Andy Montoya
Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, both sweet and savoury. It is creamy, tangy, and spreadable, with a rich flavour due to its high fat content. It can be eaten warm or cold, and pairs well with a variety of foods and drinks. So, what goes well with goat cheese?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fruits | Peaches, apricots, nectarines, red berries, apples, pears, figs, grapes, strawberries |
| Conserves | Black cherry, blueberry, fig, raspberry |
| Nuts | Walnuts, pecans, mixed nuts |
| Salads | Arugula, spinach, beetroot, asparagus |
| Breads | Flatbreads, crackers, toast, ciabatta |
| Meat | Prosciutto, pancetta |
| Sweet Flavors | Honey, gingerbread |
| Alcoholic Drinks | Sauvignon Blanc, Belgian ales, rosé, pinot noir |
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What You'll Learn
Fruits and veggies
Fruits and vegetables are a great way to enhance the flavour of goat cheese and create a colourful, tasty dish. Goat cheese is a popular choice for those who are lactose intolerant, as it has significantly less lactose than cow's milk cheese. It is also creamy, soft, and spreadable, with a lingering flavour that complements the ingredients it is paired with.
Fruits
Fruits are a mellow and sweet option to pair with goat cheese, providing a burst of colour to your cheese platter. Seasonal fruits are the best choice to accompany goat cheese. In the summer, try slices of peach, nectarine, apricot, or even red berries like cherries or redcurrants. In autumn, apples, pears, figs, or grapes are the perfect match for more mature cheeses. You can also use mango, watermelon, or zucchini, as suggested by food stylist Allison Kreitler, who loves the combination of goat cheese, fruit, honey, and pine nuts.
Vegetables
When it comes to vegetables, beetroot is a classic pairing with goat cheese, and you can also try artichoke, arugula, asparagus, avocado, beetroot, blueberry, broccoli, cabbage, celery, corn, cucumber, dates, endive, fig, green beans, guava, honeydew, lettuce, mushroom, nectarine, peach, pear, persimmon, pomegranate, radish, spinach, watermelon, and zucchini flower.
Salads
Goat cheese is a fantastic addition to salads, and you can simply crumble it on top or fold it through hot vegetables and allow it to melt, adding extra creaminess. You can also whip goat cheese to create a salad dressing or crumb it to make tasty chunks for salad toppers. A cucumber and tomato salad with tangy tamarillo, aromatic basil, and creamy crumbled goat cheese, topped with toasted panko breadcrumbs, is a delicious option.
Cooked Vegetables
Beets are a classic pairing with goat cheese, and you can try a playful take on this combination with a recipe for Bûcheron, a fun vegetarian option that includes red beets, olive oil, black pepper, red wine, thyme, and other tasty ingredients.
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Honey and gingerbread
Gingerbread, like honey, is also a fantastic complement to goat cheese. Whether fresh, toasted, or in croutons, gingerbread brings out the subtle notes of honey, cinnamon, and nutmeg in the cheese. Gingerbread can be used in any recipe, from appetisers and salads to mains and desserts. For instance, gingerbread canapés with tarragon goat Chantilly make for a great Christmas appetiser.
Gingerbread and goat cheese also work well together in a cheesecake. A ginger goat cheese cheesecake with honey-roasted figs and hazelnuts is a delicious dessert that combines the sweetness of honey with the tanginess of goat cheese. The cheesecake is made with a vanilla hazelnut tart crust, which provides a buttery, nutty, and vanilla base for the creamy, tangy, and subtly spicy filling. The honey-roasted figs and hazelnuts on top add a sweet and crunchy contrast to the smooth filling.
In addition to cheesecakes, goat cheese and honey can be used in various other dessert recipes, such as a yogurt or fromage blanc made with goat milk and sweetened with honey. This combination of honey and goat cheese can also be used in more savoury applications, such as on toast or in salads, where the sweetness of the honey balances the tanginess of the goat cheese.
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Wine, beer, and ale
Goat cheese is one of the easiest cheeses to pair with wine. The classic match is a white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, but there are many other options. For example, other crisp, citrussy whites such as Bacchus, Côtes de Gascogne, Rueda, Albarino, Alvarinho, Chablis, Picpoul de Pinet, Pinot Grigio, and dry Riesling. A Provence-style crisp dry rosé also pairs well with goat cheese.
If you prefer red wine, try a Cabernet Franc, especially those from the Loire Valley, which tend to be lighter with more herbaceous notes and tart acidity. Other reds to try include Gamay, Malbec, Merlot, and Syrah, which are cool-climate reds that tend to have higher acidity and delicate flavors.
