Goat cheese adds a tangy, creamy flavor to many dishes. From appetizers to main courses and even desserts, this versatile cheese can transform ordinary recipes into extraordinary culinary experiences.
Its distinctive taste pairs well with both sweet and savory ingredients. Goat cheese is perfect for any meal throughout the year.
You can enjoy goat cheese in countless ways, from simple salads with beets to elegant croquettes with spiced membrillo. Whether whipped into a dip, crumbled over pasta, or baked into muffins, goat cheese brings a special touch to every dish.
The following recipes showcase the best ways to incorporate this delicious cheese into your cooking repertoire.
1. Baked Goat Cheese with Honey and Thyme
Baked goat cheese with honey and thyme is a simple yet elegant appetizer that will impress your guests. This dish requires minimal prep time—just 10 minutes before it goes into the oven.
The creamy goat cheese becomes warm and soft when baked, creating the perfect base for sweet honey drizzled on top. Fresh thyme adds an aromatic touch that balances the tanginess of the cheese.
Enhance this appetizer with toppings like cracked pepper, sea salt, pistachios, or cranberries for extra texture. Serve it with fig jam or fresh grapes for variation.
Pair this appetizer with crackers or crusty bread for a delicious start to any meal.
2. Goat Cheese and Beet Salad
Goat cheese and beet salad offers a perfect balance of earthy sweetness and tangy creaminess. The vibrant red beets provide a stunning contrast against the white cheese.
Use roasted or boiled beets as the foundation, then pair with crumbled goat cheese and walnuts for crunch. A simple honey-Dijon or balsamic dressing ties it together.
Add sliced red onions and serve on a bed of arugula or spinach for extra flavor. Diced avocado or apple slices bring additional texture.
3. Creamy Goat Cheese Pasta with Basil
This 30-minute pasta dish creates a luxuriously creamy sauce without heavy cream. The tangy goat cheese melts into a silky texture when whisked with hot pasta water.
Fresh basil and parsley add bright flavors that complement the rich cheese perfectly. Prepare this entire meal in one pot for easy cleanup.
Try adding sun-dried tomatoes or marinated artichokes for extra flavor. Lemon zest and juice make the creamy sauce pop with freshness.
4. Goat Cheese Mashed Potatoes
Goat cheese mashed potatoes elevate the classic side dish with tangy, creamy flavors. This dish combines buttery potatoes with rich goat cheese for a sophisticated twist.
Start with russet potatoes, peeled and chopped, then boil until tender. Add goat cheese, butter, and a splash of half and half.
Roast garlic bulbs with olive oil until soft and sweet, then mix into your potatoes for extra flavor. These potatoes pair wonderfully with any main course and can be made ahead for special occasions.
5. Stuffed Squash Blossoms with Goat Cheese
Squash blossoms stuffed with goat cheese create a delightful summer dish that’s both impressive and simple to prepare. Pick these edible flowers from your garden or find them at farmers markets during the warmer months.
The creamy goat cheese filling pairs perfectly with the delicate flavor of the blossoms. Add herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted garlic to the filling for extra flavor.
Roast the stuffed blossoms for a lighter option or fry them for a crispy exterior. They make a beautiful appetizer.
Serve with a drizzle of honey or alongside roasted tomatoes for a complete seasonal plate.
6. Goat Cheese and Spinach Salad
Spinach salad with goat cheese is a perfect combination of fresh greens and creamy cheese. This versatile dish works as a light lunch or dinner side.
Use baby spinach leaves as the base. Wash and dry them before adding toppings.
Crumble goat cheese over the spinach for even distribution. Add toasted nuts like pecans, walnuts, or cashews for crunch.
Red onions and seasonal fruits like strawberries or dried cranberries provide extra flavor. Finish with a simple vinaigrette that complements the tangy goat cheese.
7. Roasted Herbed Squash with Goat Cheese
This simple yet elegant dish combines tender butternut squash with creamy goat cheese and aromatic herbs. Preheat your oven to 425°F and place butternut squash pieces on a rimmed baking sheet.
