Patrick Oconnell
Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to pizzas and even desserts. However, if your goat cheese hasn't set properly, you may be wondering if it's still safe to eat and how you can use it. While we can't advise on the former, there are several ways to use soft goat cheese in your cooking.
What to do with goat cheese that didn't set
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Goat cheese sauce | Add garlic, dried chives, milk, and onion to goat cheese to make a sauce. |
| Goat cheese with herbs | Mix goat cheese with rosemary, thyme, laurel leaves, curry, ginger, or black pepper. |
| Goat cheese with other cheeses | Cut the bold flavour of goat cheese with a milder cheese like Emmental, Muenster, or mild cheddar. |
| Goat cheese with water | Leave goat cheese in water in a closed box in the fridge for several days to reduce the smell. |
| Goat cheese with olive oil | Crush the goat cheese and mix it with olive oil and rosemary. |
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Make a sauce
Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, including sauces. Here are some ideas for making a sauce with goat cheese that didn't set:
Goat Cheese Sauce Ideas:
- Scalloped Potatoes with Cheese Sauce: Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add diced onions and a pinch of salt, cooking until translucent. Stir in flour and cook for another minute. Pour in milk while stirring, then add goat cheese and stir until melted. Continue adding milk gradually until you achieve your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This sauce can be poured over potatoes, pasta, or any other dish of your choice.
- Fettuccine with Goat Cheese Sauce: Combine goat cheese, Parmesan, milk, and a small amount of hot pasta cooking water to create a rich sauce for fettuccine. This sauce requires no cooking and can be prepared quickly.
- Goat Cheese Sauce with Aromatic Herbs: If you're looking to mellow the flavour of your goat cheese, consider adding aromatic herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or laurel leaves. Spices like curry, ginger, and ground white or black pepper can also be used to give the sauce a refreshing twist.
- Grilled Vegetables with Goat Cheese Sauce: Grill or roast vegetables of your choice, such as zucchini, eggplant, or peppers. Serve them with a side of goat cheese sauce for dipping or drizzling. The sauce can be made by mixing goat cheese with milk, garlic, and dried chives.
- Breakfast Scramble with Goat Cheese Sauce: Prepare scrambled eggs, either traditionally or using Chef Daniel Patterson's boiling water method for super-creamy results. Top the eggs with a drizzle of goat cheese sauce, olive oil, and fresh rosemary for a unique breakfast experience.
- Goat Cheese Sauce with Pasta: Toss cooked pasta with sliced sautéed eggplant and crumbled goat cheese. You can also add other vegetables or proteins of your choice. The heat from the pasta will help melt the goat cheese, creating a creamy sauce.
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Add to pizza
Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in countless dishes. If you have goat cheese that didn't set, you can still use it to add flavour and creaminess to your pizza. Here are some ideas to elevate your homemade pizza with goat cheese:
Choose Your Base
Goat cheese pairs well with a variety of pizza bases. You can opt for a traditional pizza dough base or get creative with alternatives such as zucchini, cauliflower, or a gluten-free option.
Toppings and Combinations
When it comes to toppings, the possibilities are endless. Here are some flavour combinations to consider:
- Goat Cheese, Roasted Garlic, and Arugula: This trio creates a delicious blend of flavours and textures. The tanginess of the goat cheese complements the roasted garlic, while the arugula adds a peppery note and a touch of bitterness.
- Spinach, Goat Cheese, and Walnuts: Create a nutrient-rich pizza with spinach, walnuts, and goat cheese. The creamy goat cheese blends beautifully with the spinach, while the walnuts add a satisfying crunch.
- Eggplant, Goat Cheese, and Pesto: Sautéed eggplant slices topped with tangy goat cheese and bold pesto make for a mouth-watering combination. The eggplant provides a meaty texture, while the goat cheese and pesto bring a burst of flavour.
- Tomato and Goat Cheese: Cherry tomatoes and goat cheese is a classic combination. The sweetness of the tomatoes balances the tanginess of the cheese. You can also add sausage links or bacon for a heartier pizza.
- Meaty Mushrooms and Caramelized Onions: Goat cheese pairs perfectly with the earthy flavours of meaty mushrooms and sweet caramelized onions. The tanginess of the cheese cuts through the richness of the other ingredients.
- Greek-inspired Pizza: Channel the flavours of Greece with a combination of kalamata olives, garlic, dill, and goat cheese. This combination is perfect for those who enjoy bold flavours, and it can be served as a pizza topping or a dip with bread.
Tips for Using Goat Cheese on Pizza
- Thin slices of goat cheese work well on pizza, especially if you want to distribute the flavour throughout the pie.
- Goat cheese can also be crumbled or spread, depending on the desired texture and presentation.
- If you find the flavour of goat cheese too strong, you can mix it with milder cheeses like Emmental, Muenster, or mild cheddar to create a more subtle flavour profile.
- Aromatic herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or laurel leaves can be added to enhance the flavour of the goat cheese and create a more complex dish.
Remember, these are just a few suggestions, and you can get creative with your favourite ingredients to make a unique goat cheese pizza. Enjoy experimenting with different combinations and savour the delicious results!
