Andy Montoya
Herb goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a multitude of dishes. Its tangy and creamy profile makes it a great ingredient to play with. It can be used as a spread on grilled sourdough bread or crackers, as a dip for vegetables and fruits, or as a sandwich spread with smoked salmon, Italian deli meats, or roasted or grilled vegetables. It can also be tossed with pasta or added to a vegetarian lasagna. Herb goat cheese can be whipped up in a food processor with herbs, garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper, and drizzled with extra virgin olive oil. It can be served as an appetizer or used as an ingredient in frittatas, omelets, and quiches.
What to do with herbed goat cheese
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Appetizer | Serve as an appetizer with crackers, veggies, or bread |
| Sandwich spread | Pairs well with smoked salmon, Italian deli meats, or roasted or grilled vegetables |
| Omelette | Can be stuffed into an omelette |
| Frittata | Can be crumbled into a frittata |
| Pasta | Can be tossed with pasta |
| Lasagna | Can be added to a vegetarian lasagna |
| Salad dressing | The leftover oil from marinated goat cheese can be used in salad dressings |
| Marinade | Can be used to marinate meat |
| Customization | Can be customized with different herbs, such as dill, parsley, cilantro, or chives |
| Storage | Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 10 days |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Herbed goat cheese as a dip
Herbed goat cheese is a delicious and elegant dip that is perfect for a dinner party or cocktail get-together. It is simple to make and can be prepared in advance, making it a great stress-free option when entertaining. The dip is best served at room temperature but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.
To make the dip, you will need a log of goat cheese, not the crumbled variety, as this has a better texture and taste for dipping. Allow the goat cheese to come to room temperature before preparing the dip. You can then use a food processor to blend the cheese with milk, fresh herbs, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. For the herbs, you can use a combination of any that you like, such as dill, flat-leaf parsley, cilantro, mint, thyme, rosemary, or basil. Don't be afraid to season well, as the goat cheese can handle a good amount of seasoning. You can also add a touch of maple syrup to balance the savory herbs with a hint of sweetness.
Once you have blended the dip to your desired consistency, transfer it to a serving bowl and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. The dip can be served with a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, such as crisp, blanched green beans, fresh snap peas, grape tomatoes, radish wedges, and grapes. It also pairs well with crackers or crusty bread, such as sourdough, for dipping.
Herbed goat cheese dip is a simple yet impressive appetizer that is perfect for any gathering and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Goat Cheese Crumble: What's the Deal?
You may want to see also
Herbed goat cheese on toast
Ingredients:
- Goat cheese: Soft the cheese at room temperature before mixing with herbs.
- Fresh herbs: Choose a variety of herbs such as basil, chives, dill, parsley, tarragon, thyme, or rosemary. Finely chop or process the herbs.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the cheese and use some extra for serving.
- Bread: Artisan sourdough or a baguette is an ideal choice, but any crusty loaf will work.
- Optional: Garlic, roasted peppers, or other toppings of your choice.
Preparation:
- If using a food processor, combine the softened goat cheese, chopped herbs, and a touch of extra virgin olive oil. Pulse until the mixture is whipped and blended.
- If mixing by hand, ensure the goat cheese is at room temperature and finely chop the herbs before mixing with a spoon or spatula.
- Slice the bread into desired shapes and sizes. For a heartier bite, cut the bread extra-thick.
- Lightly grill or toast the bread. For an extra flavour boost, rub the toast with garlic.
- Spread the herbed goat cheese generously onto the toast.
- For a warm treat, return the cheese-topped toasts to the oven for a few minutes until the cheese is slightly melted.
- For a more elaborate dish, top the cheese with roasted peppers, smoked salmon, Italian deli meats, or grilled vegetables.
Serving:
- Herbed goat cheese on toast can be served warm or at room temperature.
- It pairs well with soup or a light entrée.
- For a simple appetizer or snack, serve with crackers or fresh vegetables on the side.
- For a heartier meal, use the herbed goat cheese as a sandwich spread or toss it with pasta.
Goat Cheese: Natural or Processed?
You may want to see also
Herbed goat cheese in a sandwich
Herbed goat cheese can be used to make a variety of sandwiches. Here are some ideas and tips for using herbed goat cheese in a sandwich:
Sandwich Spread
Herbed goat cheese, especially when combined with cream cheese, can be used as a spread for sandwiches. You can make a garlicky herbed goat cheese spread by mixing goat cheese with cream cheese, garlic, thyme, parsley, milk, salt, and pepper. You can also add a touch of extra virgin olive oil for blending and drizzling on top. This spread can be used in sandwiches, pairing well with ingredients like smoked salmon, Italian deli meats, roasted or grilled vegetables, and more.
Grilled Goat Cheese Sandwich
You can make a delicious grilled goat cheese sandwich by spreading herbed goat cheese on bread, topping it with sweet ingredients like jam or apple/pear slices, or savory ingredients like roasted peppers, caramelized onions, or arugula. If you want to enhance the melting of the cheese, you can place a lid on the pan while cooking. Using a skillet or a pan is preferable to a grilled cheese sandwich maker or a toaster oven for this purpose. Sourdough bread works well for this sandwich, but you can use any type of bread you like, such as ciabatta or whole wheat.
Other Tips
- If you want a crispy outer texture, spread butter or olive oil on the outer side of the bread before grilling.
- You can mix the goat cheese with another cheese for extra depth of flavor.
- Herbed goat cheese sandwiches can be made ahead of time and refrigerated. Just be sure to cut them right before serving for the best texture.
