Goat Cheese Appetizer
Goat Cheese Appetizer with olives is a creamy, tangy, and savory dish. A wide variety of olives are available, and salty Kalamata and green olives are perfect for this appetizer. They complement the creamy tang of goat cheese. Unpitted olives are used to enhance as their pits help maintain a firm texture. This simple yet flavorful dish is effortless to prepare, offering a delightful blend of savory tastes in every bite.
- Servings 3
- Prep 15 minutes
Nutrition Per Serving
Calories: 210 kcal Protein: 4 g g Fat: 21 g Saturated Fat: 0.6 g Carbohydrates: 4 g Dietary Fiber: 3 g Sugars: 0.5 g Cholesterol: 10 mg Sodium: 530 mg
Ingredients in Goat Cheese Appetizer
- 1/2 cup mixed marinated Green and Kalamata olives, pitted or unpitted
- Three tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
- lemon zest from one lemon
- Fresh lemon juice from half of lemon
- Two cloves of garlic
- One tsp. of fresh or dried thyme
- One tsp. of fresh or dried oregano
- Three round cuts of cylinder block goat's cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Kitchen Tools for Goat Cheese Appetizer
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Microplane or zester
- Frying pan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Serving dish
- Measuring spoons
- Small bowl (optional)
How to Make Goat Cheese Appetizer
- Arrange the goat cheese cuts on a serving dish. For an elegant presentation, place a few olives on top of each piece of goat cheese (refer to the picture of this recipe for guidance). Once done, set the dish aside.
- Heat a small frying pan over low heat. Add a generous drizzle of olive oil, finely minced garlic, freshly grated lemon zest, a pinch of black pepper, and your choice of fresh or dried herbs (such as thyme, oregano, or rosemary). Gently sauté the mixture for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning the garlic. You’ll know it’s ready when the garlic becomes fragrant and lightly golden.
- Remove the frying pan from the heat and carefully pour the warm olive oil mixture over the prepared olives and goat cheese, ensuring even coverage.
- Sprinkle the olives generously with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a splash of lemon juice to make them fresh.
- Let the dish sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
- Select Quality Ingredients: Look for high-quality, artisanal olives in various colors and sizes for visual appeal and varied flavors.
- Choose fresh goat cheese for its creamy texture and tangy taste.
- Temperature: Just before serving, it is essential to allow the olives and goat cheese to come to room temperature. This step is helpful, as it ensures the olives are flavorful and the goat cheese is soft and spreadable, enhancing your appetizer’s overall taste and texture.
What to serve on the Side? Sliced Baguette, Rye Bread, or Crackers go well with this Goat Cheese Appetizer.