Andy Montoya
Cranberry goat cheese is a delicious and simple appetizer that is perfect for the holiday season. The pairing of tangy goat cheese with sweet and tart cranberries creates a flavor profile that is both indulgent and refreshing. This appetizer can be served in a variety of ways, such as baked, whipped, or as a log, and goes well with crackers, toasted bread, or fresh fruits like apple slices and pear wedges. For those who want to add a savory element, cured meats like prosciutto or salami are excellent choices. With its impressive taste and easy preparation, cranberry goat cheese is a fantastic option for holiday gatherings or as a special treat during the festive season.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Dish | Appetizer |
| Preparation Time | 5-20 minutes |
| Number of Ingredients | 3-8 |
| Season | Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Year's Eve |
| Serving Temperature | Chilled or room temperature |
| Storage | Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days |
| Accompaniments | Crackers, toasted bread, cured meats, fresh fruits, salad greens, wine |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Cranberry goat cheese log
A cranberry goat cheese log is a perfect, easy, and impressive appetizer for any holiday party. It is a simple combination of sweet and tangy flavours that can be whipped up in under 20 minutes. Here are some ways to make it:
The Simple Cranberry Goat Cheese Log
This recipe only requires three ingredients and about five minutes of preparation time. All you need to do is chop up some dried cranberries and toss them with ground cinnamon. Then, roll your goat cheese log into the dried cranberry mixture. If the dried cranberries do not stick to the goat cheese right away, press some of them into the goat cheese log. Serve with your favourite gluten-free crackers.
The Honeyed Cranberry Goat Cheese Log
This recipe uses five ingredients and comes together in under 15 minutes. First, combine chopped pecans, rosemary leaves, and cranberries in a small bowl or plate. Next, drizzle goat cheese with honey and use your fingers or the back of a spoon to coat the goat cheese. Then, sprinkle the cranberry, pecan, and rosemary mixture on all sides of the cheese log, pressing the ingredients into the log with clean fingers. Finally, drizzle honey on the serving platter and add the rolled goat cheese log on top. Serve with your favourite crackers.
The Baked Goat Cheese with Cranberries
This recipe pairs sweet seasonal cranberries with tangy goat cheese and can be spread on toasted bread. First, add cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, sugar, and cinnamon to a medium saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium heat and cook for 12 to 14 minutes or until the cranberries begin to burst, stirring occasionally. Let the mixture stand for 15 minutes to cool. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spread the cranberry sauce in an even layer in a medium baking dish. Cut the goat cheese into 10 slices and nestle the slices into the cranberry sauce. Transfer to the oven and bake for 14 to 16 minutes or until the sauce and cheese are warmed through. If desired, broil under high heat for 1 to 2 minutes to brown the cheese. Garnish with mint and serve warm with crostini and/or crackers.
The Blueberry Balsamic Goat Cheese Log
This recipe is a variation of the cranberry goat cheese log, substituting blueberries for cranberries. It is a simple and delicious holiday starter to serve on Thanksgiving or at a Christmas party. Combine the goat cheese with cream cheese and whip until light and fluffy. Then, spread the whipped goat cheese out over a small appetizer plate and top it with a blueberry balsamic compote.
The Unique Flavor of Drunken Goat Cheese Explained
You may want to see also
Cranberry goat cheese dip
Ingredients:
For the cranberry goat cheese dip, you will need the following ingredients:
- Goat cheese: a log of goat cheese serves as the base of this appetiser.
- Cranberries: fresh or frozen cranberries add a burst of colour and a sweet-tart flavour to the dish.
- Honey: honey lends its natural sweetness to the recipe and pairs well with the goat cheese.
- Nuts: almonds, pecans, or other nuts of your choice add a crunchy texture and a rich, nutty flavour.
- Herbs: fresh rosemary, thyme, or parsley enhance the flavour profile and add an aromatic touch to the dip.
- Balsamic vinegar: introduces a tangy complexity that enhances the sweetness of the cranberries.
Preparation:
- Prepare the cranberry mixture by cooking the cranberries with honey, orange juice, and rosemary until they break down and form a smooth sauce.
- In a separate bowl, beat the goat cheese until it becomes light and fluffy.
- Spread the whipped goat cheese onto a small plate or bowl.
- Top the goat cheese with the cranberry mixture.
- Garnish with chopped nuts, additional cranberries, and herbs.
- Serve with your favourite crackers, crostini, or toasted bread.
Tips:
- For a simpler version, you can use canned cranberry sauce or buy a log of goat cheese already seasoned with cinnamon and cranberries.
- If you want to elevate your dish, try adding some fresh thyme or parsley for an earthy, herbaceous note.
- To make it a gluten-free option, serve it with gluten-free crackers.
- Pair it with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, to complement the creamy goat cheese and cranberries.
Goat Cheese: A1 Casien Content and Its Benefits
You may want to see also
Cranberry goat cheese on toast
Ingredients
To make cranberry goat cheese on toast, you will need the following ingredients:
- Goat cheese: A log of goat cheese serves as the base for this appetizer.
- Cranberries: Fresh or frozen cranberries can be used, providing a sweet and tart flavour.
- Orange zest and juice: Orange is a natural pairing with cranberries, adding a citrusy note.
- Sweetener: This can be sugar, honey, or maple syrup, depending on your preference.
