Andy Montoya
Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Its tangy, creamy, and earthy flavour makes it a great addition to many recipes. From savoury to sweet, there are countless ways to incorporate goat cheese into your meals. So, what does it pair well with?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Season | Spring |
| Flavour | Tangy, fruity, creamy, tart, earthy |
| Texture | Soft, creamy, spreadable |
| Type of Food | Salads, pasta, pizza, sandwiches |
| Specific Pairings | Walnuts, raisins, apricots, honey, cinnamon, seafood, arugula, roasted beets, balsamic vinaigrette, prosciutto, figs, thyme, phyllo dough, Pinot Noir, roasted mushrooms, orange wedges, toasted pecans, maple syrup, bagel, multigrain bread, herbs, spices, chicken, turkey, sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, flatbread, Indian naan bread, asparagus, basil, pancetta, Dijon mustard, tomatoes, puff pastry, fruit sauce, mint |
| Wine Pairings | Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Riesling |
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What You'll Learn
Herbs, nuts, and spices
Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be paired with a variety of herbs, nuts, and spices. Here are some ideas to enhance your culinary creations:
Herbs
Fresh herbs like basil, dill, and thyme complement the tangy flavour of goat cheese. For a sophisticated appetizer, try serving warm goat cheese fritters garnished with chopped fresh herbs. Alternatively, create a French-style lunch with a goat cheese and tomato tart. Bake puff pastry until golden, then layer with Dijon mustard, goat cheese, tomato slices, and a sprinkling of herbs.
Nuts
Nuts add a crunchy texture and depth of flavour to goat cheese dishes. Toasted pecans or walnuts are a delightful addition to a salad of arugula, roasted beets, and goat cheese. For a sweet and savoury combination, spread goat cheese on multigrain bread and top it with walnuts, raisins, or a drizzle of honey.
Spices
Spices like black pepper and cinnamon enhance the flavour of goat cheese. For a simple yet indulgent treat, spread silky goat cheese on warm bread and season it with cracked black pepper. If you're feeling adventurous, sprinkle cinnamon over goat cheese on a bagel, along with a drizzle of honey, for a comforting winter snack.
Whether you're looking for a savoury or sweet combination, herbs, nuts, and spices offer a plethora of options to pair with goat cheese and elevate your culinary creations.
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Salads
A classic combination is to pair goat cheese with fresh greens like arugula, spinach, or mixed greens. The peppery flavour of arugula, in particular, provides a robust base for the salad and pairs well with the tanginess of the goat cheese. To enhance the flavour of the greens, they can be tossed in a simple vinaigrette made with olive oil and lemon juice, or balsamic vinegar, and seasoned with salt and pepper.
To add some sweetness to the salad, fruits like grapes, strawberries, apples, or peaches are excellent choices. Dried fruits such as cranberries, apricots, or pears also work well, especially when paired with the creaminess of the goat cheese. Nuts and seeds, such as almonds, candied pecans, pistachios, or hazelnuts, provide a delightful textural contrast and a nutty flavour.
For a heartier salad, proteins like grilled chicken, fish, or pancetta offer a savoury element and create a more filling meal. Goat cheese also pairs well with fresh herbs, which add an earthy tone to the salad. Finally, to bring all the flavours together, a creamy dressing made with goat cheese, herbs, garlic, or mustard can be drizzled over the salad.
- Arugula Salad with Goat Cheese and Avocado Dressing
- Spinach Salad with Fried Goat Cheese
- Orange Almond Salad with Goat Cheese and Chickpeas
- Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese and Pistachios
- Goat Cheese Salad with Arugula, Bacon, Strawberries, and Croutons
- Salad with Fried Goat Cheese, Hazelnuts, Dried Cranberries, and Veggies
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Wines
Goat's cheese is a versatile food that can be paired with a wide variety of wines. The most popular forms of goat's cheese are soft, rich, and spreadable, known as "chevre" in French. However, there are many other types of goat's cheese, including aged, fresh, creamy, and funky varieties. The cheese's strong and assertive taste can be enhanced by pairing it with the right wine.
When it comes to wine, goat's cheese is commonly paired with bright, acidic wines that can cut through the fat of the rich cheese. One classic pairing is goat's cheese with Sauvignon Blanc, a white wine known for its citrus flavour and tart acidity. The verdant, herbaceous notes of Sauvignon Blanc complement the grassy qualities of goat's cheese without overwhelming its creamy texture. Other crisp, dry white wines that pair well with goat's cheese include Pinot Grigio, Albarino, Chablis, and dry Riesling.