Roast the squash for 35-45 minutes, turning once halfway through cooking. The squash should be fork-tender with slightly caramelized edges.
While still warm, drizzle the squash with herb oil made from fresh herbs and garlic. Top with crumbled goat cheese just before serving.
8. Goat Cheese and Cranberry-Fig Crostini
This appetizer combines tangy goat cheese with sweet cranberry-fig jam for a perfect flavor balance. The creamy cheese sits on crispy baguette slices, creating a delightful texture contrast.
Slice a French baguette into rounds and toast them with olive oil. Rub each slice with a garlic clove for extra flavor.
Spread soft goat cheese on each toast, then top with cranberry-fig mixture. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle with fresh mint or thyme.
These bite-sized treats work wonderfully for holiday gatherings or any special occasion.
9. Hot Honey Baked Sweet Potatoes with Goat Cheese
This mouthwatering dish combines sweet potatoes with tangy goat cheese and spicy honey for a perfect balance of flavors. The creamy goat cheese helps temper the sweetness of both the potato and honey.
Bake sweet potatoes until they’re plush and tender. Top them with a dollop of goat cheese whipped cream.
Drizzle hot honey over the top to add a sweet heat that complements the earthiness of the potatoes. Sprinkle with chopped rosemary and nuts like pecans for added texture and flavor.
10. Charcoal-Grilled Corn with Honeyed Goat Cheese
This summer favorite takes grilled corn to a whole new level. Instead of simple butter, use a creamy, tangy goat cheese spread sweetened with honey.
Prepare your charcoal grill to get perfect grill marks and smoky flavor. Smash goat cheese into a paste and mix in honey to create a sweet-tangy spread.
Grill your corn until charred, then coat with the honeyed goat cheese mixture for a stunning side dish.
11. Pink Peppercorn-Marinated Goat Cheese
Pink peppercorn-marinated goat cheese makes a stunning and flavorful appetizer for any gathering. Use a fresh goat cheese log or round, extra-virgin olive oil, pink peppercorns, and herbs like thyme.
Place the goat cheese in a container and pour olive oil over it until covered. Add crushed pink peppercorns, fresh thyme sprigs, and optionally, crushed garlic cloves or bay leaves for extra flavor.
Let the cheese marinate in the refrigerator for at least a few hours or overnight. Serve at room temperature with crackers or crusty bread for a simple yet elegant starter.
12. Goat Cheese and Mushroom Panzanella Salad
This rustic salad combines earthy mushrooms with tangy goat cheese for a delightful twist on traditional panzanella. The base features day-old bread cubes that soak up the flavors beautifully.
Use ciabatta or sourdough bread cubes tossed with olive oil. Add sautéed mushrooms for a rich, earthy element that pairs perfectly with creamy goat cheese.
Prepare crusted goat cheese by processing almonds until finely chopped and using them as a coating. This adds texture and a nutty flavor that complements the mushrooms.
13. Butternut Thyme Tartlets with Goat Cheese
These tartlets blend creamy goat cheese with sweet roasted butternut squash for a perfect appetizer. Each bite offers a delightful combination of flavors enhanced by fresh thyme.
Start with a pastry crust, then add a filling of beaten cream cheese mixed with roasted butternut squash and goat cheese. The herbaceous notes of thyme complement the tanginess of the cheese.
Prepare these ahead for gatherings. The contrast between the creamy filling and flaky crust creates a memorable taste experience.
14. Asparagus and Goat Cheese Galette
This seasonal tart combines fresh asparagus with creamy goat cheese for a dish that works as a main course or appetizer. Layer peeled asparagus over a mixture of softened goat cheese, cream cheese, and Parmesan on a pastry crust.
Leave about an inch of dough around the edges to fold over, creating the rustic galette shape. Bake until the crust turns golden-brown and the cheese melts, typically 35-40 minutes.
For a quicker version, use store-bought puff pastry instead of making the crust from scratch.
15. Goat Cheese Cheesecake
Goat cheese adds a tangy twist to traditional cheesecake, creating a sophisticated dessert that will impress your guests. The creamy texture and distinctive flavor pair beautifully with sweet elements.
