When it comes to goat’s cheese, the discussion of whether it is better hot or cold often sparks a lively debate!
You might know it as Chèvre, as that is French for goat, and it’s a very versatile cheese with many uses.
Surprisingly, many people are not even aware that it can be cooked, as it is typically served cold with crackers.
Is goat’s cheese supposed to melt?
Does the flavor or texture change when it’s cooked?
What are the best dishes for hot goat’s cheese?
Let’s see the pros and cons of hot and cold goat’s cheese!
Goat’s cheese is extremely versatile and can be served hot or cold, no option is better than the other. It is down to personal preference. As a cold dish, it is typically served on a cheeseboard with crackers, fruit, and salad. Hot goat’s cheese can be a key ingredient in risotto, pasta dishes, and gratins. Heating the cheese leads to a softer texture and a more intense flavor that may not be to everyone’s taste. As a good source of calcium and protein and easy to digest, it is a suitable alternative to other similar cheeses.
Can Goat’s Cheese Be Cooked?
I am constantly surprised when people are not aware that goat’s cheese can be cooked.
However, to be fair, perhaps your experience of it is just on a cheeseboard with crackers.
And even then, you may be found the flavor (and smell!) a little overpowering.
But I can assure you, it’s delicious in many hot dishes.
It melts easily, adding a creamy, soft texture to any recipe.
If you are unsure where to start, try simply sprinkling some crumbly goat’s cheese over tomato sauce and baking for approximately 20 minutes.
Delicious for dipping crusty bread!
Make sure you remove the cheese from the fridge 30 minutes before cooking for the best results.
However, if you are expecting to melt in the same way as mozzarella or cheddar, becoming increasingly liquid, that doesn’t happen with goat’s cheese.
It just softens but retains its texture, ideal if you want to top a dish with slices of cheese.
One aspect I do need to mention is that the “goat” flavor can become more intense when the cheese is cooked.
So, if you are not that keen on cold goat’s cheese, then heating it is unlikely to change your mind!
Are There Any Health Benefits to Eating Goat’s Cheese?
If you are a fan of goat’s cheese, you will be pleasantly surprised to learn it has several health benefits.
And these apply whether you eat it hot or cold!
As it is made from goat’s milk, not cow’s milk, it is lower in calories and fat.
The fatty acids can help you feel fuller, so you are not tempted to snack.
Goat’s cheese is an excellent source of calcium, protein, and other required nutrients.
These include selenium, potassium, and zinc.
Goat’s milk has only one protein, known as A2 beta-casein, which makes it easier to digest than cow’s milk.
If you suffer from lactose intolerance, which is typically made worse by cow’s milk products, then goat’s cheese could be a good option.
But please consult your health provider if this is a concern.
It also contains beneficial probiotics that help with your gut health.
Warm Goat Cheese Salad
My Thoughts
- Both hot and cold goat’s cheese are equally delicious, it is down to a personal choice
- It is served cold with crackers, salad, and fruit, typically as part of a cheeseboard
- Hot dishes include goat’s cheese tart, lasagne, pasta, risotto, or gratin
- When heated, goat’s cheese softens rather than melts, giving it a softer texture
- Cooked goat’s cheese intensifies in flavor, which not everybody will enjoy
Let me know what you think of cooked goat’s cheese and whether you might now be tempted to try it!
On a similar subject, find out if you can eat cooked halloumi when it has gone cold.