Perfect Herb Marinated Goat Cheese Recipe for Beginners

Herb marinated goat cheese crafts ordinary ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that awakens taste buds with its vibrant flavors.

Soft and creamy textures blend seamlessly with aromatic herbs, creating a delightful appetizer that impresses guests.

Mediterranean traditions inspire this elegant dish, showcasing how simple ingredients can elevate dining experiences.

Rich and tangy goat cheese absorbs herbal essences, developing complex layers of taste and aroma.

Delicate herbs infuse the cheese with subtle nuances, turning a basic ingredient into a gourmet sensation.

Versatile and sophisticated, this recipe serves as a perfect starter or elegant accompaniment to crusty bread and wines.

Your dinner party guests will adore this simple yet impressive culinary creation.

What Sets Herb Marinated Goat Cheese Apart

• Elevate Flavor Profile: Herb-marinated goat cheese transforms a simple cheese into a gourmet experience, infusing each slice with vibrant basil, thyme, and chive notes that dance on your palate.
• Minimal Effort, Maximum Impact: This recipe requires just 15 minutes of preparation and delivers restaurant-quality results, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile Party Pleaser: Perfect for casual gatherings, wine nights, or elegant appetizer spreads, this marinated goat cheese can be served with crusty baguettes, crackers, or as part of a charcuterie board, adding sophistication to any event.

Must-Have Ingredients for Herb Marinated Goat Cheese

Main Ingredients:

• Goat Cheese: Creamy, tangy cheese that serves as the star of the appetizer, best when fresh and soft at room temperature.

• Basil, Thyme, Chives: Fresh herbs that add bright, aromatic flavors and enhance the overall taste of the goat cheese.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and highlight the cheese's natural flavor.

• Olive Oil: High-quality extra virgin olive oil provides a smooth, rich base for marinating and adds richness to the cheese.

• Baguette: Crusty French bread perfect for spreading the herbed goat cheese, provides a delightful texture contrast.

How to Marinate and Serve Herb Goat Cheese

Step 1: Prepare The Goat Cheese

Chill the goat cheese log in the freezer for 10 minutes to make slicing easier. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into even discs approximately one-third inch thick.

Step 2: Arrange Cheese Slices

Select a 9×13-inch pan or container with a secure lid. Place the cheese slices in a single, neat layer without overlapping.

Step 3: Create Herb Marinade

• Olive oil
• Fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Thyme leaves
• Chives, minced

Whisk these ingredients together until they form a well-blended marinade.

Step 4: Marinate The Cheese

Pour the herb-infused oil evenly over the cheese slices, ensuring complete coverage. Seal the container with a tight lid or plastic wrap.

Step 5: Refrigerate And Infuse

Store the marinated cheese in the refrigerator for 3-4 hours. This resting period allows the herbs to deeply flavor the cheese.

Step 6: Serve And Enjoy

Remove the cheese from the refrigerator 20 minutes before serving to slightly soften. Arrange on a platter with crisp baguette slices for a delightful appetizer that will impress your guests.

Serving Tips for Herb Marinated Goat Cheese

• Chill Before Slicing: Freeze the goat cheese log for 10 minutes to achieve clean, precise cuts without crumbling.
• Layer Carefully: Use a single layer when arranging cheese discs to ensure each slice gets maximum herb flavor and even marinating.
• Choose Fresh Herbs: Select vibrant, fragrant herbs directly from the garden or farmers market for the most intense and bright flavor profile.
• Marinate Patiently: Allow a full 3-4 hours of refrigeration to let herbs infuse deeply into the olive oil and cheese, developing rich, complex taste.
• Serve at Perfect Temperature: Take the marinated goat cheese out of the refrigerator 20 minutes before serving to reach an ideal soft, spreadable consistency that highlights the herb-infused texture.

How to Store Herb Marinated Goat Cheese Safely

• Refrigerate: Store leftover marinated goat cheese in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep the cheese submerged in the herbed olive oil to maintain its flavor and freshness.
• Freeze: Wrap the cheese tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Serve Chilled: Remove the goat cheese from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to allow it to soften slightly and enhance its creamy texture and herb-infused taste.

Foods and Drinks That Pair with Herb Goat Cheese

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio beautifully complement the tangy goat cheese, cutting through its richness while enhancing the herb's delicate flavors.
• Match with Rustic Bread Selection: Grab a fresh baguette, sourdough, or ciabatta slices to provide a perfect crunchy base for spreading the herb-marinated goat cheese, creating a delightful textural experience.
• Create Mediterranean Mezze Platter: Add roasted red peppers, olives, sliced cucumbers, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to transform this goat cheese into a stunning appetizer spread that transports you to sunny Mediterranean landscapes.
• Boost with Light Sparkling Beverage: Prosecco or dry champagne adds effervescence that cleanses the palate between bites, making each taste of the herbed goat cheese feel fresh and vibrant.

Flavor Variations for Herb Marinated Goat Cheese

• Mediterranean Fusion: Swap basil with oregano and add sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes for a zesty Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Garlic Lover's Dream: Incorporate roasted garlic cloves and extra minced garlic into the marinade for an intense, robust flavor profile.
• Spicy Provençal Blend: Mix in dried lavender, rosemary, and a pinch of cayenne pepper to create a French-inspired herbal sensation with a subtle kick.
• Citrus Herb Infusion: Replace some olive oil with lemon or orange zest and add fresh dill for a bright, refreshing take on the classic recipe.

Herb Marinated Goat Cheese Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Herb marinated goat cheese elevates simple appetizers with Mediterranean charm. Fragrant rosemary, thyme, and olive oil bathe creamy cheese, creating an irresistible starter you’ll crave at every gathering.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 (10-ounces / 283 grams) goat cheese log
• 1 sourdough or French baguette, sliced

Herbs and Seasonings:

• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme (leaves only)
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Oil:

• ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Chill the goat cheese log in the freezer for approximately 10 minutes to facilitate clean, precise cutting.
2. Carefully slice the chilled goat cheese into elegant, uniform discs measuring roughly ⅓ inch thick using a sharp knife.
3. Select a spacious rectangular container or baking dish that allows the cheese slices to rest in a single, uncrowded layer.
4. Create a vibrant herb-infused marinade by whisking together fragrant olive oil with freshly chopped basil, thyme leaves, and delicate chives.
5. Season the marinade with a pinch of salt and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper to enhance the herb blend’s complexity.
6. Gently cascade the aromatic herb oil over the goat cheese slices, ensuring each piece is thoroughly and evenly coated.
7. Seal the container tightly with a lid or plastic wrap, then nestle in the refrigerator for 3-4 hours, allowing the herbs to permeate the cheese with their rich, delicate flavors.
8. Prior to serving, extract the marinated goat cheese from the refrigerator and let it rest at room temperature for approximately 20 minutes, which will soften the texture and intensify the herb-infused profile.
9. Present the herb-marinated goat cheese alongside crisp, thinly sliced baguette pieces, creating an elegant and inviting appetizer.

Notes

• Chill the goat cheese log briefly in the freezer to make slicing clean and precise without crumbling.
• Use a sharp knife to create uniform ⅓-inch thick cheese discs for elegant presentation.
• Fresh herbs are crucial for infusing maximum flavor into the olive oil marinade.
• Marinating time of 3-4 hours allows herbs to deeply penetrate and enhance the goat cheese’s creamy texture.
• Serve at slightly cool room temperature to ensure optimal spreadability and taste sensation.
• Pair with crusty baguette or artisan crackers to complement the herb-infused cheese’s rich, tangy profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg