Patrick Oconnell
Goat cheese is light, fresh, creamy, and thick, making it a popular choice for snacking. It is also a favourite among those who are lactose intolerant. When it comes to pairing goat cheese with fruit, there are several options to consider. For example, goat cheese pairs well with sweet and juicy fruits like apricots, plums, and peaches. In addition, the cheese's creaminess can be balanced by the tartness of cranberries, raspberries, and blackberries. For a more unique combination, try pairing goat cheese with candied citrus peel or lemon curd. The versatility of goat cheese allows for experimentation with various fruits to find complementary flavours and textures.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fruit | Apricots, Plums, Prunes, Figs, Mango, Peaches, Nectarines, Watermelon, Apples, Pears, Citrus Fruits, Cranberries, Strawberries, Raspberries, Blackberries, Pomegranate |
| Fruit Style | Fresh, Dried, Jam |
| Other Pairings | Honey, Pine Nuts, Olive Oil, Walnuts, Raisins, Seafood, Cinnamon, Maple Syrup |
| Beverage Pairings | Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Riesling |
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What You'll Learn
Goat cheese and citrus fruits
One popular way to pair goat cheese and citrus fruits is in a winter fruit and goat cheese salad. This salad typically includes citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits, as well as pomegranate seeds, avocado, and a drizzle of sweet balsamic reduction glaze. The creamy tang of the goat cheese complements the bright citrus notes, while the pomegranate seeds add a touch of sweetness and crunch.
Another option is to create a goat cheese toast with honeyed citrus fruit. This dish combines grilled bread spread with goat cheese and topped with fresh grapefruit, blood oranges, and honeybells, drizzled with honey and sprinkled with thyme leaves. The combination of tangy citrus, sweet honey, and savoury goat cheese makes for a refreshing and colourful brunch treat.
Citrus fruits can also be used in more savoury applications when paired with goat cheese. For example, candied citrus peel, lemon jam, and fresh limeade can be paired with goat cheese and a mild olive oil for a unique flavour profile. Additionally, citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes can be used in sauces, marinades, and desserts, providing a tart contrast to sweeter dishes.
Overall, the versatility of goat cheese and citrus fruits allows for a range of creative culinary combinations, from salads to toasts to savoury dishes, all offering a balance of sweet, tangy, and savoury flavours.
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Goat cheese and cranberries
There are several ways to pair goat cheese with fruit, and cranberries are a great choice. Goat cheese and cranberries are a perfect combination of sweet and tangy, and they work well in both sweet and savoury dishes.
Baked Goat Cheese with Cranberries
This is a simple yet fancy-looking dish that can be served as an appetizer or a side. It can be prepared ahead of time and is perfect for Thanksgiving and Christmas. To make this dish, you can use canned or homemade cranberry sauce. Simply spread the cranberry sauce in a medium baking dish, cut the goat cheese into slices, and nestle them into the sauce. Bake until warmed through, and garnish with mint before serving with crostini and crackers.
Goat Cheese, Cranberry, and Pecan Salad
This salad features the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and tangy flavours, along with a mix of textures from the crunchy pecans and creamy goat cheese. To make this salad, whisk the ingredients for the dressing in a large mixing bowl. Add the baby greens, sliced red onion, dried cranberries, and candied nuts. Finally, crumble the soft goat cheese directly into the bowl and toss gently to mix.
Goat Cheese with Cranberries and Honey
This no-cook goat cheese spread is a sweet and tangy treat that can be prepared in 15 minutes or less. To make this dish, combine chopped pecans, rosemary leaves, and cranberries in a small bowl. Drizzle goat cheese with honey and coat it with the mixture. Sprinkle the cranberry, pecan, and rosemary mixture on all sides of the cheese log and drizzle with more honey before serving with crackers.
Goat cheese also pairs well with other fruits like plums, apricots, figs, and citrus fruits like oranges and lemons.
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Goat cheese with apricots
Goat cheese and fruit is a classic combination, and one that is particularly well-suited to the sweetness of apricots. Apricots are a versatile fruit that can be used in many different ways when paired with goat cheese.
One option is to make an elegant appetizer with dried apricots, goat cheese, and walnuts, drizzled with honey. This simple recipe can be made in advance and is perfect for a cocktail or dinner party. It is also a great option for a summer dinner party or potluck, as it is fresh and tasty.
