What Is Goat Cheese?
Goat cheese (called chèvre in French) is a broad family of cheeses made from goat’s milk. It is soft and creamy when fresh, then becomes firmer and more concentrated in flavor as it ages. It has a distinctive, slightly sharp, earthy taste.
Fresh varieties are sold in logs (cylinders) and are easy to spread; aged varieties develop a rind and a more intense flavor. Goat cheese is widely produced in France, Spain, and Türkiye.
Goat Cheese Nutrition
Goat cheese is a nutrient-dense cheese, providing about 264 kcal of energy, 18.5 g of protein, and 140 mg of calcium per 100 g.
What Are the Benefits of Goat Cheese?
Goat cheese is a nutritious dairy product containing calcium and protein. Some people report that they tolerate it more easily than cow’s milk cheeses.
This is general information; goat cheese is a food, not a medical treatment. Since salt content varies by type, portion control is recommended.
How to Choose Goat Cheese
When buying fresh goat cheese, look for a smooth texture and a mild aroma without any ammonia smell.
- Check the package date and make sure the cold chain has been maintained.
- Fresh varieties should have a moist, smooth surface, not a dry, cracked one.
- Aged varieties should have an intact rind with no mold spots.
How to Store Goat Cheese
Goat cheese keeps fresh for 1–2 weeks in the refrigerator, either in its original packaging or wrapped in wax paper. Varieties stored in olive oil may keep longer.
Using Goat Cheese in the Kitchen
Goat cheese is used in salads, baked dishes, toast, and pizza, or served on its own as a snack with honey and walnuts.
How to Bake Goat Cheese
Place a slice of goat cheese in an ovenproof dish, drizzle it with olive oil, and bake at 180°C / 355°F for 8–10 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. Serve with bread or crackers.
How to Use Goat Cheese in a Salad
Combine crumbled or sliced goat cheese with walnuts, honey, and greens to make a balanced sweet-and-savory salad.
What Recipes Use Goat Cheese?
Goat cheese salad, baked goat cheese, goat cheese tart, and pizza are among the most popular recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of goat cheese?
Goat cheese is a nutritious source of calcium and protein. It can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet, but it is not a medical treatment.
Is goat cheese different from cow’s milk cheese?
Yes. Goat cheese has a sharper, earthier flavor than cow’s milk cheese. Although some people report that they digest it more easily, it still contains lactose.
How should goat cheese be stored?
Keep goat cheese in the refrigerator in its original packaging or wrapped in wax paper for 1–2 weeks. Varieties stored in olive oil may keep longer.
Can pregnant people eat goat cheese?
Goat cheese made from pasteurized milk is generally considered suitable to eat. During pregnancy, use caution with soft varieties made from raw milk and consult a doctor.
Is goat cheese high in calories?
It varies by type, but goat cheese has a medium-to-high fat content. It can be included in a balanced diet with portion control.