Goat cheese is a fantastic ingredient to add to a pizza. Its tangy, sweet, and mild flavor and creamy, buttery, silky, and rich texture can be combined with a variety of toppings.
Some popular toppings that go well with goat cheese on pizza include:
- Caramelized onions: The sweetness of the onions blends beautifully with the tanginess of goat cheese.
- Roasted vegetables: Vegetables like red peppers, eggplant, zucchini, and squash add a bit of sweetness and crunch to the pizza, pairing perfectly with the creamy goat cheese.
- Basil: The peppery and slightly sweet flavor of basil complements the creaminess of goat cheese.
- Honey: The sweetness of honey pairs perfectly with the tangy and creamy flavor of goat cheese.
- Figs: The sweetness of figs pairs well with the tanginess of goat cheese, and the chewy texture of dried figs contrasts nicely with the crispy crust.
- Arugula: Arugula has a peppery flavor that pairs well with the creamy cheese.
- Olives: Olives add a salty, briny flavor and a nice texture to the pizza, blending well with the creaminess of goat cheese.
- Meats: Cured meats like pepperoni, Italian sausage, chorizo, and ground beef pair well with goat cheese. The saltiness of pepperoni also goes well with the creaminess of the cheese.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Fruit | Figs, Pears, Blueberries, Apricots, Strawberries, Plums |
Vegetables | Roasted Vegetables, Mushrooms, Spinach, Asparagus, Avocado, Bell Peppers, Red Onion, Beetroot, Butternut Squash, Portobello, Zucchini, Eggplant, Arugula, Tomatoes, Olives, Leeks |
Meat | Cured Meats, Italian Sausage, Chorizo, Ground Beef, Pepperoni, Bacon, Ham, Prosciutto, Anchovies, Pulled Pork, Chicken, Turkey |
Other | Honey, Nuts, Herbs, Basil, Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, Thyme, Olive Oil, Cream, Fontina Cheese, Parmesan, Mascarpone, Mozzarella, Anchovies, Balsamic Vinegar, Pesto, Chilli, Oregano, Salt, Pepper, Cornmeal, Flour, Yogurt, Passion Fruit Jam, Vanilla |
What You'll Learn
Roasted vegetables
You can use any vegetables you like, but some great options include bell peppers, portobello mushrooms, eggplant, zucchini, squash, and red onions. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even try roasted Brussels sprouts!
To prepare the vegetables for your pizza, simply toss them with some olive oil, salt, pepper, and perhaps some garlic powder and balsamic vinegar. Then, roast them in the oven until they are caramelized and tender.
When building your pizza, you can spread a layer of marinara sauce or pesto on the dough before adding your roasted vegetables and goat cheese. Don't forget to finish with some fresh herbs like basil or parsley for added flavor and aroma.
Feel free to experiment with different combinations of roasted vegetables and enjoy the delicious flavors they bring to your goat cheese pizza!
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Cured meats
Pepperoni
Pepperoni is a popular cured meat that goes well with goat cheese. It adds a nice contrast in flavour and texture to the pizza. The bold, spicy flavour of pepperoni complements the creamy tang of the goat cheese. The saltiness of pepperoni also pairs well with sweet toppings like pineapple or honey, which can help tone down the spice. Other toppings that go well with pepperoni and goat cheese include onions, peppers, mushrooms and olives.
Italian Sausage
Italian sausage is another great option for pairing with goat cheese on pizza. It adds depth of flavour and a bit of spice, while the goat cheese remains creamy and mild. If you can't find Italian sausage, you could also use chorizo or ground beef. Other toppings that complement this combination include onions, peppers, mushrooms and olives.
Bacon
Bacon, either regular or pancetta, adds a salty, smoky flavour to the pizza. It pairs perfectly with the creamy tang of the goat cheese. For an adventurous twist, try using bacon bits or crumbled bacon. Other toppings that go well with goat cheese and bacon include onions, peppers, mushrooms and olives.
Ham
Ham is a classic pizza topping that pairs well with goat cheese. It adds a salty, savoury flavour and a nice textural contrast. The flavours of ham and goat cheese complement each other nicely. Other toppings that enhance this combination include onions, peppers, mushrooms and olives.
When pairing cured meats with goat cheese on pizza, remember that the key is to find a balance between the salty, savoury flavours of the meat and the creamy, tangy notes of the cheese. Experiment with different types of cured meats and adjust your choice of toppings to create unique and delicious flavour profiles.
