Goat Cheese And Crackers: Perfect Pairings For A Savory Bite

what goes with goat cheese and crackers

Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from appetizers to salads to desserts. It has a unique flavour that is tangy and creamy at the same time, making it a perfect pairing with crackers.

When it comes to choosing the right crackers to serve with goat cheese, it's important to consider the texture and flavour of the crackers. Some good options include sesame seed crackers, wheat crackers, garlic bread, pretzels, graham crackers, and pita chips.

In addition to crackers, goat cheese also goes well with nuts, fresh and dried fruits, honey, and cured meats. It can be used as a spread on bread or crackers, or stuffed into dates or peppers. Goat cheese can also be baked into crackers, creating a smooth and tangy flavour.

With its creamy texture and tangy flavour, goat cheese adds an extra layer of richness to any dish it's added to.

Characteristics Values
Type of dish Appetizer, snack
Main ingredients Goat cheese, crackers
Additional ingredients Honey, nuts (e.g. pistachios, walnuts, pecans), fruits (e.g. apples, pears, cranberries, figs), vegetables (e.g. bell peppers, beets, asparagus, broccoli), herbs (e.g. thyme, basil, rosemary), jam, bread, olive oil, sea salt
Preparation method Spread goat cheese on crackers, add toppings
Presentation Served on a board or platter, can be pre-assembled or left as separate ingredients for guests to create their own

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Goat cheese and crackers with honey, pecans, and thyme

This appetizer is perfect for holiday parties and gatherings, such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, or even just for everyday snacking. It is easy to make and only requires a few simple ingredients. Here is a step-by-step guide to creating this mouthwatering treat:

Ingredients:

  • Goat cheese log: Creamy and slightly tangy goat cheese pairs perfectly with the sweetness of honey.
  • Honey: Balances out the other flavours with its sweet notes.
  • Pecans: Adds a delicious nutty crunch. You can substitute with other nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pine nuts if desired.
  • Fresh thyme: Provides a wonderful hint of freshness and aroma. You can also use other fresh herbs like basil, sage, or rosemary.
  • Baguette or crackers: A French baguette is ideal as it is easy to slice and holds the toppings well. Day-old bread works too! For a gluten-free option, choose a gluten-free baguette or loaf.

Instructions:

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Slice the baguette into 3/4-inch thick pieces and place them on a baking sheet.
  • Bake the bread slices for about 10-12 minutes until they are lightly toasted.
  • While the bread is toasting, mix the goat cheese and honey in a small bowl until relatively smooth. It's okay if the mixture is a little crumbly.
  • Once the bread is toasted, spread the goat cheese and honey mixture on top while the bread is still warm.
  • Sprinkle the chopped pecans, fresh thyme leaves, and a pinch of sea salt and black pepper (if desired) on top of the goat cheese mixture.
  • For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle each piece with a bit more honey before serving.

This appetizer is best served fresh and can be enjoyed either warm or at room temperature. It is a simple yet impressive dish that is sure to impress your guests or satisfy your own cravings!

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Goat cheese and crackers with jam and pistachios

Ingredients:

To make this appetiser, you will need the following ingredients:

  • Crackers: Choose sturdy crackers that can hold the weight of the toppings. Suggested options include TRISCUIT crackers, rice crackers, or rosemary crackers.
  • Goat Cheese: Use a plain or herbed goat cheese log, at room temperature, for optimal spreadability.
  • Jam: Cherry preserves are recommended, but you can also use apricot or blackberry preserves, or fig jam/spread for a unique flavour profile.
  • Pistachios: Shelled and chopped pistachios add a crunchy texture and a pop of colour to the appetiser. You can substitute them with other nuts like walnuts or pecans if preferred.

Preparation:

Preparing this appetiser is simple and only takes a few minutes. Here's how to do it:

  • Spread a generous amount of goat cheese onto each cracker.
  • Top the goat cheese with a teaspoon of your chosen jam.
  • Sprinkle a pinch of chopped pistachios on top of the jam.
  • For an extra touch of elegance, garnish the appetiser with fresh herbs like thyme, basil, or rosemary.

Serving Suggestions:

This appetiser is best served at room temperature, so it's recommended to take the goat cheese out of the fridge about 30 minutes before serving. You can arrange the prepared crackers on a platter or board, surrounded by fresh herbs and additional crackers. If you want to get creative, you can also serve the ingredients separately and let your guests assemble their own bites.

  • Pair it with a summer salad for a light lunch option.
  • Create a charcuterie board with prosciutto, salami, or turkey slices.
  • Include fresh fruits like grapes, figs, berries, or apple slices.
  • Add some antipasto items like marinated artichokes or sun-dried tomatoes.
  • Offer a variety of crackers or toasted baguette slices for a textural contrast.

Storage and Food Safety:

If you have any leftovers or want to prepare this appetiser in advance, there are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Goat cheese is safe to be left unrefrigerated for up to four hours.
  • To make it last longer, serve the goat cheese log chilled, straight out of the fridge.
  • You can store any prepared crackers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day, but they are best enjoyed fresh.

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Goat cheese and crackers with cured meats

Choosing the Right Crackers

The key to a successful pairing is selecting crackers that complement the creamy and tangy flavour of goat cheese. Opt for crackers with some texture and flavour, such as sesame seed or wheat crackers. These add a nice contrast to the cheese and keep your palate interested. For a more interesting twist, consider garlic bread or pretzels. If you're feeling creative, you can even make your own crackers at home!

