Goat Cheese Combinations: Perfect Pairings For Savory Flavors

Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to main courses. Its tangy flavour and creamy texture make it a delicious addition to many recipes. It is also a popular choice for those who are lactose intolerant as it has a lower lactose content than cheese made from cow's milk.

Goat cheese can be paired with a variety of ingredients, such as fruits, vegetables, herbs, nuts, and meats. Some common fruit pairings include apples, figs, apricots, and berries, while vegetables like asparagus, arugula, and beets can also complement the cheese well. Goat cheese also goes well with herbs and nuts like basil, chives, and walnuts. For a savoury dish, it can be paired with meats such as prosciutto, chicken, or bacon.

Whether spread on crackers, crumbled over a salad, or baked into a dip, goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can elevate any dish. Its unique flavour and texture make it a popular choice for home cooks and chefs alike.

Goat cheese with fruit and vegetables

Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many sweet and savoury dishes. It is a popular choice for those who are lactose intolerant as it has a reduced amount of lactose. Its creamy, tangy flavour and soft, spreadable texture make it a delicious addition to salads, snacks, appetizers, and main dishes. Here are some ideas for pairing goat cheese with fruits and vegetables:

Fruits

• Figs are a classic pairing with goat cheese, especially when used in a jam or confit to elevate warm goat cheese on toast.
• Apricots are a great choice for summer, providing a sweet and tangy combination with goat cheese.
• Berries such as raspberries, redcurrants, and blackberries also go well with goat cheese, especially in a preserve or coulis form to add a sweet touch to desserts or yogurts.
• Peaches and nectarines are perfect for summer, providing a refreshing and juicy contrast to the creamy cheese.
• Pears are a great option for autumn, and they pair well with goat cheese in salads or as a savoury dish when poached or caramelized.
• Apples are another autumnal choice that pairs well with goat cheese, especially when sliced and added to a sandwich or salad.
• Grapes are a simple and sweet option to serve with goat cheese, especially when used to make a mild honey like acacia honey.
• Cherries can be used in conserved or stewed to create delicious sweet and savoury recipes with goat cheese.
• Plums can be roasted and served with goat cheese, providing a fruity and savoury combination.

Vegetables

• Arugula is a peppery green that pairs well with the tanginess of goat cheese in salads or sandwiches.
• Beets provide a sweet and earthy flavour that complements goat cheese, especially in salads or as a side dish.
• Asparagus is a springtime vegetable that goes well with goat cheese, whether grilled or broiled on a pizza or used in a tart or quiche.
• Artichokes can be stuffed with goat cheese for an elegant and tasty appetizer or side dish.
• Avocado is a creamy and healthy option to pair with goat cheese, whether on toast, in a salad, or as a dip.
• Zucchini can be sliced and grilled, then topped with goat cheese for a simple and tasty side dish.
• Mushrooms have an earthy flavour that goes well with goat cheese, especially when sautéed and added to an omelette or stuffed into chicken.
• Spinach is a healthy green that can be added to omelettes, quiches, or pasta dishes featuring goat cheese.
• Tomatoes are a versatile option that can be served fresh in a salad, cooked into a sauce, or baked into a tart or galette with goat cheese.

Goat cheese with honey

How to Serve Goat Cheese with Honey

• Bread or Crackers: Spread goat cheese on toasted baguette slices, crusty bread, or crackers. Drizzle with honey and top with fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or basil. You can also sprinkle with sea salt, cracked black pepper, or chopped nuts like hazelnuts, pistachios, or walnuts.
• Baked Goat Cheese with Honey: Place goat cheese in a small oven-proof bowl or ramekin and bake until warm. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with fresh thyme, sea salt, and cracked pepper. Serve with grilled bread or crackers.
• Salads: Crumble goat cheese over salads with complementary ingredients such as beets, pears, arugula, walnuts, heirloom tomatoes, or fruit like apricots, figs, or peaches. A vinaigrette dressing with honey and basil can also be drizzled on top.
• Sandwiches: Layer goat cheese with rosemary ham, apple slices, arugula, and honey on a baguette for a satisfying bistro-style sandwich.

