coat the pasta. Finish it off with some lemon juice, zest, and parsley or basil for a fresh, tangy flavour. This dish can be made in just one pot and is ready to eat in less than 30 minutes!
Tomato Goat Cheese Pasta
Goat cheese pairs exceptionally well with tomatoes, creating a bold and creamy sauce. For this recipe, cook your pasta according to the package instructions. In a separate pan, sauté onions in olive oil until softened, then add garlic and cook until fragrant. Add crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes for a subtle warmth. Finally, stir in the goat cheese, creating a silky and flavourful sauce. This dish is easy to make and ready in about 30 minutes.
Lemon and Goat Cheese Pasta
For a light and zesty option, lemon and goat cheese pasta is a perfect choice. This recipe typically includes capellini pasta, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, and of course, goat cheese. You can also add fresh basil for an extra pop of flavour and colour. This dish is simple to make and can be ready in as little as 15 minutes. It's an excellent option for a quick weeknight dinner or a light summer meal.
Goat Cheese Pasta with Brussels
If you're looking for a heartier option, try adding Brussels sprouts to your goat cheese pasta. For this recipe, cook the pasta until just shy of al dente, reserving some pasta water. In a separate pan, sauté halved Brussels sprouts in olive oil until golden brown. Add shredded Brussels sprouts, shallots, garlic, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Finally, combine the cooked pasta, vegetables, and goat cheese sauce, stirring until the sauce thickens. You can also add basil and pine nuts for an extra burst of flavour. This Mediterranean-inspired dish is a delicious and healthy option for the whole family.
Wensleydale Cheese: Goat or Not?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Pizza
Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be paired with a variety of toppings to make a delicious pizza. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Classic Mediterranean Pairing: Spinach and Goat Cheese Pizza
The classic Mediterranean flavour pairing of spinach and goat cheese is a match made in heaven. The slightly tangy and creamy goat cheese complements the spinach beautifully. You can also add other ingredients like mushrooms, onions, and olives to enhance the flavour profile.
Sweet and Savoury Delight: Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Pizza
Caramelized onions are a popular choice to pair with goat cheese on pizza. The sweet and savoury combination is a treat for the taste buds. You can also add other ingredients like honey, balsamic vinegar, and pears to create a unique flavour profile.
Spicy and Savoury: Pepperoni, Sausage, or Chorizo Pizza with Goat Cheese
If you're looking for a spicy kick, pair goat cheese with pepperoni, Italian sausage, or chorizo. The saltiness of pepperoni or the spice of Italian sausage/chorizo contrasts beautifully with the creamy, mild goat cheese. You can also add other toppings like onions, peppers, and mushrooms to create a well-rounded flavour profile.
Savoury and Smoky: Bacon or Ham and Goat Cheese Pizza
For a smoky, savoury twist, pair goat cheese with bacon or ham. The salty, smoky flavour of bacon or the classic savouriness of ham pairs perfectly with the creamy goat cheese. You can also add other toppings like onions, peppers, and olives to create a flavourful and colourful pizza.
Tropical Twist: Pineapple and Goat Cheese Pizza
Pineapple on pizza might be a controversial topic, but when paired with goat cheese, it creates a delightful combination of sweet and savoury. The tanginess of goat cheese complements the sweetness of pineapple, creating a refreshing flavour profile.
Herbaceous Delight: Basil, Parsley, or Sage and Goat Cheese Pizza
Herbs are an often-overlooked but essential component of a pizza. Basil, parsley, and sage are excellent choices to pair with goat cheese. Basil has a slightly sweet and intensely aromatic flavour, while parsley and sage add freshness and a subtle savouriness.
These are just a few ideas to get you started, but the possibilities are endless when it comes to creating delicious flavour combinations with goat cheese on pizza.
Goat Cheese and Tyramine: What's the Connection?
You may want to see also
Appetizers
Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be baked, fried, or spread, making it perfect for appetisers. One simple appetiser idea is a goat cheese crostini—a sliced baguette or long artisan loaf that is grilled or toasted with various toppings. For a unique combination of flavours and textures, top the crostini with goat cheese, honey, pecans or other nuts, and fresh thyme. You could also add some sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
Another option is to serve goat cheese with crackers or bread. You can also add toppings such as garlic-herb dressing, fig jam, pistachios, or fresh fruit and vegetables. If you want to get creative, you can make a batch of roasted fig jam or herb-infused honey for a fancy homemade pairing.
Goat cheese can also be used as a dip for crudités, spread on toast, or even baked into a pizza. For a more substantial appetiser, try making bacon-wrapped fig and honey goat cheese-stuffed dates or a goat cheese and roasted beet tart or galette.
Goat cheese is best served at room temperature, so remember to take it out of the fridge 30 minutes before serving.
Pregnant and Love Goats Cheese? Is It Safe?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
You can add goat cheese to a salad with spinach, butternut squash, and pine nuts. Another option is a salad with warm roasted beets, carrots, beet greens, and arugula. You can also add goat cheese to a salad with baby arugula greens, tomatoes, and vinaigrette dressing.
You can make goat cheese fritters and serve them with a tropical fruit dipping sauce. Goat cheese mousse is another easy appetizer that can be served as a topping for crostini or as a dip for crudites.
Goat cheese can be added to pasta, pizza, or stuffed into baked chicken and turkey. You can also make a creamy pasta sauce with goat cheese, Parmesan, and milk.
Goat cheese can be enjoyed with crackers or bread. You can also make a spread by whipping goat cheese with a little cream and topping it with tomatoes, fresh herbs, tapenade, or balsamic-marinated fruit.
Goat cheese pairs well with wine, specifically Sauvignon Blanc from Sancerre. The acidity of the wine will cut through the creaminess of the cheese and enhance its flavor.