Goat Cheese Nutrition: Benefits and Nutritional Value
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![Artisan Cheese Making at Home: Techniques & Recipes for Mastering World-Class Cheeses [A Cookbook]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81eH1+cYeZL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Herbed goat cheese in pasta
Herbed goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, including pasta. Here are some ideas for using herbed goat cheese in pasta:
Creamy Goat Cheese Pasta
For a simple and quick weeknight meal, try making a creamy goat cheese pasta. This recipe typically calls for cooking your choice of pasta and tossing it with a creamy sauce made from goat cheese, basil, lemon juice and zest, and Parmesan cheese. You can also add some pasta water to adjust the consistency of the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste and garnish with fresh parsley. This dish can be made in about 30 minutes and is perfect for when you're craving something comforting and indulgent.
Tomato Goat Cheese Pasta
For a slightly more complex dish, try making a tomato goat cheese pasta. This recipe involves creating a creamy tomato sauce by sauteing onions and garlic, adding crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, and then stirring in goat cheese and basil. Toss the sauce with your favourite pasta shape, such as penne, and enjoy! This dish is ready in about 30 minutes and offers a bold and fresh flavour profile.
Herbed Goat Cheese Sauce
If you want to make a more versatile herbed goat cheese sauce that can be used on pasta, chicken, or vegetables, try the following: In a saucepan, combine olive oil, wine, and chicken broth; simmer until reduced by half. Then, add parsley, goat cheese, salt, pepper, and garlic, stirring until you reach your desired consistency. This sauce can be adjusted with cornstarch or additional liquid to suit your preferences. Serve it over pasta for a flavourful and elegant meal.
Garlicky Herbed Goat Cheese Pasta
For a pasta dish with a stronger garlic flavour, try using a garlicky herbed goat cheese. You can make this by blending goat cheese with garlic and herbs such as dill and flat-leaf parsley. Toss this creamy spread with your favourite pasta until it's creamy, and consider adding some vegetables like grilled zucchini or eggplant. This dish is perfect for a quick and flavourful meal and can be served as a main course or a side dish.
Reviving Goat Cheese: Tips to Fix a Batch That Didn't Set
You may want to see also
Herbed goat cheese as a marinade
Herb-marinated goat cheese is a versatile dish that can be used in a variety of ways to elevate your culinary creations. Here are some tips and ideas to get you started:
Preparing the Herb-Marinated Goat Cheese:
Start with a log of plain goat cheese, or chevre, and allow it to come to room temperature for easier handling. You can use dental floss to cut the goat cheese into neat, thin slices, or use a proper cheese slicer if you prefer. In a separate bowl, combine your choice of fresh herbs, finely chopped or processed into small pieces. You can use thyme, chives, dill, flat-leaf parsley, or any other combination of herbs you prefer.
The Marinade Process:
Line a container with a thin layer of olive oil or extra virgin olive oil. Lay down a single layer of sliced goat cheese, ensuring the slices are completely covered by the oil. Sprinkle the herbs, along with some salt and cracked pepper, over the cheese. Drizzle with more olive oil and, if desired, add another layer of cheese and herbs. The key is to make sure everything is submerged in the oil. Cover and let it sit at room temperature for an hour, or refrigerate for up to 24 hours. The flavors will meld and intensify over time.
Using the Herb-Marinated Goat Cheese:
Once your goat cheese is marinated, you can use it in a variety of dishes:
- Appetizers and Snacks: Serve the marinated goat cheese with warm, crusty bread, such as a baguette, or crunchy crackers. It's a simple yet elegant appetizer that your guests will love.
- Salads: Slice the marinated goat cheese into rounds and serve on a bed of greens with roasted beets. Drizzle a mixture of lemon juice and oil over the salad for added flavor.
- Sandwiches: Use the marinated goat cheese as a spread in sandwiches, pairing it with ingredients like smoked salmon, Italian deli meats, or roasted vegetables.
- Pizza: Crumble the marinated goat cheese on top of a freshly baked pizza. Toss arugula in the marinade oil and use it to top the pizza for an extra flavorful touch.
- Pasta: Toss the herb-marinated goat cheese with your favorite pasta until it creates a creamy, indulgent sauce.
- Eggs: Try adding the goat cheese to an omelette or frittata. It pairs especially well with asparagus to create a flavorful breakfast or brunch dish.
- Meat and Fish: Drizzle the leftover marinade oil over grilled chicken or pan-fried fish to add a herby, flavorful twist to your main course.
Goat Cheese: Healthy Fats or Unhealthy Indulgence?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
To make herbed goat cheese in 5 minutes, add goat cheese crumbles, dill, parsley, garlic, lemon zest and juice, salt, and pepper to a food processor. Process until smooth. You can also mix the ingredients by hand with a spoon or spatula until well combined.
Herbed goat cheese is a great appetizer and spread. It goes well with crackers, veggies, and bread. It can also be used as a sandwich spread or stuffed into an omelette.
You can customize herbed goat cheese by choosing different herbs such as cilantro or chives. You can also use a different type of cheese such as cream cheese or feta, although you may need to add a bit of olive oil to adjust the creaminess.
Herbed goat cheese can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It is best to bring it to room temperature before serving. Make sure the cheese is covered in oil at all times to keep it fresh.
The leftover oil from herbed goat cheese can be used in salad dressings or to marinate another batch of cheese. It can also be drizzled over fish while cooking.
