Aromatic Marinated Chèvre

Discover the effortless elegance of Marinated Goat Cheese, a truly simple yet spectacularly delicious appetizer that shines year-round. This recipe transforms humble goat cheese into a gourmet delight with minimal effort, making it ideal for both casual gatherings and sophisticated soirées. Prepare to impress with a dish that celebrates the beauty of fresh, quality ingredients.

Marinated goat cheese has long been a cherished staple in my repertoire of easy appetizers. Its appeal isn’t just about the incredible simplicity of its preparation or the inherent deliciousness of goat cheese itself; it’s about the perfect synergy achieved when simple ingredients come together to create something truly exceptional. This recipe perfectly encapsulates that “simplicity meets perfection” philosophy, a discovery I absolutely adore.

This versatile marinated goat cheese can be savored in numerous ways. Serve it elegantly with crisp homemade crostini rounds (we’ll cover the recipe below!), your favorite crackers, or simply alongside slices of a fresh, crusty baguette. Each option provides a wonderful vehicle for scooping up not just the creamy cheese, but also that exquisite, herb-infused olive oil that forms the heart of this dish.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Marinated Goat Cheese Recipe

Beyond its irresistible flavor, there are countless reasons why this marinated goat cheese will become your go-to appetizer:

• Effortlessly Elegant: It looks and tastes incredibly sophisticated, yet requires minimal hands-on time, making it perfect for entertaining without stress.
• Versatile Serving Options: Whether you’re pairing it with bread, crackers, or incorporating it into other dishes, its adaptability is unmatched.
• Explosion of Flavor: The fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon zest infuse the olive oil with a bright, aromatic punch that perfectly complements the tangy goat cheese.
• Customizable: Easily adjust the herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences, allowing for endless variations.
• Make-Ahead Marvel: This appetizer actually improves with time as the flavors meld, making it an excellent choice for meal prepping or preparing in advance for parties.

Key Ingredients and Thoughtful Substitutions

A few notes on selecting and preparing the star ingredients to ensure your marinated goat cheese is nothing short of spectacular:

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: This is not the time to be shy with your olive oil! Because the oil forms the base of the marinade and carries so much of the flavor, opting for your best quality extra virgin olive oil will make a noticeable difference. Its superior taste and aroma will truly elevate the dish.
• Fresh Herbs: While dried herbs can be used in a pinch, fresh herbs are undeniably worth the extra effort here. Their vibrant flavor, aromatic oils, and beautiful appearance contribute significantly to the overall experience. This recipe calls for thyme, chives, and rosemary, but feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs like oregano, marjoram, or even a hint of mint for a different twist. Just remember to chop them finely to maximize infusion.
• Lemon: The inclusion of lemon rind (yellow part only, avoiding the bitter white pith) is crucial. It introduces a wonderfully bright, zesty, and refreshing note that cuts through the richness of the cheese and rounds out the herb flavors. Do not skip it! For an extra layer of citrus brightness, a tiny squeeze of fresh lemon juice can be added just before serving, but the rind does most of the heavy lifting during the marinating process.
• Goat Cheese: A plain goat cheese log is ideal. Look for one that’s firm enough to slice into rounds but still creamy. Fresh goat cheese is preferred for its characteristic tangy and slightly earthy flavor.
• Crushed Red Pepper: This adds a subtle warmth and gentle kick. Adjust the amount to your personal preference; a little goes a long way.
• Garlic: Smashed garlic cloves release their aroma and flavor slowly into the oil without overpowering it.

Warm Marinated Goat Cheese: A Delightful Variation

While absolutely exquisite served at room temperature, this marinated goat cheese also transforms into a cozy, gooey delight when warmed. To enjoy it warm, simply place a few rounds of the marinated goat cheese into a small, oven-proof dish. Bake in a preheated 325°F (160°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully softened, warm throughout, and just beginning to turn golden at the edges. Serve immediately with warm bread for an even more comforting experience.

Easy Marinated Goat Cheese

This marinated goat cheese is an easy and delicious appetizer that can be served at room temperature or baked for a warm, comforting twist.

