Goat Cheese and Leek Quiche opens in a new tab
When it comes to cheese, some people adore a strong, pungent smell and taste while others prefer something milky and mild. And some people like it all! Whatever your preference, goat cheese can satisfy just about any craving with marvelous, tempting recipes such as Goat Cheese and Leek Quiche opens in a new tab and Turkey and Goat Cheese Sandwiches with Tangy Apple Slaw. opens in a new tab
Goat cheese can be milky, creamy, tangy, pungent, earthy or strong tasting. Its texture ranges from soft to creamy to crumbly, semi-firm, or firm, and it can be fresh or aged, marinated, rolled in herbs, edible flowers, a variety of spices or other pairings including chocolate! You can buy it as a disc, a slice of a wheel, a whole wheel or a log.
Grilled Veggie and Goat Cheese Pitas opens in a new tab
Get familiar with the world of goat cheese by stopping by the specialty department of your local Whole Foods Market opens in a new tab where you can talk with a team member about the many varieties on hand and try a sampling to help you determine which you prefer. Whatever you choose, you can make delicious sauces, gratins, salads, dips and more. Here are some tips and recipes:
If you like hard, cheddar-like cheese, aged goat cheeses are perfect for grating or slicing and using as you would any favorite hard cheese for grilled cheese sandwiches, this Cast-Iron Skillet Pizza opens in a new tab, Goat Cheese and Arugula Quesadillas opens in a new tab or Roasted Red Peppers with Goat Cheese opens in a new tab.
If you prefer soft, spreadable cheese, young goat cheese is ideal for salads, dips, sauces and spreads. Ideas include stirring into hot pasta or scrambled eggs, spreading over bagels in place of cream cheese, and making Herb and Garlic Goat Cheese Dip opens in a new tab or Greens and Goat Cheese Gratin opens in a new tab.
Make wraps, sandwiches and quesadillas like Grilled Veggie and Goat Cheese Pitas opens in a new tab or Grilled Goat Cheese, Asparagus and Prosciutto Sandwiches opens in a new tab.
Pair goat cheese with fruit in a variety of recipes including Strawberry and Goat Cheese Bruschetta opens in a new tab, Apple Slices with Goat Cheese and Pistachios opens in a new tab, and Berry Goat Cheese Salad opens in a new tab.
Add goat cheese to a variety of salads such as Steak and Goat Cheese Salad opens in a new tab, Green Bean Salad with Goat Cheese Dressing opens in a new tab, Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad with Sherry-Walnut Vinaigrette opens in a new tab, and Almond Crusted Goat Cheese over mixed greens opens in a new tab.
Use crumbled or grated goat cheese as a garnish.
Pair goat cheese with dark chocolate for a delicious treat.
Use crumbled goat cheese in place of, or along with, feta cheese.
How about appetizers? Serve Goat Cheese Baked in Tomato Sauce opens in a new tab, or make your own Herb-Crusted Goat Cheese opens in a new tab or Moroccan Spiced Goat Cheese opens in a new tab.
Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad with Sherry Walnut Vinaigrette opens in a new tab
Remember to keep goat cheese wrapped tightly in plastic or wax paper. Store it in the refrigerator in a re-sealable plastic bag, pressing out all of the air before sealing. For the best flavor, let it come to room temperature before serving.
My favorite is mild and buttery Murcia Curado Naked Goat Cheese, made in the Murcia region of Spain from unpasteurized goat milk. Do you have a favorite goat cheese or a recipe you’d like to share? Let me know.