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Fruits
Figs
Nothing says summer like a pizza with crumbled goat cheese, figs, and arugula as toppings. It's like a salad and pizza had a baby, but it's just as delicious as it is healthy. Pizzerias also tend to add a bit of balsamic drizzle to this feta-driven pie.
Tomatoes
The flavor combinations of arugula, tomatoes, olive oil, prosciutto, and goat cheese are hard for anyone to resist.
Avocado
Avocado, bell peppers, and basil can be added to a goat cheese pizza to make a veggie and avocado pizza.
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Herbs
Basil
Basil is a fragrant herb that pairs wonderfully with goat's cheese. It has a slightly sweet and intensely aromatic flavour that complements the creaminess of the cheese. You can use fresh or dried basil, simply tearing or crushing the leaves before sprinkling them over your pizza.
Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme
These herbs also go well with goat's cheese. You can mix and match or use them all together for a flavourful herb combination.
Rosemary
Rosemary has a strong, woody flavour that can stand up to the tanginess of goat's cheese. It adds a savoury note to your pizza.
Thyme
Thyme has a slightly more subtle flavour than rosemary, but still adds a pleasant earthy note to your pizza. It pairs well with other herbs, especially rosemary, as well as with goat's cheese.
Arugula
Arugula, also known as rocket, has a peppery flavour that goes well with creamy goat's cheese. It also adds a nice texture to your pizza.
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Nuts
Pecans
Pecans are a great choice to top off your goat cheese pizza. They offer a satisfying crunch and a sweet, buttery flavour that complements the tangy goat cheese. Try them with other toppings like caramelised onions, prosciutto, and honey for a delightful blend of sweet and savoury.
Walnuts
Walnuts provide a similar crunch to pecans, but with a slightly more earthy and bitter flavour. They work well with other sweet and savoury toppings, such as honey, arugula, and brie. The bitterness of the walnuts can also help balance out the sweetness of certain toppings like figs or pears.
Pine Nuts
Pine nuts have a delicate, buttery flavour and a soft texture that can add a unique twist to your goat cheese pizza. They are often used in pesto, which is a fantastic sauce option for a goat cheese pizza. The nuttiness of the pine nuts enhances the flavour of the goat cheese, creating a rich and indulgent taste experience.
Pistachios
For a unique, vibrant colour and flavour, consider adding pistachios to your goat cheese pizza. Their bright green hue and distinctive taste can elevate your pizza to the next level. Pair them with other Mediterranean-inspired toppings like sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or artichoke hearts for a true taste of the Mediterranean.
Almonds
Almonds can add a satisfying crunch and a subtle sweetness to your goat cheese pizza. They work well with a variety of toppings, but especially those with a touch of sweetness, like caramelised onions, figs, or even a drizzle of honey. Sliced almonds can also add a nice textural element to your pizza, creating a contrast between the creamy cheese and the crunchy nuts.
Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts have a rich, buttery flavour and a soft texture that can enhance the creaminess of the goat cheese. Their high fat content makes them a decadent and indulgent choice for a pizza topping. Try pairing them with other rich, savoury toppings like prosciutto, mushrooms, or even a drizzle of truffle oil for an extra luxurious twist.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many toppings that pair well with goat cheese on pizza. Some examples include roasted vegetables, fresh herbs, cured meats, caramelized onions, roasted red peppers, Kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, spinach, mushrooms, and zucchini.
There are several pizza recipes that feature goat cheese, such as:
- Goat cheese and spinach pizza
- Roasted mushroom and goat cheese flatbread pizzas
- Grilled honey goat cheese pizza
- Spelt, beetroot, and goat cheese pizza
- Prosciutto and goat cheese pizza
- Caramelized onion and goat cheese pizza
- Grilled peach, basil, and vegan goat cheese pizza
- Pesto pizza with sundried tomatoes and goat cheese
- Goat cheese pizza with mushrooms and white sauce
When choosing goat cheese for pizza, it is best to use a soft goat cheese log that is not aged or in crumbles. This will create gooey pockets of cheese that melt in your mouth.
To make a goat cheese pizza, you will need pizza dough, pizza sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, soft goat cheese, and fresh basil for garnish. Simply roll out the dough, add your desired toppings, and bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown.