Randy Chandler
Marinated goat cheese is a simple, tasty, and elegant appetizer that can be served with a variety of dishes. It can be made by marinating goat cheese in olive oil with herbs and spices of your choice, such as thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. The cheese can be cut into rounds or balls before marinating, and it should be left for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavours to meld. Marinated goat cheese can be served cold or heated in the oven and is best enjoyed with a crusty loaf of bread, crackers, or a baguette. It can also be used in salads or sandwiches, making it a versatile dish to impress your guests.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preparation time | 5 minutes |
| Refrigeration time | 30 minutes to several hours |
| Ingredients | Goat cheese, olive oil, thyme, rosemary, peppercorns, garlic cloves, bay leaves, salt, chilli flakes, fennel seeds, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, crackers, baguette slices |
| Use | Appetizer, salad topping, sandwich filling |
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What You'll Learn
Marinated goat cheese as an appetizer
Marinated goat cheese is a simple, tasty, and elegant appetizer that can be served at a cocktail party or during the holidays. It's a great dish to make ahead of time and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
To make marinated goat cheese, you will need the following ingredients:
- Fresh goat cheese (also called chèvre)
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Fresh herbs (e.g., thyme, rosemary, fennel seed, bay leaves, basil, mint, dill)
- Spices (e.g., red pepper flakes, cumin seeds, black pepper, salt)
- Optional: garlic, lemon zest, walnut oil, or sundried tomatoes
Instructions
- Cut the goat cheese into rounds or balls, about 1/2 inch thick. You can use unflavored dental floss or a cheese wire to cut the cheese neatly.
- Place the cheese into a shallow serving dish, or divide it between two dishes if you prefer.
- Pour extra-virgin olive oil over the cheese until it is completely covered.
- Sprinkle your chosen herbs and spices over the cheese. For example, thyme, rosemary, and red pepper flakes.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or a crusty loaf of bread.
Variations and Tips
- If you prefer a more spreadable consistency, blend the goat cheese with some of the marinating oil in a food processor until smooth.
- You can also heat the marinated goat cheese in the oven at 375 F for 8-10 minutes before serving.
- If the cheese is completely submerged in olive oil, it will keep in the refrigerator for up to a week or two.
- The flavored oil can also be used to sauté vegetables or make salad dressing.
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How to serve marinated goat cheese
Marinated goat cheese is a simple, tasty, and elegant appetizer that can be served in many ways. The creamy, tangy, and savoury cheese is delicious on its own, but marinating it adds immense flavour.
To make marinated goat cheese, you will need a good-quality extra-virgin olive oil, fresh thyme, and perhaps some other herbs and spices. You can add fennel seeds, lemon zest, bay leaves, rosemary, red pepper flakes, black peppercorns, or garlic. First, cut the goat cheese into rounds or balls, and place them in a jar. Then, pour in enough olive oil to cover the cheese completely. You can add the herbs and spices to the jar or sprinkle them on top of the cheese. Cover the jar and leave it at room temperature for 30 minutes to several hours, then serve, or refrigerate for later.
Now that you've made your marinated goat cheese, it's time to serve it! Here are some ideas:
- With bread: Marinated goat cheese pairs well with a crusty loaf of bread, such as a baguette. You can spread the cheese on the bread or serve them separately.
- With crackers: For a quick and easy appetizer, serve the marinated goat cheese with crackers. You can use simple crackers or something fancier, like crackers filled with nuts and seeds.
- In a sandwich: Try making a toasted sandwich with marinated goat cheese, or use it to make an open-faced sandwich with some fresh bread and other ingredients.
- In a salad: Crumble some marinated goat cheese over a bed of greens and vegetables for a tasty and tangy salad.
- As a gift: Package your marinated goat cheese in a pretty jar and give it to a friend as a gift. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to a week.
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Where to buy marinated goat cheese
Marinated goat cheese is a delicious and easy appetizer that can be made at home. However, if you're looking to buy it pre-made, there are a few options available to you.
