Goat Cheese's Perfect Spice Companion: A Definitive Guide

Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from appetizers to salads and pasta sauces. Its creamy, tangy, and spreadable texture makes it a perfect base for experimenting with different spices and herbs. While some people prefer to keep it simple with a sprinkle of salt and pepper, others like to get creative with herbs and spices such as basil, thyme, chives, dill, rosemary, or even spice blends like herbes de Provence, za'atar, or dukkah.

Thyme, red pepper flakes, and olive oil

To make this appetizer, place the goat cheese in a shallow serving dish, or cut it in half and place it in two dishes. Pour extra-virgin olive oil over the cheese, and then sprinkle with thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and let it sit for at least 30 minutes before serving. This dish can be served with crackers or toasted baguette slices. Apple and pear slices would also work well as accompaniments.

The great thing about this recipe is that it can be made up to 24 hours in advance. It can be prepared directly in the serving dish and stored in the refrigerator. Just remember to take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before serving to bring it to room temperature.

The versatility of goat cheese allows for many variations on this recipe. In addition to thyme, other herbs that pair well with goat cheese include basil, chervil, chives, fennel seeds, garlic, lemon zest, mint, scallions, parsley, rosemary, sage, and tarragon. Spice blends like herbes de Provence, za'atar, or dukkah can also be used. For some extra crunch and flavour, consider adding chopped almonds, pistachios, walnuts, or pecans. A drizzle of honey, chopped olives, or dried apricots or cherries can also take this appetizer to the next level.

Chives, dill, and basil

Chives, a versatile herb, pair well with goat cheese and eggs. A simple, yet delicious dish is creamy goat cheese and chive scrambled eggs. The chives add a savoury touch to the dish, and it can be served at any time of the day.

Dill is another herb that can enhance the flavour of goat cheese. A quick and easy appetizer can be made by coating slightly hardened goat cheese with finely chopped fresh dill, giving it a "mossy" appearance. This can be served with crackers.

Basil, with its distinct flavour, can be blended with goat cheese to create a creamy, basil-infused spread or dip. This combination is perfect for summer entertaining, as it can be served with crudités or slathered on toasted bread for a tangy sandwich. It can even be thinned out and mixed with freshly cooked pasta for a unique flavour.

These three herbs provide a range of options to elevate dishes featuring goat cheese, whether you're looking for a savoury breakfast, a simple appetizer, or a flavourful pasta dish.

Allspice, coriander, and garlic

Marinated Goat Cheese

For a mouth-watering appetiser, try marinating goat cheese in an infusion of allspice, coriander, and garlic. This recipe, crafted by Alon Shaya, involves crushing allspice berries and coriander seeds with the flat side of a chef's knife. The spices are then cooked slowly with garlic, orange zest, bay leaves, star anise, oil, and red pepper flakes until the garlic turns a golden hue. The aromatic, spiced oil is then poured over the goat cheese, creating a flavourful masterpiece. Serve this marinated delight with toasted baguette slices for a crunchy, creamy bite.

Spicy Goat Cheese Spread

For a quick and easy treat, make a spicy goat cheese spread by combining room-temperature goat cheese with fresh garlic, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, and dried minced onion in a food processor. Whip the ingredients together until smooth, and voila! You have a creamy, spicy spread that pairs perfectly with grilled crusty bread or your favourite crackers. This simple recipe is sure to impress at any gathering.

Goat Cheese with Herbs and Spices

In addition to allspice and coriander, there are numerous herbs and spices that complement goat cheese. Experiment with rosemary, bay leaves, star anise, chilli flakes, and orange zest. You can also try blending goat cheese with olive oil and herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano. For a unique twist, add garlic, peppercorns, and walnuts to the mix. These combinations will add depth and flavour to your goat cheese creations.

Smoked paprika and chilli flakes

Goat cheese, also known as chèvre, is a versatile and delicious ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from appetizers to salads and pasta sauces. Its creamy texture and tangy flavour make it a standout choice for many cheese enthusiasts. To elevate this already delectable cheese, one can turn to spices such as smoked paprika and chilli flakes.

The Cheese

Goat cheese has a unique flavour profile that is both tangy and bright, making it a perfect base for a variety of spices and herbs. When preparing goat cheese as an appetizer, it is recommended to slice the cheese into discs about ⅓" thick and let it come to room temperature to ensure a creamy spread.

The Spices

Smoked paprika, with its deep red colour and smoky flavour, adds a subtle warmth to the goat cheese without overwhelming its delicate flavour. A pinch of chilli flakes enhances the tanginess of the cheese, creating a delightful contrast. These spices not only add flavour but also a subtle heat that is pleasing to the palate.

The Preparation

To create a simple yet impressive appetizer, combine room-temperature goat cheese, smoked paprika, chilli flakes, and a pinch of minced onion in a food processor. Process the ingredients together until you achieve a smooth and creamy spread. This can then be served on crackers, baguette slices, or grilled bread for a touch of crispness.

For a more complex dish, consider marinating the goat cheese. Create a marinade by mixing olive oil, thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Pour this mixture over the goat cheese and let it rest for about 30 minutes. The result is a flavourful, spicy cheese that can be served with crackers or bread.

The Perfect Pairing

The combination of smoked paprika and chilli flakes with goat cheese creates a delightful interplay of flavours and textures. The subtle smokiness of the paprika enhances the creaminess of the cheese, while the chilli flakes add a touch of heat that accentuates the tanginess of the goat cheese. This pairing is a true delight for the senses, offering a well-rounded culinary experience.

Lemon zest, mint, and rosemary

A simple marinade can be made by adding lemon zest, mint, and rosemary to a good-quality extra-virgin olive oil, along with salt and pepper to taste. This marinade can then be drizzled over the goat cheese, or the cheese can be sliced and left to rest in the marinade for 30 minutes to allow the flavours to meld. This marinated goat cheese can be served with simple crackers or slices of toasted baguette, or even apple and pear slices.

In addition to lemon zest, mint, and rosemary, other herbs and spices that pair well with goat cheese include basil, chives, dill, thyme, and sage.

Frequently asked questions