Randy Chandler
Goat cheese is a tangy soft cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes and pairs well with many different herbs and spices. It can be used as a sandwich spread, crumbled on pizza, or added to pasta. Its versatility means it can be used in appetizers, snacks, or main meals. For example, it can be mixed with olive oil and herbs and served with crackers or toasted baguette slices. When choosing herbs and spices to pair with goat cheese, consider the other ingredients in your dish and experiment with different combinations to find your favorite flavors.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Spices | Allspice, Coriander, Red Pepper Flakes, Garlic, Star Anise, Bay Leaves, Thyme, Chives, Dill, Rosemary, Scallions, Tarragon, Parsley, Mint, Basil, Pepper |
| Oils | Olive Oil |
| Bread | Pita Bread, Baguette, Bread |
| Fruits | Apples, Pears |
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What You'll Learn
Basil, thyme, and chives
Basil and Goat Cheese
Basil is a versatile herb that can be used in many dishes, and it pairs exceptionally well with goat cheese. A basil-infused whipped goat cheese can be used as a dip with crudites or crackers, slathered on toasted bread, folded into pasta, or dolloped on top of a warm grain bowl. To make basil whipped goat cheese, simply combine the goat cheese, cream cheese, garlic, red pepper flakes, lemon zest, and thyme leaves in a food processor. Whip until smooth, add the basil, and pulse until green specks appear throughout the mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and you're ready to serve this light and fresh summer appetizer.
Thyme and Goat Cheese
Thyme is another herb that complements goat cheese beautifully. Spring thyme and goat cheese gnocchi is a delicious and tender dish that is surprisingly easy to prepare. To make this dish, mix goat cheese, eggs, parmigiano, and thyme in a large bowl. Slowly add in the flour and gently knead until a soft, wet dough forms. Divide the dough into four pieces and roll each piece into a 1-inch thick rope. Slice the ropes into 1-inch pieces and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. When ready to cook, boil the gnocchi in batches for approximately four minutes or until they begin to float. Serve the warm gnocchi with a citrus-parmesan sauce and spring vegetables, and sprinkle with additional parmesan if desired.
Chives and Goat Cheese
Chives add a fresh taste to goat cheese and can be used in a variety of ways. One option is to make a goat cheese log with chives, which can be served with crackers, crostini, apple slices, or celery sticks. To prepare this simple appetizer, finely chop fresh chives and spread them on a chopping board. Roll a chilled goat cheese log in the chives until it is fully coated. Another delicious option is to make flaky goat cheese and chive biscuits, which can be served with eggs, soup, or salad. To make the biscuits, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, parmesan, butter, chives, and goat cheese. Add buttermilk gradually, stirring until the dough comes together. Gently knead the dough, chill if necessary, and then roll it out into a rectangle. Crumble goat cheese over the center, fold the edges in, and cut out biscuits.
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Parsley, basil, and mint
Basil is another herb that pairs well with goat cheese. You can add it to a marinade with olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, and chives, and then pour this over sliced goat cheese. This is best served with bread or crackers. You can also make a goat cheese pasty with basil, parsley, and chard, by cooking the chard and then stirring in the herbs, salt, and pepper, before adding the goat cheese and making the pastry.
Mint is a herb that can be used in combination with dill to complement goat cheese. You can also add mint to goat cheese with other herbs, such as basil, or dried herbs like oregano and Italian seasoning.
Goat cheese is a tangy and bright cheese that stands out among the rich olive oil and earthy herbs in a marinade. It is also a very versatile cheese, as it can be used in appetizers, snacks, or meals, and can be spread on bread or crackers, or used as a filling for pastries.
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Garlic, red pepper flakes, and lemon zest
This combination of flavours is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. For instance, you can create a delicious herbed goat cheese spread by mixing the cheese with olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This spread is perfect on grilled sourdough bread or crackers, and it also pairs well with eggs, roasted vegetables, or pasta. The lemon zest can be used in conjunction with other herbs and spices, such as garlic and mint, to create a unique and refreshing flavour profile.
If you're looking for a simple appetizer, you can marinate goat cheese in olive oil and this spice blend, creating a versatile dish that can be served with crackers, toasted baguette slices, apple slices, or pear slices. The citrusy notes of lemon zest pair particularly well with the sweetness of fruit, making it an excellent choice for a summer menu.
For a heartier option, try spreading the herbed goat cheese on pita bread or using it as a base for a flatbread. Top with sliced vegetables, such as roasted peppers or eggplant, and perhaps some chopped nuts for added texture and flavour. The possibilities are endless when it comes to this flavour combination, so feel free to experiment and find your favourite way to enjoy it!
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Olive oil and herbs
You can use any herbs you have on hand, but some common pairings include basil, thyme, chives, dill, rosemary, and tarragon. For example, one source recommends a marinade of olive oil, basil, salt, pepper, thyme leaves, and chives. You could also add spices like garlic, lemon zest, or scallions, and a drizzle of honey or some chopped dried apricots can enhance the flavour. Another source suggests crushing allspice and coriander with garlic, orange zest, bay leaves, star anise, oil, and red pepper flakes, cooking this mixture, and then pouring it over the goat cheese.
You can serve the goat cheese with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or bread, or even apple or pear slices. If you want to get creative, you can also use the goat cheese as a sandwich spread, crumble it on pizza, or add it to pasta.
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Nuts, honey, and dried fruit
When it comes to nuts, a variety of options can be considered. Walnuts, pine nuts, almonds, and sunflower seeds are all excellent choices that provide a crunchy texture and a hint of saltiness, beautifully complementing the creamy tanginess of the goat cheese. To enhance the nutty flavour, toasting the nuts before serving is a simple yet effective technique.
Dried fruits add a burst of sweetness and a chewy texture to the mix. Apricots, cranberries, dates, and golden raisins are particularly popular choices, with their vibrant colours and flavours pairing harmoniously with the goat cheese. For a more tropical twist, dried mango, pineapple, or even zucchini can be incorporated.
Honey acts as the perfect unifier, bringing together the salty, nutty flavours and the tangy, creamy cheese. A variety of honey types can be used, from simple clover honey to more unique varieties like lavender, tupelo, or black sage honey. Drizzling the honey over the goat cheese and fruit creates a gorgeous, glossy appearance that is sure to impress.
In terms of presentation, there are endless possibilities. The goat cheese, honey, and dried fruit can be served on a platter with nuts sprinkled on top, creating a stunning visual display. Alternatively, the goat cheese can be spread on crunchy crackers or sliced toasted baguettes, topped with the honey-drenched fruit and nuts for a bite-sized treat. For a more casual approach, the ingredients can be combined and served as a dip with crackers or pita bread on the side.
This combination of nuts, honey, and dried fruit with goat cheese is a versatile and delightful option that can be tailored to personal preferences and seasonal availability. It is a simple yet impressive way to elevate any cheese course or appetizer spread.
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Frequently asked questions
Goat cheese is a tangy soft cheese that pairs well with a variety of herbs and spices. Some common pairings include dill, chives, basil, rosemary, and garlic.
For a simple appetizer, goat cheese can be mixed with herbs and olive oil and served with crackers or toasted baguette slices. It can also be used as a sandwich spread, crumbled on pizza, or added to pasta.
Some specific combinations that go well with goat cheese include basil and thyme, rosemary and garlic, and dill and chives.
Yes, a drizzle of honey or chopped dried apricots can also enhance the flavor of goat cheese. For some extra crunch, you can add chopped almonds, pistachios, or walnuts.