Variations and Substitutions

While goat cheese with honey is delicious on its own, you can also experiment with different variations:

• Honey Substitutions: Instead of regular honey, try whipped honey for a lighter texture or hot honey for a spicy kick. You can also use maple syrup for a hint of autumnal flavour.
• Goat Cheese Substitutions: If you're feeling adventurous, try ash goat cheese, which is coated with activated charcoal and salt. This type of goat cheese has a distinctive appearance and is said to have better mould growth during the ageing process.
• Toppings and Add-Ins: For extra crunch and flavour, add crushed walnuts, pecans, pistachios, or other nuts to your goat cheese and honey. You can also sprinkle on your favourite seasonings like Everything Bagel Seasoning or Lemon Pepper Seasoning.

Goat cheese with cured meats

Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in salads, meat dishes, appetizers, and breakfast recipes. Its tangy and creamy flavour pairs well with cured meats, making it an excellent addition to charcuterie boards and appetizers. Here are some tips and ideas for combining goat cheese with cured meats:

Choosing the Right Goat Cheese

When creating a charcuterie board or appetizer featuring goat cheese and cured meats, it's important to select the right type of goat cheese. Fresh goat cheese, also known as chèvre, is creamy and light in texture with a tart and tangy flavour. This variety pairs well with thinly sliced, dry-cured sausages that are high in fat, such as sopressata or finocchiona. Ripened goat cheese, on the other hand, is denser and less tart, becoming stronger in flavour as it ages. This type of goat cheese complements paper-thin, sweet, and less salty cured meats like prosciutto or country ham. Aged goat cheeses, such as those covered in ash or herbs, are firmer in texture and can be paired with spicy salumi or softer country pâtés.

Creating a Balanced Charcuterie Board

When assembling a charcuterie board, it's essential to create a balance of flavours and textures. Choose your cheeses first and make them the centerpiece of the board. Look for contrast in flavour and texture between the cheeses and cured meats. The acidity of goat cheese, especially fresh and ripened varieties, pairs well with the fattiness of cured meats. Allow approximately 3-4 ounces of cheese and 2 ounces of paired cured meat per person. Group each cheese and cured meat pairing, along with their condiments, on separate boards or serving platters. This allows your guests to mix and match different combinations.

Serving Tips

To enhance the flavour and texture experience, cut your cheeses into bite-sized, pie-shaped wedges when they are cold. For softer cheeses, use a thin, clean knife to cut them. Bring the cheeses to room temperature about 2 hours before serving to allow the flavours to fully develop. Serve with thinly sliced, crusty breads, just large enough for one or two bites. You can also brush the bread with olive oil and toast it in the oven to create bruschetta. These can be prepared a day in advance and stored in an airtight container.

Wine Pairings

To complete the experience, consider pairing your goat cheese and cured meat combinations with complementary wines. For fresh, acidic cheeses and young ripened ones, try crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris or Grigio, dry Champagne, Prosecco, or Albarino. For older ripened cheeses and pâtés, a Pinot Noir or white Burgundy would be an excellent choice. When serving aged cheeses with pâtés, a Pinot Noir or beer is a perfect match, especially if you're including pickled vegetables.

Appetizer Ideas

In addition to charcuterie boards, you can create bite-sized appetizers featuring goat cheese and cured meats. For example, you could spread goat cheese on crackers or small slices of baguette and top them with cured meats such as salami or prosciutto. Drizzle with honey or pair with sweet and savoury toppings like fruit jams, dried fruits, or nuts. These appetizers can be served as elegant, no-cook snacks for your guests.

