Choosing Goat’s Cheese for Christmas: A Festive Guide

Goat’s cheese, with its creamy texture and distinctive tang, is a wonderful addition to the Christmas table. 

Whether you’re planning a show-stopping cheeseboard, crafting elegant appetisers, or enhancing festive dishes, goat’s cheese offers versatility and sophistication. 

But with so many varieties available, how do you choose the perfect one for your Christmas celebrations?

Why Choose Goat’s Cheese for Christmas?

Goat’s cheese is a lighter alternative to some of the richer cheeses traditionally served during the festive season, such as Stilton or brie. 

Its fresh, tangy flavour complements a wide range of foods, from sweet fruits to savoury nuts, making it ideal for festive pairings. It’s also a great option for guests who might prefer something less heavy after a big Christmas meal.

Types of Goat’s Cheese to Consider

Fresh Goat’s Cheese (Chèvre)

Soft and creamy with a mild tang, fresh goat’s cheese is perfect for spreading on crackers or bread.

Look for logs or small rounds, which are easy to serve and often come coated in herbs, ash, or spices for added flavour.

Ideal for making canapés: spread on crostini and top with honey, walnuts, or roasted red peppers.

Aged Goat’s Cheese

Firmer and more intense in flavour, aged goat’s cheese develops nutty and earthy notes.

Varieties like Crottin de Chavignol or Garrotxa are excellent choices for adding depth to your cheeseboard.

Pair with a robust red wine or spiced chutney for a festive treat.

Soft-Ripened Goat’s Cheese

Similar to brie or camembert, these cheeses have a bloomy rind and a gooey interior.

Varieties like Sainte-Maure de Touraine or a goat’s milk camembert are decadent additions to your Christmas spread.

Serve warm with crusty bread and cranberry sauce for a luxurious starter.

Flavoured Goat’s Cheese

Infused with herbs, garlic, or truffle, flavoured goat’s cheese can bring a festive twist to your table.

These cheeses work well in recipes or as a standout feature on a cheeseboard.

How to Serve Goat’s Cheese at Christmas

The Cheeseboard

Include a mix of textures and flavours: pair fresh goat’s cheese with aged and soft-ripened varieties.

Add accompaniments like figs, dried apricots, honey, nuts, and crusty bread to complement the cheese.

Arrange cheeses at room temperature to bring out their full flavour.

Festive Recipes

Goat’s Cheese Tartlets: Fill pastry shells with goat’s cheese and caramelised onions for a simple yet elegant appetiser.

Stuffed Dates: Pit dates and fill them with goat’s cheese, then drizzle with honey for a sweet-and-savoury treat.

Salads: Crumble goat’s cheese over a winter salad with roasted beetroot, candied walnuts, and a balsamic glaze.

Baked Goat’s Cheese

Bake a whole round of soft-ripened goat’s cheese and serve with crackers, chutney, and a drizzle of honey.

Add rosemary or thyme sprigs for a festive touch.

Tips for Choosing the Best Goat’s Cheese

Consider Your Guests: Choose a variety of mild and strong cheeses to cater to different tastes.

Visit a Cheesemonger: For the best selection, seek advice from a local cheesemonger who can recommend seasonal and artisan options.

Check the Origin: French, Spanish, and British goat’s cheeses each offer unique characteristics—try a mix to showcase different styles.

Storage: Store goat’s cheese in the fridge, wrapped in wax paper, and bring it to room temperature before serving.

A Goat’s Cheese Christmas Tradition

Incorporating goat’s cheese into your Christmas festivities is a way to elevate your table with something both traditional and unique. Its versatility ensures it will be a hit, whether served simply or as part of a more elaborate dish.

This Christmas, let goat’s cheese take centre stage and delight your guests with its creamy textures and festive flavours. After all, no Christmas celebration is complete without a cheese course to savour and share!