Use a combination of goat cheese (chèvre) and cream cheese as your base. Anne Burrell’s recipe calls for 8 ounces of cream cheese, 12 ounces of goat cheese, and crème fraiche or sour cream.
For a lighter option, try a no-bake version with whipping cream, vanilla, and honey. Add lemon for brightness or serve with honey and pistachios for extra flavor and texture.
16. Poached Scrambled Eggs with Goat Cheese Sauce
This unique egg dish combines two cooking techniques for an amazing result. Scramble the eggs, then poach them to create a super-creamy texture unlike traditional scrambled eggs.
Whisk fresh goat cheese with warm water until smooth to create a velvety sauce that perfectly complements the eggs. Think of it as a reverse omelet—creamy eggs topped with tangy goat cheese rather than fillings inside.
Season simply with salt and pepper for a quick yet impressive breakfast. Garnish with fresh herbs or green onions for extra flavor and color.
17. Goat Cheese Puddings
Goat cheese puddings offer a perfect balance of tangy and creamy flavors in an elegant dessert format. These puddings blend smooth goat cheese with butter, lemon juice, and salt for a velvety texture.
To make these puddings, pour the custard mixture into small ramekins and refrigerate until set. The result is a light yet rich dessert that showcases goat cheese’s distinctive flavor.
Serve these puddings with seasonal fruits or a drizzle of honey for added sweetness. They make an impressive dessert for dinner parties but are simple enough for a special weeknight treat.
18. Corn Husk-Grilled Goat Cheese with Corn Relish
This creative dish transforms ordinary goat cheese into something special. Use a room temperature goat cheese log, fresh corn, and corn husks for wrapping.
Wrap the goat cheese in corn husks like a tiny cocoon and place it on the grill. As it warms, the cheese becomes soft and takes on a subtle smoky flavor.
Top your grilled cheese with a bright corn relish made from fresh yellow corn and scallions. A drizzle of honey adds the perfect touch of sweetness to balance the tangy goat cheese.
This vegetarian and gluten-free appetizer makes an impressive addition to summer gatherings. The combination of warm cheese, sweet corn, and honey creates a memorable flavor experience.
19. Copycat Chicken Bryan with Goat Cheese
Chicken Bryan is a popular dish from Carrabba’s Italian Grill that you can easily make at home. The recipe features grilled chicken topped with creamy goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and a flavorful lemon butter sauce.
To make this dish, use chicken breasts, goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and garlic. Let the goat cheese come to room temperature for easy slicing and shaping into disks.
Sauté onions and create a lemon butter mixture that perfectly complements the tangy goat cheese. This impressive meal comes together in about 20 minutes, making it perfect for a special dinner that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.
20. Goat Cheese and Arugula Flatbread
Goat cheese and arugula flatbread offers a perfect balance of flavors that’s both simple to make and impressive to serve. The combination of tangy goat cheese with peppery arugula creates a delicious contrast.
Store-bought pizza dough works well as a time-saving base. Top it with olive oil before adding crumbled goat cheese, which melts beautifully when baked.
Fresh figs add natural sweetness that complements the creamy cheese. You can also include caramelized onions for depth of flavor.
After baking, add fresh arugula for a peppery bite. For extra texture, sprinkle chopped walnuts on top.
A drizzle of balsamic glaze brings everything together with its sweet acidity.
21. Creamy Goat Cheese and Herb Dip
This easy-to-make dip combines creamy goat cheese with fresh herbs for a tangy treat. You only need a few ingredients to create this flavorful appetizer.
Start with about 8 ounces of goat cheese and 4 ounces of crème fraîche for the perfect creamy base. Mix in finely grated parmesan cheese for extra depth of flavor.
Fresh herbs like parsley, chives, and mint add brightness to the dip. The combination creates an earthy, tangy spread that pairs wonderfully with vegetables and crackers.
Prepare this dip in just five minutes, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings. It also works beautifully with summer strawberries for a sweet-savory option.