- Spices: Cinnamon and rosemary are commonly used to enhance the flavour and add a festive touch.
- Nuts: Pecans, almonds, or other nuts of your choice can be added for crunch and extra flavour.
Preparation
- Prepare the cranberry mixture: Cook the cranberries with orange juice, zest, sweetener, and spices until they burst and form a thick sauce.
- Prepare the goat cheese: Slice or roll the goat cheese into a log shape. If desired, drizzle with honey to help the toppings adhere.
- Combine the ingredients: Sprinkle the cranberry mixture over the goat cheese log, pressing it in with your fingers to coat all sides.
- Toast your bread of choice.
- Assemble the appetizer: Spread the cranberry goat cheese mixture generously on the toasted bread.
- Garnish and serve: Top with additional cranberries, nuts, or rosemary sprigs. Serve warm or chilled, depending on your preference.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair it with crackers: Offer a variety of crackers on the side, including gluten-free options, for guests to spread the cheese onto.
- Add fresh fruit: Sliced apples, pears, or grapes can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavours.
- Create a salad: For a more substantial dish, serve the cranberry goat cheese on a bed of mixed greens with a balsamic vinaigrette.
- Beverage pairing: A crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, complements the flavours beautifully.
Guda Cheese: Goat Cheese or Not?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Cranberry goat cheese with cured meats
Cranberry goat cheese is a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer that is perfect for the holiday season. It is a simple yet impressive dish that can be served at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any other holiday party. The combination of sweet and tangy cranberries with creamy and tangy goat cheese creates a delightful flavor profile that is sure to impress your guests.
To make this appetizer even more savory and indulgent, it can be paired with cured meats such as prosciutto or salami. The addition of cured meats provides a nice contrast to the sweetness of the cranberries and the creaminess of the goat cheese. This combination is perfect for a charcuterie board or a small plate appetizer.
When preparing the cranberry goat cheese, you can use fresh or frozen cranberries, adding orange zest, orange juice, sugar, and cinnamon to create a flavorful cranberry sauce. The goat cheese can be whipped with cream cheese to make it light and fluffy, or simply sliced and nestled into the cranberry sauce. For an extra crunchy texture, you can roll the goat cheese log in a mixture of dried cranberries and cinnamon, or chopped toasted almonds.
To serve, spread the cranberry goat cheese on toasted bread or crackers. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, there are gluten-free crackers available. You can also offer fresh fruit like sliced pears or apples on the side. This appetizer is best served warm, and any leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Goat Cheese: Delicious or Overrated?
You may want to see also
Cranberry goat cheese with rosemary
Cranberry goat cheese is a delicious and simple appetizer that is perfect for the holidays. It can be made in a variety of ways, including baking it or serving it as a log, and pairs well with rosemary.
Baked Cranberry Goat Cheese with Rosemary
To make a baked cranberry goat cheese appetizer, you will need the following ingredients:
- Goat cheese
- Fresh or canned cranberries
- Orange juice
- Orange zest
- Sugar
- Cinnamon
- Honey
- Fresh rosemary
First, make the cranberry sauce by combining cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, sugar, and cinnamon in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens. Then, preheat the oven and spread the cranberry sauce in a baking dish. Cut the goat cheese into slices and nestle them into the cranberry sauce. Bake until the sauce and cheese are warmed through. You can also broil the dish for a few minutes to brown the cheese, but be careful not to burn it. Finally, garnish with fresh rosemary and serve warm with crackers or toasted bread.
Cranberry Goat Cheese Log with Rosemary
If you prefer a simpler option, you can make a cranberry goat cheese log. This recipe requires only a few ingredients:
- Goat cheese
- Dried cranberries
- Cinnamon
- Honey
- Fresh rosemary
Chop the dried cranberries and toss them with cinnamon. Roll the goat cheese log in the cranberry mixture until it is completely covered. If needed, press the cranberry mixture into the cheese. You can also sprinkle chopped rosemary over the log and press it into the cheese. Drizzle honey onto a serving platter and place the goat cheese log on top. Garnish with additional rosemary and serve with crackers.
Pairings and Variations
Cranberry goat cheese pairs well with a variety of flavors and can be served in multiple ways. Here are some ideas to enhance your appetizer:
- Fresh fruits like apple slices, grapes, or pear wedges
- Cured meats such as prosciutto or salami
- Nuts like almonds, pecans, or pistachios
- Thyme or parsley for additional herbal flavor
- Balsamic vinegar for a tangy complexity
- A crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay
Goat Cheese: Finding the Least Smelly Option
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Combine chopped pecans, rosemary leaves, and cranberries in a bowl. Drizzle goat cheese with honey and sprinkle the cranberry, pecan, and rosemary mixture on all sides. Place the goat cheese log on a plate drizzled with honey to serve.
You can serve cranberry goat cheese with gluten-free crackers or spread it on toast.
You can serve it with crackers, crusty bread, or crostini. For a more refreshing option, pair it with a salad of arugula or mixed greens with a balsamic vinaigrette.
You can add cinnamon, orange zest, orange juice, sugar, thyme, almonds, walnuts, pistachios, or parsley.
Cured meats like prosciutto or salami, and fresh fruits like apple slices, grapes, or pear wedges.
