Goat Cheese And Grape Pairing: Finding The Perfect Match

Goat cheese and grapes are a classic combination, with the creamy, tangy cheese complementing the sweetness of the fruit. But what type of grape goes best with goat cheese? Red or black grapes are often recommended for their sweet flavour, and they also add a pop of colour to any dish. Grapes can be eaten fresh with goat cheese, but roasting them can take the dish to the next level. The high sugar content of grapes means that when roasted, they take on an intense, jam-like flavour and texture. This can be a delicious contrast with the cool, creamy cheese. For an extra crunch, try adding nuts such as walnuts or pistachios.

Roasted grape and goat cheese toast

A delicious and elegant appetizer, roasted grape and goat cheese toast is a perfect treat for your holiday party guests. The combination of sweet roasted grapes, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy nuts creates a burst of flavours that will impress anyone who tries it!

Ingredients:

• Grapes (red or black)
• Goat cheese
• Nuts (such as pecans or walnuts)
• Fresh herbs (rosemary or thyme)
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Coarse salt
• Bread (baguette slices or sourdough)

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to a temperature between 350-400°F, depending on your oven.
• Wash and dry the grapes, removing them from the bunch.
• Drizzle the grapes with olive oil and sprinkle with coarse salt.
• Roast the grapes in the oven for 10-25 minutes until they start to caramelize and burst.
• While the grapes are roasting, mix the goat cheese with the chopped nuts and herbs.
• Toast your bread slices.
• Spread the goat cheese mixture generously on the toasted bread.
• Top the toasts with the roasted grapes, adding as many as you can fit!
• Sprinkle with extra nuts or herbs for garnish and serve immediately.

Tips:

• You can also add a drizzle of honey to your toasts for an extra touch of sweetness.
• If you want to add a zesty twist, try adding some finely grated orange zest to the grapes before roasting.
• For a charred effect, brush your bread slices with oil and toast them on a griddle pan.

Goat cheese-dipped grape skewers

Ingredients for 48 skewers:

• 2 oz goat cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream
• 48 grapes (green, red or a mixture of both), washed and dried
• 48 cocktail toothpicks
• 1/2 cup very finely chopped toasted pecans

Optional:

• Honey
• Salt

Method:

In a medium microwavable bowl, mix the cheese, heavy cream, honey, and salt. Microwave uncovered on Medium (50%) for 30 to 60 seconds, or until easily stirred smooth.

Place one grape on each cocktail toothpick. Dip each grape halfway into the goat cheese mixture, shaking off any excess, then dip into the toasted pecans and place on a serving platter. Refrigerate for 15 minutes, or until ready to serve.

Tips:

• For a more intense flavour, try roasting the grapes before dipping them in the goat cheese mixture.
• For a sweet swap, add some shrimp or vegetables to your skewers.
• If you have any rosemary leftover, skewer the grapes on the stems for a beautiful and edible garnish.
• For a healthier option, try using low-fat cream cheese.
• If you don't like goat cheese, substitute it with cream cheese, or another cheese of your choice.

Goat cheese appetizers with roasted grapes

Ingredients

• Goat cheese
• Grapes
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Thyme
• Walnuts/Pistachios/Pecans
• Baguette/Crackers

Method

• Preheat the oven to 350-400°F.
• Toss the grapes in olive oil and salt, and roast for 45-50 minutes until the skins are wrinkled.
• Meanwhile, slice the goat cheese into 1/4-inch thick rounds and marinate in olive oil.
• If making crackers from scratch, combine flour, sugar, salt, and thyme in a bowl. Add water and oil and gently mix until the dough comes together.
• Roll out the dough and cut into the desired shape. Bake for 5-7 minutes until the edges are lightly brown.
• If using a baguette, slice on a diagonal, brush with olive oil, and toast in the oven for 6-8 minutes.
• Once the grapes are roasted, allow them to cool for at least 10 minutes.
• Assemble the appetizer by spreading the goat cheese on the baguette slices or crackers, topping with roasted grapes, and sprinkling with nuts and thyme.