Cured Meats for the Perfect Pairing

When it comes to cured meats, the options are endless. Here are some ideas to get you started:

  • Salami: Salami is a classic choice, with its savoury and slightly spicy flavour.
  • Prosciutto: Thinly sliced prosciutto is delicate and buttery, providing a nice contrast to the tangy goat cheese.
  • Pepperoni: For a spicier option, pepperoni adds a kick to your snack.
  • Soppressata: This dry-cured Italian salami is usually made with larger chunks of pork and has a coarser texture, offering a unique bite.
  • Capicola: Also known as coppa, this cured pork shoulder meat has a sweet and spicy flavour, making it a tasty addition.

Enhancing Your Platter

To make your snack even more impressive and delicious, consider adding some of these extras:

  • Fresh Fruits and Veggies: Sliced apples, pears, or fresh figs pair beautifully with goat cheese. You can also add some crunch with cucumbers or peppers.
  • Nuts: Pecans, pistachios, or walnuts provide a nice textural contrast and a boost of flavour.
  • Jams and Honey: A drizzle of honey or a spread of fig jam takes your snack to the next level.
  • Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil, rosemary, or thyme add a wonderful aromatic touch.

Putting It All Together

Now that you have all the components, it's time to assemble your snack platter! Here are some tips:

  • Arrange the crackers, goat cheese, cured meats, and toppings on a large board or platter.
  • If you want to get creative, you can make mini crackers with goat cheese and top each one with a slice of cured meat and a small sprig of herb.
  • Don't overload the crackers; keep it simple and elegant.
  • Add some fresh herbs or edible flowers as a final touch to make your platter look stunning.

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Goat cheese and crackers with olives

Types of Olives

When it comes to choosing olives, you can select your favourite variety or a mix of different types. Some popular options include Kalamata, Moroccan green, and Castelvetrano olives. It is recommended to use pitted olives as they are more convenient and save preparation time.

Marinated Olives

To take your olive game up a notch, try marinating them! In a bowl, combine the olives with extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, shallots, herbs (such as thyme, oregano, basil, or rosemary), lemon zest, and spices. You can adjust the herbs and spices according to your preference. Let the olives marinate for at least 30 minutes, but the longer they sit, the more flavour they will absorb.

Whipped Goat Cheese

For an extra creamy and silky texture, you can whip the goat cheese with a small amount of honey and a pinch of salt. Using a food processor or blender, blend the goat cheese with cream cheese, honey, and salt until smooth and creamy. The honey adds a touch of sweetness that balances the tanginess of the goat cheese.

Assembly and Presentation

Now it's time to bring everything together! Spread the whipped goat cheese onto crackers or slices of baguette. You can also use rice crackers for a gluten-free option. Top the cheese with the marinated olives and a drizzle of the marinating oil. For an extra garnish, add some fresh herbs like rosemary or basil.

If you prefer a deconstructed approach, you can serve the whipped goat cheese, marinated olives, and crackers separately, allowing your guests to assemble their own bites. This option also works well if you want to accommodate different dietary restrictions or preferences.

Additional Tips and Variations

  • For a warm and toasty touch, lightly toast the baguette slices before spreading the goat cheese.
  • If you want to add more sweetness to the mix, consider using honey goat cheese or drizzling additional honey on top.
  • To enhance the crunch factor, top the crackers with chopped nuts like pistachios, walnuts, or pecans.
  • Include some fresh fruits and vegetables on the side, such as pear slices, apple slices, or sun-dried tomatoes.
  • For a heartier option, serve the goat cheese and olive crackers with a side of charcuterie, such as cured meats or salami.
  • Don't forget to provide some scooping options, such as grilled ciabatta bread or pita chips, in addition to the crackers.

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Goat cheese and crackers with sun-dried tomatoes

Ingredients:

  • Goat cheese
  • Crackers (rice crackers, TRISCUIT crackers, or any other variety of your choice)
  • Sun-dried tomatoes
  • Olive oil
  • Balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze
  • Fresh basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional ingredients:

  • Honey
  • Nuts (such as pistachios, walnuts, or pecans)
  • Garlic powder
  • Oregano

Method:

  • If you want to make your own balsamic glaze, pour about half a cup of balsamic vinegar into a saucepan and place it over medium heat. Bring it to a simmer and then turn down the heat to low, letting it thicken. Keep an eye on it so it doesn't burn!
  • Chop or julienne your sun-dried tomatoes. If they are packed in oil, remember to drain them first and reserve a couple of teaspoons of the oil.
  • In a food processor, combine the sun-dried tomatoes, a pinch of salt and pepper, and a few tablespoons of olive oil. You can also add some oregano here if you like. Pulse until the mixture is well combined but still a little chunky.
  • To the food processor, add a few tablespoons of low-fat sour cream and about 4-5 ounces of goat cheese. Blend until the mixture is smooth, adding a little more olive oil if you prefer a thinner consistency.
  • Spread the goat cheese and sun-dried tomato mixture onto your crackers. You can also sprinkle some crumbled goat cheese on top for added texture.
  • Garnish with fresh basil, a drizzle of balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze, and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
  • For an extra touch of sweetness, you can also add a drizzle of honey to your crackers before serving.

This appetizer can be served immediately or made a few days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. It's a great option for entertaining, as it requires no cooking and can be served cold or at room temperature. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions

Honey, jam, and fresh fruit are all sweet toppings that pair well with goat cheese and crackers.

Nuts, cured meats, sun-dried tomatoes, pesto, and herbs like basil or rosemary are savory toppings that complement goat cheese and crackers.

Crackers with some texture and flavor, such as sesame seed or wheat crackers, pair nicely with goat cheese. Other options include garlic bread, pretzels, graham crackers, and pita chips.

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