If you prefer red wine, lighter styles with herbaceous notes and tart acidity are recommended. Cabernet Franc, a red wine from the Loire Valley, is an excellent choice to pair with goat's cheese. Other red wines that can pair well with goat's cheese include Gamay, Malbec, Merlot, and Syrah, which offer higher acidity and delicate flavours.
For harder goat's cheeses with notes of spice and smoke, the lush, floral notes of a Spanish Riesling can be a pleasing contrast. Unoaked Chardonnay, such as a Chablis of Macon-Villages, can also be a good choice for complex, aged goat's cheeses.
In addition to still wines, sparkling wines can also complement goat's cheese. A crisp, dry rosé, especially a Provençal rosé, can be a great pairing, especially for summer picnics.
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Fruits
Goat cheese is known for its complex layers of earthy and funky flavours, which can make it a challenge to pair with wine or other foods. However, there are several fruits that pair well with goat cheese.
Apples and Pears
Chardonnay with a creamy texture and refreshing flavours of apples and pears is a good choice to pair with goat cheese. A French Macon-Villages, Pouilly-Fuisse, or Chablis are recommended.
Berries
A bottle of Syrah from Washington state or California, with big flavours of ripe summer berries, can also be paired with goat cheese. The lush fruit will help mellow out the funky, bitter flavours that some people find overwhelming in soft goat cheese.
Citrus
Citrus fruits are best avoided on a cheese plate, as they can turn cheese acrid. However, a HeffeWeise beer, such as Hoegaarden, is recommended as a pairing for goat's cheese due to its citrus notes that work with the tang of the cheese.
Honey and Fruit Crostini
A popular and well-loved combination is honey and goat cheese on toasted bread, topped with fresh seasonal fruit. This can be served as an appetizer or for breakfast.
Other Fruits
Other fruits that pair well with goat cheese include blackberries, apricots, strawberries, and figs.
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Breads and pizzas
Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, including breads and pizzas. Here are some ideas for how to incorporate goat cheese into your bread and pizza creations:
Breads
- Quick Breads - These are known as savory cakes in France and can include a variety of ingredients such as olives, cheese, and bacon, as well as cayenne for a spicy kick.
- Flatbreads - Try brushing store-bought flatbreads with olive oil, then top with goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and chopped Kalamata olives. Bake for about 15 minutes to achieve a crispy, thin-crust flatbread pizza.
- Naan Bread - Indian naan bread can be used as a base for a tasty pizza. Top with broiled asparagus, fresh basil, goat cheese, and pancetta (optional).
- French Bread - Use French bread as a base for mini pizzas. Top with goat cheese and other ingredients of your choice.
- Soda Bread - Prepare a soda bread dough and roll it out quickly. Top with goat cheese and other pizza toppings.
Pizzas
- Goat Cheese and Caramelized Onion Pizza - This classic combination features a crispy crust, creamy goat cheese, and sweet caramelized onions. You can add a drizzle of balsamic reduction and fresh basil to take it to the next level.
- White Pizza - Substitute goat cheese for ricotta in a white pizza. Make sure the goat cheese is at room temperature for easy spreading.
- Veggie & Avocado Pizza - Combine bell peppers, avocado, goat cheese, and basil for a delicious vegetarian option.
- Arugula Pizza - Top your goat cheese pizza with lightly dressed baby arugula for a fresh and savory flavor.
- Fig and Arugula Pizza - For a unique twist, add crumbled goat cheese, figs, and arugula as toppings. This combination offers a balance of sweet and savory flavors.
- Mushroom Pizza - Mushrooms, especially cremini mushrooms, pair well with goat cheese. Try stuffing mushrooms with goat cheese or adding them as toppings on your pizza.
- Prosciutto Pizza - Add a savory touch to your goat cheese pizza with prosciutto. You can also include other meats like pepperoni, but be mindful of the flavor combinations.
- Fruit Pizza - Experiment with sweet toppings like pineapple, figs, or even a balsamic drizzle to complement the tangy flavor of the goat cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
Goat cheese is a great snack on its own, with crackers, or on toast. For a more elaborate snack, try spreading goat cheese on a bagel with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, or on multigrain bread with walnuts or raisins.
Goat cheese is a great addition to savoury meals like pizza, pasta, or sandwiches. You can also bake it into chicken or turkey, or use it as a topping for grilled fish. Goat cheese also goes well with roasted beets, mushrooms, and spinach or arugula salad.
For a sweet snack or dessert, try goat cheese with honey and figs, or with fresh fruit like apricots. You can also bake it into a fruity, cheesy toast that tastes like berry cheesecake.
