Goat Cheese's Fruity Friends: Perfect Pairing Partners

Goat cheese is a popular choice for those who are lactose intolerant, as it has significantly less lactose than cow's milk cheese. It is also a favourite for those who enjoy a tangy, earthy flavour and a creamy, soft texture. When it comes to fruit pairings, the options are endless! Some popular choices include apricots, peaches, pears, and strawberries. For a fun summer appetizer, try spreading goat cheese on a slice of crusty bread, drizzling it with honey, and topping it with your favourite fruit. For a more savoury option, swap out the honey for olive oil and a pinch of sea salt.

Goat cheese, honey, and fruit crostini

Ingredients

• 1 French baguette (18 inches), cut into 3/4-inch slices (use both whole wheat and white varieties to give your guests more options)
• 8 ounces creamy goat cheese
• 2 tablespoons honey, plus more for drizzling
• 1 cup sliced fruit (strawberries, blackberries, peaches, or any fruit of your choice)
• Olive oil
• Sea salt

Method

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Place the bread slices on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly toasted.
• While the bread is toasting, mix the goat cheese and honey together in a bowl until relatively smooth. It's okay if the mixture is a little crumbly.
• Spread the goat cheese and honey mixture onto the toasted bread slices.
• Top each crostini with fruit.
• Before serving, drizzle each crostini with a little more honey.
• Enjoy!

Tips

• If you have any leftover bread, you can use it to make mini French toast.
• Toasting the bread slices gives them a pleasant crunch and makes it easier to spread the goat cheese mixture.
• You can also sprinkle some sea salt on top of the crostini for an added flavour boost.
• If you want to make this recipe in advance, prepare the crostini up to step 2 and store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 day or for 8-10 hours at room temperature. Then, top with fruit and honey before serving.
• If you want to add some extra flavour to your crostini, try spreading a layer of olive oil on the bread slices before spreading the goat cheese mixture.

Seasonal fruit with goat cheese

Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that pairs well with various fruits, depending on the season. Here are some ideas for seasonal fruits that complement the tangy and creamy flavour of goat cheese:

Summer

In the summer, stone fruits such as peaches, nectarines, and plums are in season. These fruits make an excellent base for a simple summer appetiser when combined with goat cheese. For a refreshing twist, try adding mango, zucchini, or watermelon. Figs are also a delicious choice and can be used to create a more substantial bite. To make it more fun, use the fruit as a cracker and top it with goat cheese, honey, and pine nuts. This combination is not only tasty but also visually appealing.

Autumn

As the weather cools down, apples and pears come into season. These fruits pair beautifully with goat cheese, especially when paired with some honey and nuts. Try slicing the apples and pears thinly and spreading the goat cheese on top, or using them as a base for a more substantial bite.

Spring

In the spring, look for fruits such as strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries. These berries can be paired with goat cheese to create a sweet and tangy appetiser. Try toasting some bread and spreading the goat cheese on top, then topping it with the berries and a drizzle of honey.

Winter

During the winter months, citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, and limes are in season. The combination of tangy goat cheese with the bright, acidic flavours of these fruits can be delightful. Try using candied citrus peel, lemon jam, or fresh limeade for an extra punch of flavour.

Remember, these are just a few examples of seasonal fruits that pair well with goat cheese. Feel free to experiment with different combinations and let your creativity shine! The key is to use fresh, in-season produce to create delicious and visually appealing dishes.

Fruits and veggies with goat cheese

Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that pairs well with various fruits and vegetables. Here are some ideas to elevate your next meal or appetizer:

Fruits

• Apricots, especially dried
• Cherries, either sweet or sour
• Cranberries, especially dried
• Peaches
• Nectarines
• Plums
• Mango
• Figs
• Strawberries
• Blackberries
• Blueberries
• Grapes
• Pears, either dried or fresh
• Apples
• Oranges, either as juice or zest
• Grapefruit
• Persimmons
• Watermelon

Vegetables

• Arugula
• Bell peppers, especially red
• Artichoke
• Asparagus
• Avocado
• Beetroot
• Broccoli
• Cabbage
• Cucumber
• Celery
• Corn
• Endive
• Green beans
• Honeydew
• Lettuce
• Mushrooms
• Pomegranate
• Radish
• Spinach
• Zucchini
• Zucchini flowers

Creating a delicious appetizer

For a simple and delicious appetizer, try a goat cheese and honey combination. Start by toasting slices of bread, preferably a baguette, for a pleasant crunch. Spread a mixture of goat cheese and honey on the warm, toasted bread, and top with your choice of fresh fruit or vegetable. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with sea salt for a touch of sweetness and savouriness.