For a more substantial dish, a goat cheese log with apricots and honey is a great choice. This can be made with sliced, chopped, or crushed almonds, or other nuts like pecans or pistachios. The nuts are toasted and combined with the goat cheese, dried apricots, and spices, then formed into a log shape. This can be served with crackers, toasted bread, bagel chips, or sliced apples.
Another option is to stuff fresh apricot halves with a mixture of goat cheese, herbs, honey, and salt, and then garnish with fresh herbs. This recipe is perfect for a summer party, as it is quick and easy to make.
Goat cheese also pairs well with other fruits, such as figs, plums, and citrus fruits like lemons and limes. It can be a great addition to a cheese board or appetizer spread, offering a balance of sweet and savory flavors.
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Goat cheese with plums
Goat cheese and plums make for a balanced bite, with the sweetness of the fruit complementing the savouriness of the cheese. Here are some ways to prepare and serve this delicious combination:
Maple Roasted Plums with Goat Cheese
This recipe is perfect as an appetizer or dessert and can be served with a dollop of lemon whipped goat cheese. Start by arranging the plum slices cut side up on a baking sheet and brushing them with maple syrup. Roast in the oven until the plumps are caramelized and the juices are released, which should take about 12 minutes. Transfer the plums to a serving platter and drizzle the fruit juice over them. In a stand mixer, whip the goat cheese, lemon zest, sugar, and almond extract until light and airy. Add a scoop of the goat cheese mixture to the centre of each plum and serve while still warm.
Charred Buttered Plums with Goat Cheese
This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy snack. Heat a medium skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium-high heat. Add butter and swirl to coat the skillet. Place the pitted, halved plums in the skillet, cut side down, and cook for about 5 minutes, shaking the skillet occasionally, until the cut sides are nicely charred. Place the plums on a platter, cut side up, and let them cool slightly. Crumble goat cheese around the plums and season with salt and pepper. Finish by drizzling olive oil over the dish.
Balsamic-Goat Cheese Grilled Plums
For a simple yet elegant treat, try grilling ripe plums and dressing them with a balsamic reduction and tangy goat cheese. To make the glaze, combine vinegar and lemon zest in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the mixture thickens and reduces to about 1/3 cup. Grill the plums covered, over medium heat for 2-3 minutes on each side or until tender. Drizzle the glaze over the plums and top with goat cheese.
Substitutions and Variations
You can substitute the plumps with other stone fruits such as apricots, peaches, or nectarines. For a sweeter version, swap the goat cheese with mascarpone. To add more flavour, you can also drizzle the dish with maple syrup.
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Goat cheese with sweet, juicy fruits
When it comes to creating the perfect balance of sweet and savoury, goat cheese pairs beautifully with a variety of fruits. The tanginess of goat cheese is a wonderful complement to sweet, juicy fruits, and the combination can elevate any dish, from a simple snack to an elaborate cheese board.
One classic pairing is goat cheese with apples. The crispness and sweetness of apples create a delightful contrast with the creamy tang of the cheese. McIntosh apples, which balance sweet and tart notes, are an especially good match. For a unique twist, try pairing goat cheese with apple varieties such as super-sweet apples for a sour contrast, or opt for storage apples from family-run orchards for a taste of history.
In the summer, when fresh and tangy goat cheese is in abundance, slice up some peaches, apricots, nectarines, or even red berries like cherries or redcurrants to create a vibrant and refreshing combination. These stone fruits add a burst of sweetness that complements the savoury notes of the cheese.
As autumn arrives and the days get cooler, turn to heartier fruits like pears, figs, and grapes to accompany your goat cheese. The natural sweetness of these fruits pairs harmoniously with the savoury depth of aged goat cheeses. For a truly indulgent experience, spread some fig jam on your toast and top it with warm, melted goat cheese for a sweet and savoury delight.
If you're feeling adventurous, explore the world of conserves and cooked fruits. Pair your goat cheese with black cherry or blueberry conserves, or take a step further and stew, caramelize, or poach fruits like apples and pears. These cooked fruits, whether in syrup or coulis form, add a sweet and light touch to goat cheese-based dishes, from yogurts to desserts.
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Frequently asked questions
Fruits that pair well with goat cheese include apricots, plums, peaches, and prunes. Other fruits that can be paired with goat cheese are candied citrus peel, lemon curd, and other tart fresh fruits like raspberries and blackberries.
Yes, apart from fruits, goat cheese can be paired with honey, pine nuts, walnuts, raisins, jams, and seafood.
Dry white wines like Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling can be paired with goat cheese.
Other types of cheese that can be paired with fruits include gorgonzola, pecorino, parmigiano, and feta.
