Kamil Perry
Goat cheese, also known as chèvre, is a creamy cheese made from goat's milk. It is known for its tangy, milky, and citric flavours, and its soft, crumbly, and creamy texture. While there are many brands of goat cheese available, some popular ones include Celebrity Goat, Drunken Goat, and Zingerman's Creamery. In this article, we will explore the unique characteristics, production methods, and popular brands of goat cheese, as well as provide suggestions for how to incorporate it into your recipes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Brand | Zingerman's Creamery, Celebrity Goat, Wisconsin Cheese Company |
| Type | Goat Cream Cheese |
| Ingredients | Goat's Milk |
| Flavor | Buttery, Creamy, Tangy, Sweet, Milky, Lemony, Nutty, Salty, Earthy, Balanced, Fresh |
| Texture | Velvety, Smooth, Soft, Gooey, Mousse-like, Thick, Sticky, Runny, Crumbly |
| Aroma | Tangy, Citric, Nutty, Salty, Subtle, Fresh, Zesty |
| Color | White |
| Country of Origin | Canada, France, Spain, Norway, Mexico |
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What You'll Learn
Characteristics of good goat cheese
Goat cheese, also known as chèvre, is a versatile and nutritious dairy product with a distinct, creamy flavour. It is produced using goat's milk, which is commonly used to make cultured dairy products.
Goat cheese comes in a variety of flavours and textures, from soft and spreadable fresh cheese to salty, crumbly aged cheese. The ageing process affects the texture and flavour of the cheese. Fresh goat cheese is pronounced and vibrant, with a soft, almost spreadable texture and tangy, earthy nuances. Aged goat cheese becomes firmer and crumbly, with hints of hazelnut and dried herbs. The bitterness of aged goat cheese enlivens surrounding flavours, providing a rich savour.
Goat cheese is a good source of selenium, an essential trace mineral found in seafood, which helps the body break down DNA-damaging peroxides. It also contains beneficial probiotics, or healthy bacteria, that improve immune function and reduce vulnerability to illness. The fatty acids in goat cheese are metabolized faster than those in cow's cheese, aiding in weight loss by increasing satiety. Goat cheese is also packed with vitamins, minerals, protein, and healthy fats, making it a nutritious and delicious addition to any meal.
Goat cheese can be used in a variety of recipes, such as stuffed tomatoes, hamburgers, or spread on bread with strawberries for a dessert. It is a versatile ingredient that can be substituted for cow's milk cheese in most recipes. Its mild and tangy flavour pairs well with honey, sliced pear, and walnuts.
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Popular goat cheese brands
Goat cheese is produced using goat's milk, the milk of domestic goats. Goat milk is commonly used to make cultured dairy products, including cheese. There are many goat milk cheeses produced around the world. Here are some popular goat cheese brands:
Celebrity Goat Cheese
Celebrity Goat Cheese is made with 100% pure goat’s milk. It is both creamy and fresh, with a mild, tangy flavour. It is made with rich, luscious Canadian goat’s milk, and the brand prides itself on crafting quality goat’s milk products, preserving artisanal traditions.
Drunken Goat Cheese
This semi-soft Spanish cheese is bathed in red wine, giving it a bright, fruity flavour that contrasts with the cheese’s earthy umami notes. It is a great goat cheese for easy snacking, with a complex, yet fresh taste.
Majorero
Majorero is a Spanish goat cheese that is similar to Manchego and is protected under European Law with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status.
Añejo Cheese
Añejo is a firm, aged Mexican cheese traditionally made from skimmed goat's milk, but it is most often made with skimmed cow's milk.
Zingerman's Creamery Goat Cream Cheese
This goat cream cheese goes from farm to container in less than 24 hours. It has a crisp, clean flavour and a creamy texture. It uses long set and drain times to allow bright, citrusy notes to develop while maintaining a velvety finish.
Goat cheese can be tangy, grassy, and floral. Soft goat cheese should be creamy and spreadable, and crumbly goat cheese should still have some creaminess to it.
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Goat cheese from around the world
Goat cheese is produced using goat milk and has been made for at least 5,000 years. It is a good source of calcium, vitamins A and K, phosphorus, thiamin, and niacin. It also contains anti-inflammatory enzymes, probiotics, antioxidants, proteins, and lipids, which help maintain a healthy metabolism.
There are several types of goat cheese produced around the world. Añejo cheese, for example, is a firm, aged Mexican cheese traditionally made from goat's milk but now more commonly made with skimmed cow's milk. Another type of goat cheese is Majorero, from Spain, which is similar to Manchego and is protected under European law with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status.
Castelo Branco is a goat cheese from Portugal that has had a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) since 1996. It is made from goat or sheep milk and has a soft texture and a close-to-white colour. Trás-os-Montes is another goat milk cheese from Portugal, produced in the Norte Region.
In Italy, Caciotta is a type of cheese produced from goat milk, among other types of milk. It has several variations, including Caciotta marchigiana and Bastardo del Grappa, the latter of which is produced in the foothills of Monte Grappa.
In the Middle East, Jibneh Arabieh is a soft white cheese made with goat or sheep milk, though it is now more commonly made with cow's milk. It is popular in the Persian Gulf region and has a mild taste similar to feta but less salty. Labneh is another type of goat cheese consumed in the Middle East, particularly in Egypt, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, and Jordan. It can be served with olive oil, seasoned with mint, or eaten as a dessert.
Kars gravyer cheese is a Turkish goat cheese similar to Gruyère, and Van herbed cheese is a type of Turkish cheese made with goat or sheep milk. Bryndza is a sheep milk cheese made in East-Central Europe, primarily in the Carpathian Mountains of Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, and southern Poland. It is known for its strong smell and taste.
