Frederic Melton
Aged goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from starters to mains and salads to desserts. Its tangy, complex flavour and creamy texture make it a great addition to many sweet and savoury dishes. Whether it's fresh or aged, goat cheese is a popular choice for cheese boards and platters, paired with other cheeses, fruits, nuts, and vegetables. Aged goat cheese can also be grated or shaved and added to salads, pasta, or bruschetta for a boost of intense flavour. It can be melted into sauces, such as a goat cheese sauce for scrambled eggs, or baked into a cheesecake for dessert. Goat cheese can also be crumbled and sprinkled over soups and risottos, or used as a topping for vegetable tarts and pizzas.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Texture | Brittle, melt-in-the-mouth, creamy |
| Flavor | Full-bodied, tangy, earthy, buttery |
| Uses | Salads, starters, mains, cheese boards, baking, grilling, desserts |
| Techniques | Vacuum sealing, applying rubs, bandaging, waxing, brining |
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What You'll Learn
Using aged goat cheese in a salad
Aged goat cheese is a semi-hard cheese with a tangy, complex flavour and is a little different from the creamy goat cheese that is more commonly found. It is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of salads.
A classic French bistro starter, Salade de Chèvre Chaud, is a warm goat's cheese salad. It is a fresh leaf salad with nuts, bacon, and pan-fried goat's cheese medallions. The cheese is fried until golden on the outside and molten in the middle. If you have soft goat's cheese, you can spread it on bread and grill it.
A salad that balances sweet and salty flavours is the watermelon, mint, and aged goat cheese salad. This salad is similar to a Greek watermelon feta salad, but goat cheese is used instead for a more complex flavour profile.
Alice Waters' iconic baked goat cheese salad is a blend of lettuces with softly baked thyme-and-breadcrumb-coated goat cheese, served with crunchy garlic croutons.
Goat cheese also goes well with green apples or Bosc pears, and can be served as an appetizer or dessert.
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Pairing aged goat cheese with meat
Aged goat cheese is incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of meats. Here are some tips and ideas for pairing aged goat cheese with meat:
Choosing the Right Meat
When pairing aged goat cheese with meat, consider the flavour and texture of both the cheese and the meat. Aged goat cheese, especially the "lactic" and "renneted" varieties, tends to have a more intense, earthy flavour and a harder, melt-in-your-mouth texture. As such, it pairs well with meats that can stand up to these characteristics.
Good meat options include:
- Salty, smoky meats like ham or prosciutto
- Heartier meats like beef or lamb
- Cured meats like salami or chorizo
- Poultry, such as chicken or turkey
Preparation and Presentation
Aged goat cheese can be incorporated into a variety of dishes featuring the meats listed above. Here are some ideas:
- Crumble aged goat cheese over a steak salad, perhaps with some balsamic vinegar and caramelised onions
- Stuff chicken breasts with aged goat cheese and herbs, then bake or grill until the cheese is melted
- Top a hearty beef or lamb stew with chunks of aged goat cheese for a creamy, tangy finish
- Create a charcuterie board with a variety of cured meats, such as salami, chorizo, and prosciutto, and include aged goat cheese as part of the spread
- Make a sandwich with sliced turkey, arugula, and aged goat cheese
Condiments and Accompaniments
When pairing aged goat cheese with meat, consider adding condiments or accompaniments that complement both the cheese and the meat. Here are some ideas:
- Sweet and tangy chutneys or relishes can provide a nice contrast to the savoury flavours of the meat and cheese
- Fresh herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, can enhance the flavour of the cheese and add a pop of colour to the dish
- Toasty nuts, such as almonds or pistachios, can provide a crunchy texture and a savoury flavour
- Pickles or cornichons can add a briny, acidic note to the pairing
Wine Pairings
Finally, if you're looking to include a wine pairing with your aged goat cheese and meat, consider the following:
- Goat cheese is often paired with Sauvignon Blanc or Cabernet Franc, both of which can complement the cheese's acidity and earthiness
- Chardonnay, especially those with refreshing flavours of apples and pears, can balance out the richness of aged goat cheese
- Syrah, with its big flavours of ripe summer berries, can mellow out the funky, bitter flavours that some aged goat cheeses may have
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Adding aged goat cheese to a cheese board
Aged goat cheese is a great addition to a cheese board, especially for special occasions. Its complex flavour and creamy texture make it a versatile ingredient that can be paired with a variety of other foods. Here are some tips for adding aged goat cheese to your next cheese board:
Choose the Right Type of Aged Goat Cheese
Aged goat cheese comes in various shapes and sizes, and you can find it coated in herbs, ash, or wrapped in leaves. Look for options like Tomme de chèvre, a large wheel of aged goat cheese known for its intense flavour. The hardest-aged goat cheeses are ideal for grating or shaving over salads, bruschetta, or pasta.
