Everything You Need To Know About Goats Cheese

Goats cheese, also known as chèvre (the French word for goat), is a type of cheese made from goat’s milk (if that wasn’t already obvious!). Known for its distinctive tangy flavour and creamy soft texture, goats cheese is popular in salads, on pizzas, and other dishes around the globe. It’s an unusual, but firm favourite amongst cheese fanatics. 

Read on to learn more about the origins of goats cheese, how it is made, storage advice, and what to pair it with…

 

Key Characteristics of Goats Cheese

Flavour: Goats cheese has a distinctive tangy and earthy flavour. Younger chèvre cheeses tend to have a milder (and slightly creamier) taste, whilst aged varieties can be more intense, offering complex, nutty, and slightly sweet undertones.

Texture: Most shop-bought goats cheese will have a crumbly texture, with some verging on creamy (and very spreadable!). There are also hard goat’s cheese varieties available, which have a similar texture to manchego or gouda.

Appearance: Fresh goat or chèvre cheese is often pure white and can come in various shapes such as logs, rounds, or crumbles. Aged goat cheese may develop a rind and take on a yellowish hue.

Varieties: There are many varieties of goat cheese, including:

• Fresh chèvre: Soft and spreadable
• Aged chèvre: Firm and crumbly with a developed rind
• Blue goat cheese: Infused with blue mould for a strong flavour
• Goat brie: Creamy and mild, similar to traditional brie but made with goat’s milk

 

How is Goats Cheese Made?

Goats cheese production dates back to ancient times, with evidence suggesting its origins in the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions. Goats were among the first domesticated animals, providing milk that was easily turned into cheese using simple, traditional methods.

To make the cheese, goats milk is first heated and mixed with a starter culture and rennet (causing it to curdle). Then, the curds are chopped to release the whey, which is then drained using a cheesecloth. Once drained, the cheese is then mixed with salt and shaped into logs. Some chèvre cheeses are served straight away, whilst others are aged from one week up to a year. 

 

Which Foods Does Goats Cheese Pair With?

Goat’s cheese is a staple in our household. It is great crumbled over pizza, a simple salad, or roasted vegetables to add a bit of tang. We love pairing it with fresh fruit (yes – you heard that right), such as watermelon or grilled peaches in the summertime. We also love using it paired with puff pastry and figs for a festive canape.

Here are some of our favourite recipes using goats cheese:

• Fig & Goats Cheese Tarts
• Dates Stuffed With Goats Cheese
• Leek, Walnut, and Goats Cheese Pasta
• Baked Pears With Walnuts & Goats Cheese

Which Chutney Does Goats Cheese Pair With?

The tangy notes of goats cheese pairs brilliantly with any sort of sweet, rich, and fruity chutney. We love to pair it with a sticky fig relish, mango chutney, or even a mild chilli jam!

Learn more in our helpful blog: Your Complete Cheese & Chutney Pairing Guide

Which Charcuterie Does Goats Cheese Pair With?

Goats cheese in itself is pretty mild, so you don’t want to choose a charcuterie or meat product that overpowers it too much. Choose a classic pate, prosciutto, or bresaola. 

Learn more in our helpful blog: How To Pair Cheese & Charcuterie

 

Which Wines Does Goats Cheese Pair With?

Goats cheese’s mild tangy flavour means it pairs well with light and bright wines, such as sauvignon blanc, chenin blanc, and a fruity rose. Chèvre cheese also pairs perfectly with bubbly (including brut, prosecco, or champagne). The bubbles in this type of wine helps to cut through the creaminess of the goats cheese.

To learn more about pairing wines, read one of our helpful blogs: What is a Good Wine & Cheese Pairing?

 

All Things Cheese With Savery Grazing

If you’re looking for expert cheese and charcuterie advice, look no further than Savery Grazing. Explore our website to find delicious recipes, hosting tips & tricks, as well as information on the latest trends in the wonderful world of cheese.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact our team. You can also keep up to date with us on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest!

 

Related Questions

How Do You Store Goats Cheese?

Store creamy and spreadable goats cheese in an airtight container. It’s best to keep the cheese in the coldest part of the fridge (but avoid it getting frozen towards the back of the fridge, as this can ruin the creamy texture) and to avoid direct contact with air to prevent drying out. Hard goats cheese varieties can be wrapped in wax paper, or even frozen.

If you’d like to learn how to store your cheese like a professional, read one of our helpful blogs: How To Wrap & Store Your Cheese

Is Goats Cheese Vegetarian?

Goat cheese can be vegetarian, but it depends on the type of rennet used in its production. Rennet is an enzyme used to coagulate milk, and it can be derived from animal, microbial, or vegetable sources. If the cheese is made with microbial or vegetable rennet, it is suitable for vegetarians.

Can You Eat Goats Cheese Whilst Pregnant?

Pregnant women can safely consume goats cheese, provided it has been pasteurised. We would completely avoid unpasteurised or soft-ripened varieties due to the risk of listeria contamination unless it is served piping hot (i.e. on a pizza).

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