Choosing the Right Goat Cheese
Selecting the perfect goat cheese can make all the difference in your recipes. The texture, aging process, and proper storage all impact how goat cheese performs in both cooking and serving situations.
Soft vs. Aged Varieties
Fresh goat cheese (chèvre) has a bright, tangy flavor with a soft, spreadable texture. This type works beautifully in salads, on pizzas, or spread on crackers.
Look for versions without rinds that have a creamy white appearance. Semi-aged goat cheese (usually aged 2-3 months) develops more complex flavors while maintaining some moisture.
These cheeses have firmer textures that slice well for sandwiches or cheese plates. Aged goat cheese (6+ months) becomes firm, crumbly, and develops nutty, caramelized flavors.
The exterior often forms a natural rind. These varieties work well grated over pasta or crumbled into roasted vegetable dishes.
When shopping, check for:
- Uniform color without discoloration
- Pleasant aroma without ammonia scents
- Appropriate texture for your intended use
Tips for Storing Goat Cheese
Keep goat cheese refrigerated between 35-40°F (1.7-4.4°C). Proper storage extends freshness and preserves flavor.
Wrap soft goat cheese in parchment paper first, then loosely in plastic wrap. This allows the cheese to breathe while preventing moisture loss.
Avoid airtight containers which can promote mold growth. For cheese logs or discs, store in their original packaging until first use.
After opening, wrap as described above. Goat cheese typically stays fresh for 1-2 weeks after opening.
Signs it’s past prime include:
- Ammonia smell
- Slimy texture
- Discoloration beyond the rind
- Unusual mold (white mold is often normal)
Freeze goat cheese only as a last resort. While it affects texture, frozen goat cheese works well in cooked dishes.
Pairing Goat Cheese With Other Ingredients
Goat cheese’s tangy profile creates beautiful contrasts with sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. This versatility makes it perfect for countless recipes.
Sweet pairings:
- Honey or maple syrup
- Fig jam or fresh berries
- Caramelized onions
- Roasted beets
Savory complements:
- Fresh herbs (especially thyme, rosemary, chives)
- Roasted garlic
- Olive oil and cracked pepper
- Sun-dried tomatoes
For salads, pair goat cheese with nuts like pistachios, walnuts, or pecans for textural contrast. Arugula’s peppery flavor works particularly well with goat cheese’s tanginess.
In cooking, add goat cheese at the end of preparation whenever possible. High heat breaks down its delicate structure.
Crumble it over dishes just before serving to maintain its distinct texture and flavor.
Cooking Techniques for Goat Cheese
Goat cheese is versatile in the kitchen and you can prepare it using several methods depending on your recipe needs. The texture and flavor of goat cheese change significantly based on how you handle it.
Crumbling and Spreading
Crumble goat cheese best when it’s cold. Keep the cheese in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.
For cleaner crumbles, use a fork rather than your fingers to avoid warming the cheese. For spreading, let goat cheese sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes first.
This makes it more pliable and easier to work with. A small offset spatula or butter knife works well for spreading on crackers or bread.
Mix soft goat cheese with herbs, honey, or olive oil to create flavored spreads. Use a food processor for ultra-smooth results when making dips or spreads.
When making salads, add crumbled goat cheese at the last minute to preserve its texture and prevent it from absorbing too much dressing.
Baking and Melting
Goat cheese melts differently than cow’s milk cheeses. It softens rather than becoming stringy.
This unique quality makes it perfect for dishes where you want creamy pockets of cheese. Bake goat cheese at 375°F for about 15 minutes to get a warm, slightly golden exterior while maintaining a creamy center.
Coat the cheese in breadcrumbs before baking to add a pleasant crunch. When melting goat cheese into sauces, whisk it in off the heat to prevent curdling.
Add goat cheese gradually in small pieces rather than all at once. Try goat cheese in frittatas or quiches—it won’t completely melt but will create delicious pockets of tangy creaminess.
Broil goat cheese for 2-3 minutes to create a lovely browned top while keeping the inside soft.
