Patrick Oconnell
Goat cheese is a versatile and tasty ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. From savoury to sweet, breakfast to dinner, goat cheese lends its tangy, creamy flavour and texture to a range of recipes. Whether you're making it yourself or buying it from a store, there are endless possibilities for incorporating goat cheese into your meals. So, what are some ways to use hard goat cheese in your cooking?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Goat cheese recipes | Salads, sandwiches, tarts, pasta, pizza, omelettes, soups, risottos, cheesecakes, quesadillas, casseroles, vegetable tarts, ratatouille, crostini, charcuterie boards |
| Goat cheese storage | Store in a specially designed cheese wrap or a Formaticum Cheese Storage Bag |
| Goat cheese preparation | Can be frozen for up to 6 months, defrost in the refrigerator overnight |
| Goat cheese texture | Tangy, smooth, creamy, rich, complex, earthy, buttery |
| Goat cheese alternatives | Brie, Camembert |
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What You'll Learn
Use it in salads
Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, including salads. Here are some ideas for using hard goat cheese in salads:
Shaved or Grated Goat Cheese Salad:
Hard goat cheese, such as Tomme de chèvre, can be shaved or grated over a bed of mixed greens. The cheese adds a tangy and creamy texture to the salad, along with a complex flavour. To enhance the taste and texture, you can toast some nuts and seeds, such as pumpkin seeds or almonds, and sprinkle them on top.
Goat Cheese Salad with Fruit:
Hard goat cheese pairs well with sweet and tangy fruits. Try adding sliced apples, pears, or grilled nectarines to your salad. The combination of the creamy cheese and the sweetness of the fruit creates a delightful contrast. You can also add a drizzle of honey to the salad for an extra touch of sweetness.
Baked Goat Cheese Salad:
For a warm and indulgent salad option, try baking the hard goat cheese before adding it to your salad. Simply bread the cheese for a crispy exterior and bake it until it's warm and slightly melted. Serve it on a bed of arugula or mixed greens, and top it with a tangy lemon dressing. You can also add some crunch with pumpkin seeds or nuts.
Goat Cheese Salad with Eggs:
If you're looking for a heartier salad option, combine hard goat cheese with eggs. You can scramble the eggs and top them with crumbled goat cheese, or create an omelette with a sweet onion base and creamy goat cheese. The savoury and creamy combination is sure to satisfy.
Goat Cheese Salad with Meat:
For a more substantial salad, pair hard goat cheese with meat such as chicken or bacon. The tanginess of the cheese complements the savouriness of the meat. Add some steamed vegetables or greens to create a well-rounded and flavourful salad.
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Bake it into a cheesecake
Goat cheese is incredibly versatile, and can be used in a variety of dishes, including baked into a cheesecake. Here is a recipe for a goat cheese cheesecake with a roasted honey walnut topping:
Ingredients:
- Shortbread cookies
- Roasted walnuts
- Butter
- Cream cheese
- Goat cheese
- Granulated sugar
- Sour cream
- Vanilla
Steps:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (162°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Prepare the crust by crushing shortbread cookies into a fine crumb in a food processor.
- Pour the cookie crumbs into a large bowl and mix in the roasted walnuts.
- Drizzle melted butter over the mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Press the crumb mixture into the bottom of a 9" springform pan.
- Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let it cool while preparing the filling.
- Beat the cream cheese and goat cheese on medium-high speed until smooth, which should take about 2 minutes.
- Add the granulated sugar and beat again until combined, for another 2 minutes.
- Reduce the mixer speed to low and add the sour cream and vanilla, mixing until completely combined.
- Pour the batter over the baked crust, leaving room at the top for the cheesecake to rise.
- Place the foil-wrapped pan in a larger roasting pan and pour warm water around the edges, halfway up to create a water bath.
- Bake for about 1 hour, until the top of the cheesecake is brown.
- Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake sit inside for another hour.
- Remove the cheesecake and let it cool at room temperature, then chill in the fridge for at least 3 hours or overnight.
- Top with roasted honey walnuts and enjoy!
