5 Delicious Goat Cheese Recipes You Must Try

Goat cheese, with its unique and tangy flavor, has become a favorite ingredient among food enthusiasts around the world. Whether you're looking to impress guests at a dinner party or just want to elevate your weekday meals, goat cheese can add a delightful twist to your dishes. Here, we delve into five delicious goat cheese recipes that will tantalize your taste buds and showcase the versatility of this wonderful cheese.

Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast

Starting off with a dish that combines the savory goodness of chicken with the creamy richness of goat cheese, this recipe is both visually appealing and incredibly flavorful. Here’s how you can prepare it:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Ingredients:
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 100g goat cheese
  • Fresh thyme or rosemary
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Black pepper and salt to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Steps:

1. Prepare the chicken by making a pocket in each breast. Mix goat cheese with herbs, garlic, salt, and pepper, then stuff the mixture into each chicken breast.
2. Season the outside of the chicken with additional herbs, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat, cook the chicken for about 6 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
4. Finish cooking in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked.

📝 Note: Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.

Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad

This vibrant and colorful salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also packs a punch in terms of flavor:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes for roasting beets
• Ingredients:
  • 4 medium beets, scrubbed and trimmed
  • 100g crumbled goat cheese
  • Fresh arugula or mixed greens
  • ¹⁄₄ cup toasted walnuts
  • Dressing: Olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey

Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Wrap beets in foil and roast until tender, about 45 minutes. Cool, peel, and slice or cube.
2. In a bowl, mix olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey for the dressing.
3. Toss greens with dressing, arrange beets on top, sprinkle with goat cheese and walnuts.

Goat Cheese Pesto Linguine

A twist on classic pesto pasta, this dish incorporates goat cheese to create a creamy, herbaceous sauce:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Ingredients:
  • 250g linguine
  • ¹⁄₂ cup goat cheese
  • ¹⁄₄ cup fresh basil
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 2 tbsp pine nuts or walnuts
  • ¹⁄₄ cup Parmesan cheese
  • Extra virgin olive oil

Steps:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. While pasta cooks, blend basil, garlic, nuts, Parmesan, and goat cheese with olive oil until smooth.
3. Toss the cooked pasta with the pesto and serve immediately, garnished with extra cheese or pine nuts.

📝 Note: For a smoother sauce, reserve some pasta water to thin out the pesto if necessary.

Goat Cheese and Spinach Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

For an elegant and meatless meal, these stuffed mushrooms are a perfect choice:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Ingredients:
  • 4 large Portobello mushroom caps
  • 200g goat cheese
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Olive oil, salt, and pepper
  • ¹⁄₄ cup breadcrumbs

Steps:

1. Remove the stems and gills from the mushrooms, brush with olive oil, season with salt and pepper.
2. In a bowl, mix goat cheese, spinach, garlic, and breadcrumbs.
3. Stuff the mushrooms and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 25 minutes or until cheese is melted and mushrooms are tender.

Goat Cheese and Fig Tart

End your culinary journey with this sophisticated dessert or appetizer:

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40 minutes
• Ingredients:
  • 1 sheet of puff pastry
  • 200g goat cheese
  • 5-6 fresh figs, sliced
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • Fresh thyme

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the puff pastry and transfer it to a baking sheet.
2. Spread a layer of goat cheese over the pastry, leaving a border for the crust. Arrange fig slices over the cheese.
3. Drizzle with honey, sprinkle with thyme, and bake until the pastry is golden and puffed, about 30-40 minutes.

📝 Note: If figs are not in season, you can use pears or even a mix of caramelized onions for a savory twist.

In these recipes, goat cheese isn’t just an ingredient; it’s a star player that enhances the flavors of other components in unexpected and delicious ways. From savory to sweet, its versatility is truly showcased, making it a must-have in any kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a dinner, looking for a quick meal, or simply exploring new flavors, these recipes will inspire you to experiment with goat cheese in all its glorious forms.

Is goat cheese suitable for those with lactose intolerance?

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Goat cheese contains lactose, but it often has less lactose than cow’s milk cheese, which might make it more tolerable for some people with lactose intolerance.

Can I use these recipes if I’m vegan?

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Unfortunately, traditional goat cheese is not vegan. However, there are now vegan goat cheese alternatives made from nut milks like cashew or almond that can be used as substitutes.

How should I store goat cheese?

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Goat cheese should be kept in the refrigerator. Store it wrapped in wax or parchment paper to allow it to breathe, which helps prevent mold growth and preserve freshness.

Can I freeze goat cheese?

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Yes, you can freeze goat cheese, although the texture might change slightly upon thawing. It’s best used in cooked dishes after freezing.