Goat cheese, also known as chèvre, is a creamy, tangy cheese made from goat’s milk. With its distinct flavor, goat cheese pairs well with many ingredients and can be used in a variety of dishes. When selecting ingredients to serve with goat cheese, there are a few key things to consider.
What are the different types of goat cheese?
There are several main types of goat cheese, each with their own texture and flavor profile:
- Fresh goat cheese – Soft, spreadable texture. Mild, tangy flavor.
- Goat cheese logs – Firm texture. Tangy, robust flavor.
- Aged goat cheese – Hard, crumbly texture. Sharp, intense flavor.
- Soft-ripened goat cheese – Ooey, creamy texture. Mild, earthy flavor.
- Washed rind goat cheese – Soft, creamy texture. Strong, pungent flavor.
The age and style of the goat cheese will impact what it pairs well with. Young, fresh goat cheeses pair best with lighter flavors, while aged goat cheeses can handle bold, jammy flavors.
What flavors complement goat cheese?
Certain ingredients naturally complement and accentuate the tangy flavor of goat cheese. Here are some of the best flavors to pair with goat cheese:
- Sweet ingredients – Honey, figs, cranberries, pears, apricots, jam.
- Savory umami flavors – Tomatoes, mushrooms, prosciutto, olives.
- Tart fruits – Grapes, cherries, strawberries, apples.
- Crunchy textures – Nuts, toasted bread, radishes, bell peppers.
- Herbs and spices – Thyme, rosemary, oregano, black pepper, chili flakes.
The tanginess of goat cheese is nicely balanced out by complementary sweet, salty, spicy, and crunchy ingredients.
What are the best goat cheese pairings?
Here are some of the most popular and delicious ways to serve goat cheese:
- Goat cheese spread with honey and crushed nuts on bread or crackers
- Goat cheese stuffed dates or figs
- Goat cheese with caramelized onions on pizza or flatbread
- Warm goat cheese salad with roasted beets, walnuts, and balsamic vinaigrette
- Goat cheese paired with fresh or roasted grapes
- Goat cheese bruchetta with tomato, basil, and olive oil
- Goat cheese crostini with prosciutto, arugula, and balsamic glaze
- Goat cheese and vegetable tart with thyme crust
Pairing goat cheese with sweet ingredients like fruit, honey, jam, or nuts is one of the most popular combinations. Savory pairings with herbs, vegetables, or cured meats also work excellently with goat cheese.
What wines pair best with goat cheese?
Goat cheese pairs nicely with several different wine varietals. Here are some of the best wine options to complement the flavor of goat cheese:
- Sparkling wines like Prosecco, Cava, or Champagne cut through the creaminess.
- Dry white wines like Sauvignon Blanc and unoaked Chardonnay match the acidity.
- Rosé wines offer fruity flavors that contrast the tang.
- Light-bodied reds like Pinot Noir and Grenache work well.
- Sweet dessert wines like Sauternes complement the salty tang.
In general, bright, fruit-forward wines pair best with goat cheese. Avoid heavy oaky wines that will overpower the cheese’s delicate flavor.
What meals to cook with goat cheese?
Here are some savory meal ideas that highlight goat cheese:
- Goat cheese and caramelized onion quiche
- Arugula salad with roasted beets, goat cheese, and candied walnuts
- Goat cheese and tomato pizza with basil and balsamic reduction
- Goat cheese stuffed chicken breast with roasted grapes
- Goat cheese risotto with sautéed mushrooms and thyme
- Vegetable tart with goat cheese, asparagus, and sun-dried tomatoes
- Goat cheese and leek quiche with potato crust
- Goat cheese crostini app as an appetizer for a dinner party
Goat cheese can be used in appetizers, salads, main dishes, and even desserts. Its creamy texture and tangy flavor pair nicely with both sweet and savory ingredients.
What can I make for breakfast with goat cheese?
In the morning, goat cheese pairs deliciously with fruits, nuts, honey, and eggs. Here are some breakfast recipe ideas featuring goat cheese:
- Goat cheese and strawberry breakfast bruschetta on whole grain toast
- Goat cheese, spinach, and mushroom omelet
- Overnight oats made with goat cheese, apples, cinnamon, and walnuts
- Goat cheese and roasted vegetable frittata
- Goat cheese spread on toast topped with avocado and sunny side egg
- Goat cheese baked into homemade scones or muffins
- Fruit and goat cheese salad with honey vinaigrette
Whipped goat cheese can also make a nice spread on morning toast or bagels instead of cream cheese. Get creative with roasted veggies, fresh fruit, nuts, honey, and eggs to highlight goat cheese at breakfast.
What are good goat cheese appetizers?
Goat cheese makes an excellent addition to appetizers. Here are tasty goat cheese appetizer ideas your guests will love:
- Goat cheese stuffed dates wrapped in prosciutto
- Warm baked goat cheese dip with crackers and vegetables
- Goat cheese, pear, and walnut phyllo cups
- Goat cheese crostini with fig jam and balsamic glaze
- Endive leaves filled with goat cheese, pears, and honey
- Goat cheese stuffed mushrooms caps
- Whipped goat cheese bruschetta with roasted grapes and rosemary
- Goat cheese stuffed mini sweet peppers
The tangy creaminess of goat cheese is perfect for spreading on crostini, stuffing into phyllo cups or mushrooms, or whipping into dips. Pair it with sweet ingredients like fruit, honey, or nuts to offset the tartness.
Conclusion
With its distinctive tangy and creamy flavor, goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that pairs well with both sweet and savory foods. Opt for younger fresh goat cheeses with lighter dishes and older aged cheeses with more robust flavors. Complement the goat cheese with ingredients like fruit, nuts, honey, herbs, or cured meats. Goat cheese can be incorporated into everything from appetizers to main courses to breakfast. With endless tasty combinations, goat cheese is sure to be a hit at your next meal or gathering.