Kamil Perry
Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from appetizers to desserts. Its creamy texture and tangy flavour make it a perfect pairing for many different toppings. Whether you're looking for a simple starter or a more indulgent treat, there are endless possibilities for what to top goat cheese with. Honey, walnuts, and thyme are classic combinations, but you can also get creative with toppings like cranberries, chocolate, and pistachios. For a savoury dish, try topping goat cheese with herbs, olive oil, or even caramelised onion jam.
Toppings to pair with goat cheese
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sweet toppings | Honey, chocolate, cranberries, walnuts, pecans, maple syrup, sweet berries, cinnamon sugar |
| Savory toppings | Olive oil, thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, pistachios, chives, sea salt crackers, lemon zest, balsamic vinegar, sumac, coriander, Greek yogurt, rosemary, almonds, pumpkin seeds, panko crumbs, Parmesan, milk, pimentón de la Vera, onion jam |
| Fruits and vegetables | Arugula, Asian pear, green apples, Bosc pears, lemon, beet, carrots, beet greens, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, butternut squash, garlic, onion, tomato, peaches, leeks, cauliflower, roasted cauliflower, brussels sprouts, winter squash |
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What You'll Learn
Honey, walnuts, and figs
To make this dish, start by preheating your oven to 200°C or 390°F. Cut off the stems of the figs and make an X cut in the top of each fig, cutting halfway through. Stuff the figs generously with soft goat cheese using a teaspoon. Next, sprinkle chopped walnuts and, if desired, some sage over the stuffed figs. Finally, drizzle honey over the figs and add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Place the figs in a baking dish and broil for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are soft and the cheese is slightly browned. Let them cool for a minute or two before serving. You can serve these baked figs warm or cold, and they pair perfectly with a glass of wine.
For a slightly different presentation, you can also coat a log of goat cheese in honey and then roll it in chopped walnuts and dried figs. Garnish with fresh herbs such as lemon balm or mint, and serve with crackers or sliced baguette. This option does not require any baking and can be prepared ahead of time, making it a convenient choice for entertaining.
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Olive oil, thyme, and red pepper flakes
Marinated goat cheese with olive oil, thyme, and red pepper flakes is a simple, quick, and crowd-pleasing appetizer. It is a perfect dish to serve at a cocktail party or during the holidays, as it is easy to make and will be a favorite among guests.
To make this dish, place the goat cheese in a small, shallow serving dish, or cut it in half and place it in two dishes. The use of fresh goat cheese, also called chèvre, is recommended, as it is creamy, tangy, and savory. Next, pour a good-quality extra-virgin olive oil over the cheese. Then, sprinkle the cheese with thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and leave it to rest for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Finally, serve the marinated goat cheese with crackers or toasted baguette slices. Apple and pear slices can also be served on the side.
This combination of olive oil, thyme, and red pepper flakes enhances the flavor of the goat cheese and makes for a delicious and elegant appetizer that is sure to impress your guests.
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Roasted butternut squash and cranberry sauce
Ingredients:
- Butternut squash
- Olive oil
- Cranberry sauce
- Goat cheese
- Fresh herbs (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Carefully remove the skin of the butternut squash and cut it into small cubes.
- Toss the squash cubes with olive oil and your choice of spices (such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves) in a large mixing bowl.
- Spread the seasoned squash on a baking tray in a single layer.
- Roast the squash in the oven for 15 minutes, then remove and turn the cubes over.
- Add the cranberry sauce and continue roasting for another 10-15 minutes, or until the squash is tender and lightly browned.
- Remove from the oven and let the squash mixture cool slightly.
- Gently mix in crumbled goat cheese.
- Transfer to a serving dish and top with fresh herbs such as parsley, thyme, or oregano (optional).
- Serve warm and enjoy!
This dish can be served warm, cold, or at room temperature, making it a perfect choice for Thanksgiving or any other gathering. The combination of sweet and savory flavors is sure to impress your guests. Enjoy the creamy, tangy goat cheese with the roasted butternut squash and cranberry sauce!