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Bake into cheesecake
If you have goat cheese that didn't set, you can bake it into a cheesecake. This is a great way to use up the cheese and create a delicious dessert. Here are some tips and instructions to help you get started:
Choosing the Right Goat Cheese
When baking goat cheese into a cheesecake, it's important to choose a variety that is creamy and has a mild flavour. Soft and creamy goat cheese will blend easily into your cheesecake batter, creating a smooth and creamy texture. If your goat cheese has a strong flavour, it may overpower the other ingredients in the cheesecake.
Preparing the Goat Cheese
Before adding the goat cheese to your cheesecake batter, it's important to bring it to room temperature. This will make it easier to mix into the batter and ensure a smooth and consistent texture. Simply remove the cheese from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before you start baking.
Creating a Balanced Flavour
Goat cheese has a unique tangy and earthy flavour. When baking it into a cheesecake, you can balance this flavour by adding other ingredients that complement it. Consider using ingredients such as fresh berries, lemon, or even a touch of vanilla to enhance the flavour of the goat cheese and create a well-rounded dessert.
A Simple Cheesecake Recipe
If you're new to baking cheesecakes, start with a simple recipe that you can easily modify to include goat cheese. Here's a basic recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
- 250g of goat cheese, at room temperature
- 250g of cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup of sour cream
- 1 prepared graham cracker crust or digestive biscuit base
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a large bowl, beat the goat cheese and cream cheese until smooth.
- Add the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.
- Stir in the sour cream.
- Pour the batter into the prepared crust.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the centre is set but still slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven, prop open the oven door, and let the cheesecake cool slowly for about an hour.
- Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
Serving and Storing
When serving your goat cheese cheesecake, consider topping it with fresh berries, a drizzle of honey, or a dusting of powdered sugar. Cheesecake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
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Make a spread
If your goat cheese didn't set, you can still use it to make a spread. Here are some ideas and recipes to get you started:
Herbed Goat Cheese Spread
This spread is perfect for those who want a simple yet delicious option. Start by mashing some roasted garlic and chives into the goat cheese. You can also add white pepper or other herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, or laurel leaves to give it a refreshing twist. This spread can be enjoyed with crackers, bread, or even used as a dip for vegetables.
Goat Cheese and Greek Yogurt Spread
For a unique combination of sweet and tangy, try mixing your goat cheese with Greek yogurt and drizzling warm honey over the mixture. The honey will cool and form a caramel-like consistency, creating a delightful spread that can be used on toast, bagels, or even as a dip for fruit.
Savory Goat Cheese Spread
Create a savory spread by blending your goat cheese with caramelized onions and vinegar, then drizzling olive oil on top. This spread can be used as a topping for pizzas, crostini, or bruschetta. You can also stuff it into mini peppers or use it as a filling for pastries or tarts.
Sweet Goat Cheese Spread
For a sweet treat, mix your goat cheese with maple syrup or fig preserves. This spread can be used as a filling for cookies or pastries. It also pairs well with fresh fruit, such as sliced apples or pears. You can even add some chopped nuts for a crunchy texture.
Creamy Goat Cheese Spread
Make a creamy and versatile spread by blending your goat cheese with milk or cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This spread can be used as a dip for vegetables, a topping for potatoes or pasta, or even as a base for a sauce.
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Mix with herbs
If you have goat cheese that didn't set, don't worry—you can still use it! One option is to mix it with herbs to create a delicious and versatile spread or topping. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Cauliflower Soup with Herbed Goat Cheese: This recipe combines the earthiness of cauliflower soup with the tanginess of goat cheese and the freshness of herbs. You can blend the goat cheese with aromatic herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or laurel leaves and then swirl it into the soup for a creamy and flavourful addition.
- Roll in Herbed Bread Crumbs: Try rolling slices of goat cheese in a mixture of herbs and breadcrumbs and broiling them until crispy. Serve these warm, crispy cheese bites over a green salad for a unique and tasty treat.
- Herb and Goat Cheese Spread: Mash or blend your goat cheese with a variety of fresh or dried herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, chives, or basil. You can also add other ingredients like roasted garlic or white pepper to create a delicious spread for crackers, bread, or vegetables.
- Herbed Goat Cheese Log: If you're looking for a simple yet impressive appetizer, form your goat cheese into a log shape and then roll it in a mixture of chopped herbs, nuts, or dried fruits. This creates a beautiful and tasty centrepiece for a charcuterie board or appetizer platter.
- Herbed Goat Cheese Dip: Mix your goat cheese with a variety of fresh herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, and some crushed garlic. Serve this dip with crackers, pita chips, or fresh vegetables for a tasty and easy appetizer.
Remember, when mixing your goat cheese with herbs, taste as you go and adjust the quantities to your liking. You can also experiment with different combinations of herbs to find your favourite flavour profile.
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Frequently asked questions
Try making a sauce by heating oil in a saucepan over medium heat, adding onion and seasoning with a pinch of salt. Cook and stir the onion until translucent, then add flour and cook for another minute. Pour in milk while stirring, then add the goat cheese and stir to melt.
You can add more milk and puree the sauce to smoothen it out. You can also add herbs and spices like garlic, dried chives, thyme, rosemary, or laurel leaves to give it a refreshing twist.
You can pour this sauce over pasta, potatoes, or anything you like!
