Zesty Garlic & Herb Marinated Goat Cheese
Elevate your entertaining with this vibrant and flavorful Zesty Garlic & Herb Marinated Goat Cheese dish. A delightful combination of soft goat cheese marinated in aromatic extra virgin olive oil with a hint of spice, fresh garlic, zesty orange, and fragrant basil creates an irresistible appetizer that is sure to impress your guests. This easy-to-make treat can be prepared in advance and requires minimal effort, making it perfect for any occasion. Arranged beautifully on a serving platter, this dish is not only delicious but also visually appealing. Enjoy with your favorite crackers or fresh bread for a delightful experience. Once you serve this dish, you'll be sure to receive multiple requests for the recipe!
N/A
Servings
120
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Soft fresh goat cheese
1 (12-ounce container, chilled)
Extra virgin olive oil
3/4 (cup)
Peppercorns
1 (tablespoon (a mix of white, black, and red recommended))
Allspice berries
1 (teaspoon)
Garlic cloves
2 (finely minced)
Fresh ginger
2 (tablespoons, finely minced)
Fresh basil
1/3 (cup, slivered)
Orange zest
1 (teaspoon)
Instructions
1
Slice the chilled goat cheese into 1/2-inch thick rounds and arrange them in a single layer in a shallow pie plate or baking dish.
2
In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the extra virgin olive oil, peppercorns, and allspice berries. Heat until the peppercorns begin to pop, approximately 2 minutes.
3
Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, mix together the finely minced garlic, ginger, slivered fresh basil, and orange zest until well combined.
4
Once the peppercorns start popping, remove the pan from heat and immediately add the garlic mixture to the hot oil, stirring for about 5 seconds to combine all the flavors.
5
Pour the fragrant oil mixture evenly over the sliced goat cheese, ensuring each piece is coated in the marinade.
6
Cover the dish with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for a minimum of 3 hours—ideally overnight—for the flavors to meld.
7
To serve, remove the marinated goat cheese from the refrigerator and transfer it to a serving plate. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving. Pair with an assortment of crackers or toasted bread for a delightful appetizer.
Nutrition Information
11g
Fat
0.5g
Carbs
4.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Garlic & Herb Marinated Goat Cheese?
It is a vibrant appetizer featuring soft goat cheese rounds marinated in extra virgin olive oil infused with garlic, ginger, fresh basil, and orange zest.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 8 ingredients: goat cheese, extra virgin olive oil, peppercorns, allspice berries, garlic, ginger, fresh basil, and orange zest.
What kind of goat cheese should I use?
The recipe calls for one 12-ounce container of soft fresh goat cheese, chilled.
How should I slice the goat cheese?
Slice the chilled goat cheese into rounds that are 1/2-inch thick.
What is the best way to arrange the cheese for marinating?
Arrange the slices in a single layer in a shallow pie plate or baking dish.
What type of oil is used in the marinade?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil.
Which peppercorns are recommended?
A mix of white, black, and red peppercorns is recommended for the best flavor.
How do I prepare the oil base?
Combine the olive oil, peppercorns, and allspice berries in a small saucepan over medium-high heat.
How long do I heat the oil mixture?
Heat the mixture for approximately 2 minutes until the peppercorns begin to pop.
How should the garlic be prepared?
You should use 2 cloves of garlic that have been finely minced.
Is ginger included in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 2 tablespoons of finely minced fresh ginger.
How should the fresh basil be cut?
The 1/3 cup of fresh basil should be slivered.
When do I add the garlic and herbs to the oil?
Add the garlic, ginger, basil, and orange zest to the oil immediately after removing the pan from the heat once the peppercorns pop.
How long should the garlic mixture stir in the hot oil?
Stir the mixture into the hot oil for about 5 seconds to combine the flavors.
How long does the cheese need to marinate?
It needs a minimum of 3 hours in the refrigerator, but it is ideally left overnight for the flavors to meld.
Should I cover the dish while it's in the fridge?
Yes, cover the dish with plastic wrap or a lid before refrigerating.
What is the serving temperature for this dish?
Allow the marinated goat cheese to come to room temperature before serving for the best experience.
What should I serve with the marinated goat cheese?
It pairs perfectly with an assortment of crackers or toasted fresh bread.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish is classified as vegetarian.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are 120 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 11g of fat.
How much protein is in the dish?
There is 4.5g of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count?
The dish is very low in carbs, containing only 0.5g per serving.
Does the recipe use orange zest?
Yes, it uses 1 teaspoon of orange zest to provide a zesty flavor profile.
Can this dish be made in advance?
Yes, it is specifically noted as a 'make-ahead' recipe, perfect for entertaining.
What gives the dish its 'zesty' flavor?
The combination of orange zest, fresh ginger, garlic, and mixed peppercorns provides the zest.
What are allspice berries?
They are a spice used in this recipe (1 teaspoon) to add aromatic depth to the oil infusion.
Is this recipe difficult to prepare?
No, it is described as an easy recipe that requires minimal effort.
Why must the goat cheese be chilled before slicing?
Chilling the cheese makes it firmer and much easier to slice into clean rounds.
Can I reuse the leftover marinade oil?
While the recipe doesn't specify, flavored oils like this are often excellent for dipping bread or drizzling over salads later.