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Goat cheese alternatives
Goat cheese, or "chevre" in French, is a traditional cheese made from goat's milk. It is a versatile ingredient with a complex, tangy flavour and a creamy, spreadable texture. However, not everyone is a fan of its distinct taste, and sometimes, it can be hard to find in stores. The good news is that there are plenty of alternatives to goat cheese that can be easily found and used in recipes that call for goat cheese. Here are some substitutes that you might already have in your kitchen:
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese is a popular and easily accessible substitute for goat cheese. It has a smooth, creamy texture and a mildly tangy flavour. It works well in both hot and cold recipes and is an affordable option. Cream cheese can be used as a spread or added to dishes like asparagus and eggs, providing a similar flavour profile to goat cheese.
Mascarpone
Mascarpone is another excellent option for replacing goat cheese. It is already whipped and creamy, making it ideal for recipes that require a spreadable cheese. Its mild flavour won't overpower other ingredients, and it's a great choice for bruschetta.
Feta
Feta cheese is a common substitute for goat cheese, especially in salads. It offers a similar texture and a salty flavour. Feta is usually a mixture of sheep and goat milk, so it retains a hint of the "goatiness" while being milder.
Tofu
For vegans and those with dairy allergies, tofu is a superb alternative to goat cheese. It provides a texture similar to goat cheese and can be blended or mixed into creamy sauces, dips, or spreads. Tofu acts as a "sponge" for other flavours, so it won't overpower your dish.
Boursin
Boursin, a cow's milk cheese, is another readily available substitute. It offers a similar tang to goat cheese and can be found in most supermarkets.
Other Options
Depending on the recipe and your taste preferences, you can also experiment with other cheeses like ricotta, ricotta salata, Parmesan, Pecorino, or blue cheese. These cheeses vary in texture and flavour, so they might work better in specific dishes. For example, ricotta or cream cheese could be excellent choices for recipes like mashed potatoes, where you want to maintain creaminess without the goat cheese flavour.
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Goat cheese recipes
Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, ranging from breakfast to dinner to dessert. Its creamy texture and tangy flavour make it a perfect addition to many recipes. Here are some ideas for how to use creamy goat cheese in your cooking:
Appetizers and Side Dishes
- Crostini - Topped with chhundo, a pickled marmalade made with green mangoes, Kashmiri chile powder, and goat cheese.
- Deviled Eggs - Stuffed with mango, goat cheese, and pecans, this recipe is a more upscale version of the classic.
- Brussels Sprouts - Roasted Brussels sprouts with garlic and goat cheese make for a delicious side dish.
- Salads - A great way to use up leftovers, a salad with goat cheese can be a hearty and satisfying meal. Try adding some chicken for extra protein.
- Charcuterie Board - Goat cheese is a great addition to any charcuterie board, providing a smooth and tangy contrast to other ingredients.
Main Courses
- Pizza - Top a pizza base with tangy goat cheese, sharp Parmesan, tender aubergine, and bold pesto for a flavourful vegetarian main course.
- Pasta - Goat cheese pairs well with meaty mushrooms and sweet caramelized onions in a hearty pasta dish.
- Soufflé - Add a twist to a classic French cheese soufflé by incorporating tangy goat cheese, cayenne pepper, thyme, and nutmeg.
- Grits - Chef Bobby Flay's goat cheese grits are a creamy, corn-flecked side dish with chopped garlic and a tangy flavour.
- Artichoke Pasta - Try a lemony artichoke pasta with shrimp and kalamata olives for a taste of the Mediterranean.
Desserts
- Cheesecake - Adding goat cheese to a traditional cheesecake recipe gives it a savoury twist. Be sure to serve it with a berry sauce to balance the flavours.
- Pudding - Blend vanilla custard with soft goat cheese and a touch of lemon juice for a tangy and creamy dessert.
- Strawberries - For a simple dessert, try David Leibovitz's recipe for goat cheese custards with macerated strawberries.
Other Ideas
- Scrambled Eggs - Chef Daniel Patterson's boiling water method for super-creamy scrambled eggs can be elevated with a drizzle of olive oil, fresh rosemary, and a generous helping of goat cheese sauce.
- Soup - Anne Burrell's cauliflower soup with roasted cauliflower and Brussels sprouts is elevated with a sprinkle of herbed goat cheese.
- Quesadillas - For a quick and easy meal, try making quesadillas with goat cheese, chopped toasted pecans, cranberries, and honey.
With its unique flavour and texture, goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a multitude of dishes. Whether you're looking for a simple appetizer or a show-stopping dessert, there are endless possibilities to explore with this delicious cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several good creamy goat cheese brands available. Some popular options include Laura Chenel, Humboldt Fog, and Drunken Goat. If you're looking for a supermarket option, Trader Joe's chevre goat cheese is also a good choice.
Goat cheese, or chèvre, typically has a tangy, grassy, and floral flavour profile. It can range from sweet and milky to earthy and salty.
Goat cheese is quite versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. It can be baked, melted, crumbled, or spread. It pairs well with honey, fruit, and bread, and can be a great addition to salads, cheese boards, or appetizers.
Goat cheese can be used in a variety of recipes, such as Spring Strawberry Salad with Couscous and Pecan-Crusted Goat Cheese, or stuffed inside quesadillas. It can also be used in place of cream cheese in desserts like cheesecake.
If you're looking for a similar alternative to goat cheese, you could consider other soft, creamy cheeses like brie or camembert. These cheeses have a similar texture and can provide a similar tanginess to your dishes.
