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
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
Instructions
- Chill the goat cheese log in the freezer for approximately 10 minutes to facilitate clean, precise cutting.
- Carefully slice the chilled goat cheese into elegant, uniform discs measuring roughly ⅓ inch thick using a sharp knife.
- Select a spacious rectangular container or baking dish that allows the cheese slices to rest in a single, uncrowded layer.
- Create a vibrant herb-infused marinade by whisking together fragrant olive oil with freshly chopped basil, thyme leaves, and delicate chives.
- Season the marinade with a pinch of salt and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper to enhance the herb blend’s complexity.
- Gently cascade the aromatic herb oil over the goat cheese slices, ensuring each piece is thoroughly and evenly coated.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Cook Time: 0 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