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Herbs, pistachios, and cranberries
Herbs
Herbs are a wonderful way to add flavour and colour to your goat cheese. Fresh herbs such as thyme, chives, or rosemary can be chopped and sprinkled over the cheese. You can also try blending the herbs with olive oil and drizzling it over the goat cheese, as seen in the cauliflower soup with herbed goat cheese recipe. Another option is to coat the goat cheese in breadcrumbs and bake it, as seen in Alice Waters' iconic salad, which features thyme-and-breadcrumb-coated goat cheese served with crunchy garlic croutons.
Pistachios
Pistachios add a crunchy texture and nutty flavour to the creamy goat cheese. You can chop the pistachios and sprinkle them over the cheese, or roll the cheese log in chopped pistachios to create a delicious and visually appealing coating. This combination is perfect for a cheese board or as a topping for crackers or sliced baguette.
Cranberries
Cranberries, whether fresh or dried, bring a tart and sweet flavour to the goat cheese. You can chop the cranberries and mix them with the pistachios to create a colourful and flavourful topping. Another option is to create a cranberry jam or sauce and pair it with the goat cheese, as seen in the butternut squash bruschetta recipe, where goat cheese and cranberry sauce are spread on toast and topped with roasted squash and sliced almonds.
Putting it all together
Now, let's imagine combining these ingredients to create a mouthwatering topping for your goat cheese. You can chop the pistachios and cranberries together, mix in some fresh herbs, and sprinkle this mixture over the goat cheese. This combination will create a delightful contrast of flavours and textures that your taste buds will surely appreciate.
So, the next time you're looking to elevate your goat cheese, consider topping it with a combination of herbs, pistachios, and cranberries. Whether you're creating a cheese board, an appetizer, or a salad, this trio of toppings will surely impress and satisfy your taste buds.
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Caramelized onions, egg custard, and pie crust
Caramelized Onions
Caramelizing onions adds both sweetness and depth of flavor. The process involves cooking the onions slowly until they turn into sweet, brown threads. This makes them a perfect match for tangy goat cheese and earthy thyme. To make a caramelized onion and goat cheese tart, start by caramelizing the onions in a large saucepan over medium heat with some olive oil. This should take around 35 minutes. Then, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a puff pastry on top. Spread goat cheese over the tart, leaving a small border on all sides. Top the tart evenly with the caramelized onions and sprinkle with thyme. Bake in the oven at 375°F until the crust is golden, about 25-30 minutes. Let the tart cool for 15 minutes before cutting into bite-size pieces.
Egg Custard
For a savory twist on the traditional sweet egg custard, try making a goat cheese and egg custard. Preheat your oven to 325°F and spray four ramekins with cooking oil spray. In a blender, combine almond milk or regular milk with roasted red peppers and blend until smooth. Strain the mixture to remove any chunks, then add garlic, salt, eggs, and Greek yogurt, and blend again. Pour the mixture into the ramekins and bake for 35-40 minutes or until the filling is set. Let the custard cool for at least an hour, then garnish with as much goat cheese as you like. This custard makes a great side dish and can be served with cooked bacon or sausage for a delicious and protein-packed breakfast.
Pie Crust
Goat cheese, honey, and rye crust pie is a delicious dessert option. The pie has a crisp crust and a fruity, cheesecake-like texture. To make the crust, mix all-purpose flour, rye flour, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. Add butter and rub it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Then, add vinegar and ice water to form a rough dough. Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic, and chill for at least an hour. For the filling, beat goat cheese and cream cheese together until incorporated. Add honey, sugar, and vanilla, and continue beating until creamy. Finally, add eggs one at a time, followed by milk, beating on low speed until everything is incorporated. Pour the filling into the pie crust and bake at 350°F until the filling is mostly set but still slightly jiggly in the center, about 35-40 minutes.
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Frequently asked questions
Honey, walnuts, pecans, maple syrup, sweet berries, and dark chocolate are all great toppings to add to goat cheese.
Olive oil, thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, pistachios, cranberries, chives, and balsamic vinegar are all savoury toppings that can be paired with goat cheese.
Goat cheese can be used in a variety of recipes, including salads, omelettes, cheesecakes, and soups.
Crackers, baguette slices, fruits, and vegetables are all great side dishes to serve with goat cheese.