One option is to check your local grocery store or specialty food shop. Many stores carry a variety of goat cheeses, including marinated options. These cheeses are often packaged in glass jars and can be found in the cheese or deli section of the store. You can also try visiting a local cheese shop or market, where you may be able to find a wider selection of specialty cheeses, including marinated goat cheese.
Additionally, there are several online retailers that sell marinated goat cheese. These retailers often offer a variety of flavors and sizes, and can be a convenient option if you're looking for a specific type of marinated goat cheese. Simply search for "marinated goat cheese" on your preferred online retailer's website, and you'll be able to compare different products and prices.
Finally, if you're looking for a more unique or artisanal option, consider checking specialty food websites or even the websites of individual cheesemakers. These sources often offer small-batch or handcrafted cheeses that may not be available in stores, including marinated goat cheese options. By shopping online, you can access a wider range of products and have them delivered directly to your door.
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How to store marinated goat cheese
Marinated goat cheese is a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer. The process of marination infuses the cheese with immense flavor, and the olive oil used for marination can be used for cooking as well. While marinated goat cheese is a treat for the taste buds, it is perishable and requires proper storage. Here are some tips to store marinated goat cheese:
Storing Marinated Goat Cheese in the Fridge
The best way to store marinated goat cheese is to keep it in the refrigerator. The cheese should be fully immersed in olive oil, which acts as a preservative. Seal the jar tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. The olive oil may turn cloudy and congeal, but that's normal. Simply take the cheese out of the fridge about an hour before serving to bring it to room temperature.
Storing at Room Temperature
If you plan to consume the marinated goat cheese within a day, you can store it at room temperature for up to 24 hours. However, it is important to note that the cheese should be kept covered and not left out for more than a day, as it may spoil.
Proper Food Safety Practices
It is important to be mindful of food safety practices when storing marinated goat cheese. Botulism is a risk associated with garlic- and herb-infused oils, so it is recommended to consume the cheese within a week and not keep it at room temperature for extended periods.
Storing Fresh and Aged Goat Cheese
The storage requirements for fresh and aged goat cheese differ. Fresh goat cheese has a shorter shelf life and should be consumed soon after opening. Aged goat cheese, on the other hand, can be stored in the refrigerator, wrapped in wax or parchment paper or placed in an airtight container.
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Recipes for marinated goat cheese
Marinated goat cheese is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, added to salads, or used in sandwiches. The basic recipe involves marinating goat cheese in olive oil with various herbs and spices, but there are endless combinations of ingredients that can be used to create different flavours. Here are some specific recipes and suggestions for making marinated goat cheese:
Basic recipe:
- Cut the goat cheese into ½ inch thick rounds.
- Place the cheese rounds in a clean, sterilized jar.
- Add your desired herbs and spices, such as thyme, rosemary, peppercorns, garlic cloves, bay leaves, or fresh herbs like basil or mint.
- Pour in enough olive oil to completely cover the cheese.
- Cover the jar and leave it at room temperature for several hours, or refrigerate for up to 24 hours, to allow the flavours to infuse.
- Serve the marinated goat cheese with bread, crackers, or salads.
Variations:
- For a sweeter option, try infusing the olive oil with honey and lavender.
- Add some spice with fresh chilli and lemon peel.
- Use walnut oil instead of olive oil for a unique flavour profile.
- If you prefer a more spreadable consistency, blend the marinated goat cheese with some of the infused oil in a food processor until smooth.
- Create a fancy sandwich by spreading the marinated goat cheese on a baguette and adding your favourite ingredients, such as sundried tomatoes.
Storage:
Marinated goat cheese can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. If the cheese is completely submerged in olive oil, it can last for a few weeks. However, infused olive oil can run the risk of botulism if kept for longer than one week, even when refrigerated.
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Frequently asked questions
You can make marinated goat cheese at home. It is easy to make and can be served as an appetizer.
You will need fresh goat cheese, extra-virgin olive oil, and herbs and spices of your choice.
Cut the goat cheese into rounds or balls and place them in a jar. Add your choice of herbs and spices. Pour in enough olive oil to cover the cheese completely. Seal the jar and leave it at room temperature for 30 minutes to several hours before serving.