Pair with Complementary Cheeses
When creating a cheese board, it's essential to offer a variety of cheeses with different flavours and textures. Pair your aged goat cheese with semi-hard cheeses like Gruyere and Manchego, or aged and firm cheeses like Cheddar and aged Gouda. This will create an interesting contrast and allow your guests to explore different tastes.
Add Fruits, Nuts, and Vegetables
Aged goat cheese goes well with various fruits, nuts, and vegetables. Try fresh or dried fruits like apples, pears, or berries. Nuts such as walnuts or pumpkin seeds can also add a crunchy texture to your board. Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations to find your favourite pairings.
Experiment with Flavour Enhancements
You can enhance the flavour of your aged goat cheese by creating a rub. Combine coconut oil with cocoa powder and honey for a sweet option, or opt for a savoury version with lard, dried herbs, or seeds. This will not only add flavour but also create a unique appearance for your cheese board.
Storage and Presentation
When purchasing packaged goat cheese, it's best to store it in the fridge in its original packaging. To ensure the cheese lasts until your event, buy it as close to the date as possible. When presenting the cheese board, allow enough space for each item to shine and provide appropriate utensils for serving.
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Melting aged goat cheese
Aged goat cheese is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. Melting aged goat cheese is a great way to add a creamy texture and tangy flavour to your meals. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Aged goat cheese melts beautifully and can be used in a variety of melted forms. The key is to watch it closely as it melts, as it can go from oozy to runny in seconds. Here are some ways to incorporate melted aged goat cheese into your dishes:
- Salads: Thinly slice or grate aged goat cheese and place it on top of a salad. The heat from the warm salad ingredients will help melt the cheese, creating a creamy and indulgent texture. You can also use a blow torch to gently melt the cheese on top of your salad.
- Sandwiches and Baguettes: Add a slice of aged goat cheese to your sandwich or baguette and pop it under the grill until the cheese is melted and oozy. You can also use a sandwich press or panini maker to achieve the same result.
- Open-Faced Sandwiches (Tartines): Similar to the sandwiches mentioned above, place a slice of aged goat cheese on an open-faced sandwich and run it under the broiler until melted and gooey.
- Pasta: Create a rich and creamy pasta sauce by combining melted aged goat cheese with Parmesan, milk, and pasta cooking water. Toss the sauce with your favourite pasta for a quick and delicious meal.
- Vegetables: Try melting aged goat cheese over roasted or grilled vegetables. It pairs particularly well with eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers. You can also use it as a topping for ratatouille.
- Eggs: For a decadent breakfast or brunch option, melt aged goat cheese over scrambled eggs or an omelette. You can also add it to a frittata or quiche for a creamy and tangy flavour.
Aged goat cheese can enhance the flavour and texture of many dishes when melted. Experiment with different combinations and enjoy the creamy, tangy goodness of this versatile cheese!
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Grating aged goat cheese
Choosing the Right Grater:
Select a grater that suits your needs. Box graters, flat graters, and microplane graters are commonly used for grating cheese. Box graters are ideal for small to medium amounts, while flat graters are better for larger quantities. Microplane graters are perfect for hard cheeses like Parmesan but can also be used for aged goat cheese.
Preparing the Cheese:
Before grating, ensure the aged goat cheese is at room temperature, as this will help it grate more smoothly and evenly. You can also cut the cheese into smaller blocks or slices to make grating easier and prevent crumbling.
Grating Technique:
Hold the grater at a 45-degree angle and start grating in a gentle, sweeping motion. Apply gentle pressure and increase as needed. Grate in one direction only. An alternative method is to use your body weight instead of arm strength. This technique harnesses your body weight to generate more force with less effort, which is helpful when grating hard cheeses.
Recipe Ideas:
Aged goat cheese has a complex tang and creamy texture, making it a versatile ingredient. You can sprinkle grated aged goat cheese on salads, pasta dishes, or even grilled cheese sandwiches and nachos. For a sweet option, combine grated aged goat cheese with Greek yogurt and drizzle with warm honey for a caramel-like treat.
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Frequently asked questions
Aged goat cheese can be used in a variety of recipes, including salads, pasta, pizza, and soups. It can also be paired with semi-hard cheeses like Gruyere and Manchego, and aged and firm cheeses like Cheddar and aged Gouda.
Fresh goat cheese, also known as "lactic" goat cheese, is unaged with a supple, moist texture and a mild flavour. Aged goat cheese, on the other hand, has a more brittle texture and a fuller, more intense flavour.
Aged goat cheese should be stored in the fridge in its original packaging.