Goat cheese also pairs well with beer. The bright flavor of fresh goat cheese finds balance in beer's malt sweetness or citrus notes, while earthy goat cheeses match nicely with bold stouts. From light saisons to rich imperial stouts, there are endless combinations to experiment with. Some specific beers that pair well with goat cheese include German-style pilsners, American-style pale ales, Belgian-style wits, Belgian-style golden strong ales, and tripels. For a semi-firm goat cheese, try a maltier German-style doppelbock or a German-style hefeweizen, which has notes of banana and clove.
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Nuts and crackers
Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed in many ways. It is creamy, tangy, and spreadable, with a rich flavour that makes it a perfect match for crackers and nuts. Here are some tips and ideas to elevate your next snack platter or meal with goat cheese, crackers, and nuts:
Choosing the Right Crackers
When it comes to crackers, opt for flatbread crackers or crispbreads. These types of crackers provide a neutral base that won't overwhelm the flavour of the goat cheese while adding a satisfying crunch. Look for crackers made with simple, high-quality ingredients, such as whole grains, seeds, or nuts. You can also experiment with different shapes and sizes to add visual interest to your platter.
Nuts as a Perfect Pairing
Nuts are an excellent companion to goat cheese, offering a contrast of textures and flavours. Choose a variety of nuts to create a well-rounded and visually appealing snack. Some nuts that pair particularly well with goat cheese include:
- Walnuts: Their earthy flavour and crunchy texture complement the creaminess of the goat cheese.
- Pecans: These nuts add a sweet and buttery flavour, enhancing the richness of the goat cheese.
- Almonds: Almonds have a subtle sweetness and a crisp texture, making them a delightful pairing with goat cheese.
- Pistachios: With their unique flavour and vibrant green colour, pistachios add a delightful touch to your cracker and goat cheese combination.
Creating the Perfect Platter
When creating a platter with goat cheese, crackers, and nuts, consider the following tips:
- Variety: Offer a selection of different crackers and nuts to cater to various taste preferences and create a visually appealing spread.
- Presentation: Arrange the crackers, nuts, and cheese artfully on a platter or board, leaving some space for guests to add their desired toppings.
- Toppings and Garnishes: Provide a variety of toppings, such as honey, jams, or fresh herbs, to enhance the flavour and allow your guests to customise their own bites. Fresh thyme, dried roses, or edible flowers can add a special touch.
- Accompaniments: Include some fresh fruits, such as sliced apples, pears, or grapes, to complement the flavours and provide a refreshing contrast.
Recipe Ideas
- Top a cracker with goat cheese, a drizzle of honey, and a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Create a mini cheese board on a cracker by spreading some goat cheese and adding a small handful of mixed nuts, dried cranberries, and a drizzle of honey.
- For a savoury option, spread some goat cheese on a cracker and top it with chopped herbs, such as dill or thyme, and a few toasted almonds or pistachios.
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Salads and sandwiches
For a simple yet delicious salad, combine fresh greens such as arugula or spinach with goat cheese, roasted beets, and a light balsamic vinaigrette. You can also add some grilled portobello mushrooms, roasted red peppers, and toasted nuts for a heartier salad. If you're looking for something more fruity, try a salad with goat cheese, orange wedges, and toasted pecans or walnuts, or a combination of strawberries, sugar snap peas, and asparagus. For a touch of sweetness, add some dried cranberries or fresh fruits such as peach, nectarine, or apricot slices in the summer, or apples, pears, and grapes in the autumn.
When it comes to sandwiches, the options are endless. A classic combination is a grilled portobello mushroom sandwich with roasted red peppers, goat cheese, and balsamic vinegar on ciabatta bread. You can also experiment with different ingredients such as marinated soy sauce, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, honey, figs, prosciutto, pears, and caramelized onions. For a sweeter sandwich, try goat cheese with honey and thyme, wrapped in phyllo dough and baked, or go for a more savoury option with artichoke, goat cheese, and prosciutto tarts.
Goat cheese's versatility and distinct flavour make it a delightful addition to any salad or sandwich, offering a creamy texture and tangy twist that's sure to impress.
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Frequently asked questions
Goat cheese is a versatile food that can be paired with a variety of fruits, vegetables, and crackers. Some fruits that go well with goat cheese include apples, pears, strawberries, and figs. Vegetables that pair well with goat cheese include arugula, beets, and asparagus. Goat cheese can also be enjoyed on its own as a creamy, tangy cheese on crackers.
Classic wine pairings with goat cheese include white wines like Sauvignon Blanc, rosé, and Grüner Veltliner. Belgian ales, especially those with a brettanomyces character, are also a good match for goat cheese.
There are many recipes that incorporate goat cheese, including salads, tarts, and dips. One recipe idea is an arugula salad topped with goat cheese, roasted beets, and a light balsamic vinaigrette. Another recipe idea is an artichoke and goat cheese tart with pancetta or prosciutto.