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Make a savoury cookie
Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of savoury dishes, from salads to pasta. If you have some hard goat cheese at home, you can use it to make a savoury cookie. Here is a recipe for goat cheese and chive cookies:
Ingredients:
- 1 stick (8 tablespoons; 4 ounces; 113 grams) unsalted butter, cut into chunks, and at room temperature
- 3 ounces (1/3 cup packed; 86 grams) soft, fresh goat cheese
- Salt
- Pepper
- Chives or scallion greens
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a hand mixer in a large bowl, beat the butter, cheese, salt, pepper, and chives together until well combined.
- On a floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Using a 1 1/4-inch diameter cookie cutter, cut out the cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving at least an inch between them.
- Bake for 15 to 17 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden and firm to the touch.
- Allow the cookies to cool for at least 5 minutes before serving, or let them cool completely.
These savoury cookies are perfect for sharing at a cocktail party or picnic and go well with a glass of wine or Prosecco. You can also package them up and give them as gifts to friends, neighbours, or anyone who needs a pick-me-up.
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Add it to pasta
Hard goat cheese can be a delicious addition to pasta. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Goat Cheese Pasta Sauce
Create a rich and creamy pasta sauce by combining goat cheese, Parmesan, milk, and pasta-cooking water. This sauce requires no cooking and can be simply mixed together and tossed with your favourite pasta. For a twist on the traditional, try adding some pesto or smoked paprika to the sauce.
Goat Cheese and Vegetable Pasta
A quick and easy pasta dish can be made with leeks, walnuts, goat's cheese and garlic. Simply cook the pasta of your choice, and toss with chopped leeks, toasted walnuts, and crumbled goat cheese. Spice things up with some chilli flakes if you like it hot!
Goat Cheese and Meat Pasta
Goat cheese pairs well with meat, especially chicken and bacon. Try a pasta dish with these ingredients, and add some vegetables like steamed Jersey Royals or broccoli for a well-rounded meal.
Baked Goat Cheese Pasta
For a hearty, rich dish, try a baked pasta with a double layer of goat's cheese and a coating of cream. This can be a great make-ahead meal and is perfect for feeding a crowd.
Goat Cheese and Herb Pasta
Herbs and goat cheese are a match made in heaven. Try a simple pasta dish with goat cheese, fresh herbs like basil, and grilled nectarines for a unique flavour combination.
There are endless possibilities when adding hard goat cheese to pasta. Get creative and experiment with different combinations of meat, vegetables, herbs, and spices to find your favourite goat cheese pasta dish!
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Freeze it for later
Yes, you can freeze goat cheese! Freezing is a great way to extend the shelf life of goat cheese, especially if you've bought it in bulk or on sale. This can be a good way to save money on this expensive food item.
If you're going to freeze your goat cheese, it's best to do so as soon as you get home from the store. The sooner you freeze it, the longer it will last once thawed. Wrap the cheese tightly in plastic wrap to keep air out, then place it in an airtight bag to prevent freezer burn and further protect its quality. You can freeze an entire log or portion-sized parts—whatever you think will be most useful to you. Be sure to write the date on the packaging and try to use the cheese within three months.
Freezing will affect the texture and taste of the goat cheese, so it's best to use it in cooked dishes. You can grate frozen goat cheese, just like you would with a hard cheese like Parmesan. However, you wouldn't want to use it in dishes where you want the cheese to be soft, creamy, and spreadable, like on a bruschetta.
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Frequently asked questions
To store leftover hard goat cheese, use a specially designed cheese wrap or bag. These allow the cheese to breathe and prevent it from drying out.
Yes, you can freeze hard goat cheese. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag or container. It will stay good for about 6 months.
Hard goat cheese can be grated or shaved and added to salads, bruschetta, pasta, or any dish that needs a boost of flavor. It can also be sliced thinly and used in sandwiches or on a cheese tray.
Yes, you can make your own hard goat cheese at home. The process is fairly simple and only requires a few ingredients and tools. You can find recipes and instructions online.
The leftover whey from making hard goat cheese can be used in soups, stews, smoothies, shakes, or baking recipes as a replacement for water or milk. It can also be used in bread-making to enhance the flavor.
