I love goat cheese recipes. Goat cheese, or chevre which is the French word for it, is a soft, savory cheese.
It is very different from Italian ricotta cheese, which may look similar.
Goat cheese has a very tart taste that pairs perfectly with the Mediterranean flavors in the marinade below.
Marinating plain chevre in olive oil, sun dried tomatoes, garlic and fresh herbs creates an easy gourmet appetizer that is absolutely heavenly.
Not everyone love raw garlic, so I usually advise that you marinate the chevre in the garlic, but remove it before serving. If your crowd loves raw garlic, chop it finer and leave it in. Remember though, that raw garlic can have a harsh astringent taste that may be a bit overpowering for this delicate mix of flavors.
Cheese recipes are always welcome at a party or as an appetizer recipe. Everyone loves cheese.
For anyone who may have shied away from goat cheese recipes, thinking it may be too strong will be delighted when they taste this marinated chevre. It is not a strong flavor at all and hits just the right notes with the flavors it is paired with here.
Marinated Goat Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound goat cheese, or chevre, creamy mild
- 2 cloves garlic, cut in half and smashed
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped, or 1/2 teaspoon dried
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped, or 1/2 teaspoon dried
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns, or 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- 1/2 cup black olives, pitted and chopped
- 1/4 cup sun dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup olive oil, extra-virgin
Instructions
- Chop all of the fresh herbs.
- Slice the cheese into rounds 1 inch thick. Arrange in 1 layer in a serving dish. Place the garlic pieces around the cheese, remove them later if you wish. Sprinkle the cheese with the herbs, chili flakes, peppercorns, olives and tomatoes. Pour the olive oil over the goat cheese.
- Cover and let marinate for a few hours at room temperature. Remove the garlic and allow the cheese to come to room temperature before serving.
- Serve this wonderful gourmet appetizer with crackers, sliced French stick bread or mini pitas.
Nutrition
Tip:
- In a recipe like this, where the oil is so much a part of the flavor of the final dish, use the best olive oil you can get. Extra virgin for sure. It will make such a difference in the final outcome of the recipe.
- This recipe can be made up to two days ahead. Cover it and refrigerate it to marinate for a day or two.
- If you serve the chevre appetizer with French bread, try brushing it with olive oil and toasting it for a few minutes under the broiler until it is golden. The mix of the crunch of the bread with the soft goat cheese mixture is heavenly.
This is a pretty healthy recipe, especially if you use the recommended extra virgin olive oil. It is also suitable for many special diets. It is a gluten free recipe, low carb and a great diabetic recipe.
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