Herbed Goat Cheese

Herbed goat cheese is a quick and versatile recipe that can be used as a spread or dip. With a creamy texture that falls between spreadable and dip-like, this recipe is a delightful addition to any gathering or snack time. Using fresh, mild, unflavored goat cheese as the base, you can easily customize the flavors with a variety of herbs. If you don’t have goat cheese on hand, alternatives like fresh ricotta or feta can be substituted (requiring a food processor for feta).

Makes: 6 to 8 servings

Time: 10 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 pound fresh goat cheese
• 2 tablespoons cream, sour cream, yogurt, or milk (as needed)
• 1/4 teaspoon finely minced garlic (or to taste)
• 1/2 cup chopped mixed fresh mild herbs (such as basil, parsley, chervil, dill, and/or chives)
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh tarragon or thyme
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (as needed)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a bowl, thin the goat cheese with enough cream, sour cream, yogurt, or milk to achieve a spreadable or dip-like consistency. The amount needed may vary depending on the thickness of the cheese and your preference for consistency.
2. Stir in the finely minced garlic and the chopped mixed fresh herbs. Adjust the amount of garlic to suit your taste.
3. Taste the mixture and add salt if necessary, keeping in mind that some goat cheeses can be quite salty. Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste.
4. Drizzle the herbed goat cheese with extra virgin olive oil. You can add more or less olive oil depending on your preference.
5. Serve the herbed goat cheese immediately as a spread or dip, or refrigerate it for several hours. If refrigerating, add the olive oil just before serving.

VARIATIONS:

• Herbed Feta Cheese: Replace the goat cheese with feta cheese for a briny and slightly gritty texture. Use a food processor to achieve a smooth consistency.
• Rosemary-Honey Goat Cheese: Omit the garlic, salt, and pepper. Instead, use 2 tablespoons of minced fresh rosemary and drizzle the cheese with honey to add a touch of sweetness. This variation pairs well with fresh or dried fruits.
• Goat Cheese-Stuffed Figs: Cut ripe fresh figs in half and spread about 1 tablespoon of the herbed goat cheese on top of each fig half. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper, and serve. For a grilled version, place the figs cheese side up on a moderately heated grill until warm.

Enjoy the herbed goat cheese as a versatile spread, dip, or stuffing option, and explore different flavor combinations based on your preferences.