Are you a fan of goat cheese? If so, you're in for a treat with this delicious and easy-to-make smoked goat cheese recipe. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply want to enjoy a fancy appetizer, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds. In this article, we'll take a closer look at how to make this mouthwatering dish and explore the unique flavors of smoked goat cheese.
What Does Smoked Goat Cheese Taste Like?
Smoked goat cheese offers a delightful combination of flavors. Wisconsin's LaClare Family Creamery produces a fantastic smoked cheddar made from 100% goat's milk. Unlike some goat cheeses that can have a strong goaty flavor, this smoked cheddar is firm, smoky, and slightly sweet. It has a caramel-like cooked milk flavor that pairs perfectly with the smokiness. If you've been hesitant to try goat cheese before, this recipe may just change your mind.
How to Make Smoked Garlic Goat Cheese
Now that you know what to expect from the taste of smoked goat cheese, let's dive into the recipe itself. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make this delectable appetizer:
Step 1: Gather the Ingredients
Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. Here's what you'll need:
- 8 ounces of goat cheese
- 12 cloves of smoked garlic
- 1/4 cup of smoked garlic olive oil
- 1/4 cup of chimichurri
- 1 baguette
- 1/2 cup of garlic butter (optional)
Step 2: Preheat the Grill
Preheat your pellet grill to 250°F. This temperature is perfect for smoking the goat cheese without cooking it too quickly.
Step 3: Prepare the Goat Cheese
Slice the goat cheese into 1-2 inch rounds and place them on a grill-safe dish. You can shape the cheese rounds however you like; the shape doesn't matter too much. If you don't have a grill-safe dish, a high-quality ceramic plate that's oven-safe will work just fine.
Step 4: Add the Smoked Garlic
Drizzle the smoked garlic olive oil over the goat cheese rounds. Next, take the smoked garlic cloves and toss them on top of the cheese. The combination of the smoky garlic flavor and the creamy goat cheese will create a heavenly taste.
Step 5: Smoke the Cheese
Place the goat cheese dish on the preheated pellet grill and let it smoke for about 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese is heated through. The smoky flavor will infuse into the cheese, creating a rich and savory taste.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the goat cheese is smoked to perfection, it's time to serve and enjoy! Drizzle the chimichurri sauce over the cheese for an extra burst of flavor. Serve the smoked goat cheese with slices of crusty garlic bread or a baguette. The combination of the smoky cheese, tangy chimichurri, and crispy bread will create a flavor explosion in your mouth.
Pairing Ideas for Smoked Goat Cheese
If you want to make a complete meal out of your smoked goat cheese appetizer, here are some complementary dishes to consider:
- Greek Salad or Wedge Salad: The tangy and bright flavors of these salads will pair perfectly with the smoky goat cheese.
- Beef Tenderloin or Prime Rib Roast: For a main course, serve a succulent beef dish alongside the smoked goat cheese.
- Smoked Loaded Baked Potatoes: Nothing says steakhouse at home like a perfectly cooked loaded baked potato.
- Grilled Asparagus: The freshness of grilled asparagus will complement the richness of the goat cheese.
- Strawberry Shortcake: Finish off your meal with a sweet and fruity dessert like strawberry shortcake.
Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply want to enjoy a gourmet appetizer, this smoked goat cheese recipe is a must-try. The combination of smoky flavors, creamy goat cheese, and tangy chimichurri will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. Give this recipe a try and prepare to impress your guests with this delightful dish!
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