Goat cheese with crackers

Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, including salads, pizzas, pastas, and appetizers. One simple yet delicious way to enjoy goat cheese is by pairing it with crackers. Here are some ideas and tips for creating tasty goat cheese and cracker combinations:

Choosing the Right Crackers

When selecting crackers to pair with goat cheese, consider the texture and flavour of the cheese. Goat cheese, especially the soft and crumbly chèvre variety, has a mild tang and melts easily. Its soft texture mixes well with other ingredients, resulting in a smooth taste. Plain crackers or those with a hint of salt or herbs can complement the goat cheese well without overwhelming its flavour. Rice crackers, for example, can be a great gluten-free option.

Toppings and Accompaniments

To enhance the flavour of your goat cheese and cracker combination, consider adding toppings or serving accompaniments on the side. Here are some ideas:

• Honey: Drizzle honey over the goat cheese for a touch of sweetness that balances the tangy cheese.
• Fruits: Fresh or dried fruits such as apricots, cherries, or figs can provide a sweet contrast to the savoury cheese.
• Nuts: Chopped pistachios, walnuts, or other nuts add a crunchy texture and a boost of flavour.
• Herbs: Mix herbs into the crackers or use them as a topping to elevate the flavour profile. Herbes de Provence, which typically includes rosemary, thyme, and oregano, pairs particularly well with goat cheese.
• Meats: Cured meats or rosemary ham can add a savoury note to the combination.
• Jams: Fruit jams, especially fig jam, can provide a sweet and tangy complement to the cheese.

Preparation and Presentation

When preparing goat cheese with crackers, consider the following tips:

• Allow the goat cheese to come to room temperature before serving to make it easier to spread or top the crackers.
• If making your own crackers, ensure the goat cheese and butter are soft before mixing them together for a smooth, blended consistency.
• For a simple presentation, spread goat cheese onto crackers and top with your desired toppings. Alternatively, serve the crackers, cheese, and toppings separately, allowing guests to create their own custom combinations.
• For a fancier touch, create a goat cheese board with the crackers, cheese, and various toppings arranged beautifully. Add some fresh herbs or parsley sprigs as a garnish.

Goat cheese with nuts

Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads and appetizers to pizzas and pastas. Its tangy, creamy flavour and texture make it a perfect pairing with nuts. Here are some tips and ideas for combining goat cheese with nuts:

Types of Nuts that Pair Well with Goat Cheese

Walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pine nuts, pistachios and pecans are all excellent choices to pair with goat cheese. Each type of nut offers a unique flavour and texture that can enhance the overall taste experience. For example, the smooth texture of walnuts complements the creaminess of goat cheese, and a drizzle of honey can add a touch of sweetness to the combination. Toasted almonds paired with aged cheddar create a delightful contrast of sharp flavours and crumbly textures.

Ideas for Combining Goat Cheese with Nuts

Appetizers and Snacks

Goat cheese crostini topped with honey, pecans, and fresh thyme is an elegant and easy-to-prepare snack. The sweetness of the honey, the crunch of the pecans, and the herbal freshness of thyme create a delightful combination of flavours and textures. For a savoury option, try marinated goat cheese discs seasoned with olive oil and fresh herbs, served with a baguette. Goat cheese fritters are another sophisticated choice, served with a tropical fruit dipping sauce.

Salads

Beet and pear salad with walnuts and goat cheese is a colourful and tasty option for winter. The sweetness of beets and pears combined with the tanginess of goat cheese creates a delightful flavour profile. Arugula, with its peppery taste, also pairs well with goat cheese in salads. Try a heirloom tomato salad with arugula, vinaigrette dressing, honey, and fresh basil for a summery treat.

Sandwiches

For a bistro-style sandwich, layer a French baguette with goat cheese, rosemary ham, apple slices, arugula, and honey. This combination offers a delightful mix of sweet, salty, tangy, and spicy flavours.

Pizzas

Flatbread pizzas with goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and Kalamata olives are a tasty treat. You can also try an Indian naan bread pizza with broiled asparagus, basil, goat cheese, and pancetta for a unique twist.

Frequently asked questions