Tips

• Choose a sweet variety of black or red seedless grapes.
• For a more sophisticated presentation, slice the grapes in half before placing them on the crackers.
• Toasted walnuts provide a great balance of savory and buttery flavours to complement the sweetness of the grapes.
• If making crackers, olive oil is preferable to butter as it removes the need for chilling the dough.

Goat cheese appetizer with walnuts

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup walnuts
• 1/2 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup olive oil, divided
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, divided
• 8 ounces fresh goat cheese
• 1/2 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped
• 1 French baguette, cut into 3/4-inch slices
• Honey, for drizzling

Method

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spread the walnuts on a baking sheet and roast for 7 to 10 minutes, until they start to brown and become fragrant. Remove and set aside to cool.

Slice the baguette on the diagonal into 1/4-inch thick slices. Place the slices on a baking sheet and brush with olive oil. Toast in the oven for about 6-8 minutes, until crisp.

In a small bowl, mix the goat cheese with honey until relatively smooth. It's okay if it's a little crumbly.

Spread the goat cheese mixture on the toasted baguette slices while they are still warm. Top with chopped walnuts, a sprinkle of sea salt, and fresh thyme leaves.

Before serving, drizzle each crostini with honey.

Tips

• Toasting the walnuts improves their texture and flavour.
• The goat cheese mixture can be made several hours in advance and stored in the fridge.
• This appetizer is best served fresh, so only assemble what will be eaten.

Grape and goat cheese combinations for holiday parties

The holiday season is the perfect time to indulge in some delicious and elegant appetizers, and one combination that is sure to impress your guests is grape and goat cheese. This unique pairing offers a delightful contrast of sweet and tangy flavours that will tantalize your taste buds. Here are some creative ways to incorporate grape and goat cheese into your holiday festivities:

Roasted Grape and Goat Cheese Toast

For a simple yet sophisticated appetizer, try roasted grape and goat cheese toast. Start by roasting grapes with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a pinch of coarse salt. Meanwhile, mix softened goat cheese with chopped pecans or walnuts and fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme. Spread the goat cheese mixture on toasted baguette slices and top with the warm roasted grapes. Sprinkle with extra nuts or herbs for added texture and flavour.

Goat Cheese-Dipped Grapes

For a fun and fuss-free option, try goat cheese-dipped grapes. Simply mix softened goat cheese with a small amount of heavy whipping cream, honey, and salt. Dip fresh grapes into the goat cheese mixture, followed by finely chopped toasted pecans. Place the grapes on cocktail toothpicks and arrange them on a serving platter. This bite-sized treat is perfect for holiday gatherings and can be prepared ahead of time.

Grape and Goat Cheese Crackers

Take your holiday appetizer game up a notch by creating elegant grape and goat cheese crackers. Start by making homemade crackers with flour, olive oil, sugar, salt, and fresh thyme. Cut the dough into desired shapes and bake until golden. For the topping, spread a creamy goat cheese like Snøfrisk® on the crackers, and top with juicy roasted grapes. Add a crunchy element by sprinkling crushed pistachios over the grapes. These bite-sized appetizers are sure to impress your guests and can be partially prepared in advance.

Additional Tips

When creating grape and goat cheese combinations, consider using red or black grapes, as their sweet flavour pairs well with the tangy goat cheese. Additionally, you can enhance the flavour profile by incorporating fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme, and nuts such as pecans, walnuts, or pistachios. Don't be afraid to experiment with different varieties of grapes and goat cheese to find your favourite combination.

So, there you have it! Four delightful ways to combine grape and goat cheese for your holiday parties. Whether you choose to serve them as elegant appetizers or offer them as part of a charcuterie board, your guests are sure to enjoy these unique and tasty treats. Happy holidays and happy grazing!

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