You can also get creative and use rice crackers, baguette slices, or chunks of crusty bread as a base for the goat cheese and honey mixture. Top with your chosen fruit or veggie and drizzle with balsamic vinegar for an extra flavour boost.

For a fun and interactive presentation, serve the goat cheese, honey, fruits, veggies, and crackers separately, allowing your guests to create their own bite-sized snacks.

Salads and sides with goat cheese

Cucumber and Tomato Salad

Mix cucumber and tomato with tangy tamarillo, aromatic basil, and creamy crumbled goat cheese. Top with toasted panko breadcrumbs for a crunchy texture.

Grilled Apricot Salad with Prosciutto

This salad combines sweet and salty flavours. Grill some apricots and complement them with salty, smoky prosciutto crudo. Add dollops of creamy goat cheese to round off the salad.

Sweet Potato and Spinach Salad

Caramelised onions, sweet potatoes, and spinach form the base of this hearty salad. Perfect for mid-week dinners or weekend lunches, this recipe is easy to make.

Strawberry Balsamic Bruschetta

Toast some baguette slices and spread a mixture of goat cheese and honey on top. Top with sliced strawberries and chopped fresh basil, then drizzle with balsamic reduction.

Goat Cheese, Honey, and Fruit Crostini

This easy appetizer features crunchy toasted bread paired with a blend of honey and goat cheese, along with seasonal fresh fruit. You can use a French baguette, a whole wheat baguette, or a simple white baguette. Toast the bread slices, mix the goat cheese with honey, spread the mixture on the toast, and top with fruit.

Seasonal Fruit with Goat Cheese, Honey, and Pine Nuts

This simple summer hors d'oeuvre can be made with any seasonal fruit. Try using peaches, nectarines, plums, apples, pears, or Asian pears. Cut the fruit into 1/8-inch thick rounds, discarding the outer slices that are mostly skin. Cut large rounds in half. Arrange the fruit on a serving plate, divide the goat cheese among the fruit slices, pressing lightly so it adheres, then drizzle with honey and olive oil. Sprinkle with pine nuts and sea salt.

Fruits and crackers with goat cheese

Goat cheese is a versatile and delicious ingredient that pairs well with various fruits, crackers, and other toppings. Here are some ideas and suggestions for creating a mouth-watering combination of fruits, crackers, and goat cheese:

Choosing the Right Goat Cheese

Goat cheese, also known as chèvre, comes in many varieties, including fresh, aged, moulded, and rinded. For a creamy and spreadable texture, opt for fresh goat cheese. If you prefer a firmer and crumbly cheese, go for aged goat cheese. You can also find flavoured goat cheese, such as cranberry goat cheese, which adds a touch of sweetness to your dish.

Selecting Fruits

When it comes to choosing fruits, the possibilities are endless! Here are some popular options that complement the tangy and earthy flavour of goat cheese:

• Apricots, especially dried
• Cherries (sweet or sour)
• Pears (fresh or dried)
• Peaches
• Nectarines
• Plums
• Apples
• Figs
• Mango
• Strawberries
• Blackberries
• Grapes
• Watermelon
• Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes

Crackers and Breads

Crackers provide a crunchy base for your goat cheese and fruit. Choose plain or rice crackers, or opt for crackers with nuts and seeds for added texture and flavour. If you prefer bread, go for a crusty baguette, whole wheat bread, or French bread. Toasting the bread slices gives them a pleasant crunch and makes it easier to spread the goat cheese.

Toppings and Extras

To enhance your creation, consider adding some of these toppings and extras:

• Honey: Drizzle honey over the goat cheese and fruit for a touch of sweetness.
• Nuts: Pine nuts, pecans, and walnuts add crunch and flavour.
• Herbs: Fresh basil, rosemary, or thyme leaves complement the other ingredients beautifully.
• Spices: A pinch of sea salt, cracked black pepper, or cayenne pepper can elevate your dish.
• Oils: Olive oil or walnut oil adds a rich flavour dimension.
• Balsamic vinegar: A drizzle of balsamic vinegar provides a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the fruit and honey.

Putting It All Together

Now it's time to assemble your creation! Spread the goat cheese on your chosen cracker or bread slice. Top it with your selected fruits, either sliced or chopped into bite-sized pieces. Drizzle with honey and balsamic vinegar, and sprinkle with your chosen toppings and extras.

Feel free to get creative and experiment with different combinations of fruits, crackers, and toppings. You can also serve the ingredients separately and let your guests create their own unique bites. Enjoy the endless possibilities of fruits and crackers with goat cheese!

Frequently asked questions