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Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 15 mins

Marinating Time: 4 hrs

Total Time: 4 hrs 30 mins

Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients

Infused Oil:

• 1 1/2 Tablespoons fresh thyme leaves, chopped
• 1 1/2 Tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
• 1 Tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves, chopped
• 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper, to taste
• 2 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1 strip lemon rind, about 1-inch thick and 3 inches long, yellow part only
• 2 cups extra-virgin olive oil

Cheese:

• 10 – 12 oz plain goat cheese log, about 300g/10oz

For Garnish:

• 1 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
• 1 1/2 teaspoon fresh chives, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• Pinch crushed red pepper

Crostini:

• 1 baguette, cut into 1/2 inch rounds
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare the Infused Oil: Combine all the infused oil ingredients (thyme, chives, rosemary, crushed red pepper, smashed garlic, lemon rind, and olive oil) in a small saucepan. Place over low heat on the stove-top and allow to gently warm for about 15 minutes. This low heat helps to infuse the oil with all the wonderful herb and garlic flavors. After 15 minutes, turn off the heat and let the oil mixture cool completely to room temperature in the pan. *It is crucial that the oil is completely cooled before combining with the goat cheese to prevent the cheese from melting.
2. Slice and Arrange the Goat Cheese: Slice the goat cheese log into twelve 1/2-inch thick rounds. If your log yields more or fewer, simply adjust accordingly. Gently press and reshape any imperfect rounds in your palm. Pour a small amount of the cooled infused oil mixture into a glass baking dish. Select a dish that is just large enough to hold all the goat cheese slices in a single layer with a little space between each. Place the cheese rounds on top of the oil in the dish. Pour the remaining oil mixture over the cheese slices, ensuring they are well covered and distributing the infused herbs evenly on top of the cheese rounds.
3. Marinate the Goat Cheese: Cover the glass dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4-6 hours, or ideally, overnight. This allows the goat cheese to fully absorb the incredible flavors of the herb-infused oil.
4. Make the Crostini: While the goat cheese is marinating (or just before serving), prepare your crostini. Preheat your broiler. Arrange the baguette slices in a single, even layer on a baking sheet. Lightly brush the top side of each slice with extra virgin olive oil. Place the baking sheet under the broiler, about 6 inches from the heat source. Broil until the rounds are golden brown, watching carefully to prevent burning (this usually takes 1-3 minutes). Remove from the oven, flip the baguette slices over, brush the other side with olive oil, and return to the broiler until golden. Remove from the oven immediately and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and freshly ground pepper. Serve warm or at room temperature. *For best results, consume these olive-oil-brushed crostini within a few hours of making. If you need to make them further in advance, skip the olive oil brushing step and just toast the baguette slices under the broiler until crisp. They will still be delicious when dipped into the flavorful marinade oil.
5. Serve Your Marinated Goat Cheese: To serve, spoon a small amount of the flavorful marinade onto a serving plate or into individual small bowls. Carefully place a round of marinated goat cheese on top of the oil. Spoon a bit more of the infused marinade over the cheese for extra flavor and moisture. Garnish generously with the additional fresh herb mix (thyme, chives, rosemary, and a pinch of red pepper) that you set aside earlier for that vibrant color and fresh aroma. Serve immediately with your homemade crostini, fresh baguette slices, or your favorite crackers.

Notes

• Try this Warm! For a delightful warm appetizer, place a few rounds of marinated goat cheese into a small, oven-proof dish. Place the dish on a baking sheet for stability. Bake in a preheated 325°F (160°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is softened and just starting to turn golden in spots. This offers a wonderful contrast to the cool, tangy cheese.
• Versatile Use: Remember, this marinated goat cheese isn’t just for appetizers! It’s fantastic crumbled over salads, spread on sandwiches, or even served alongside roasted vegetables.
• Dish Size Matters: Using a glass dish that’s appropriately sized for your goat cheese rounds (allowing them to lie flat in a single layer with a little space) ensures the cheese is fully submerged and evenly marinated. Too large a dish means the oil will be too shallow.
• Re-purpose Leftover Oil: The herb-infused oil remaining after the cheese is gone is a treasure! Add a few drops of balsamic vinegar to it and use it for dipping crusty bread, drizzling over salads, or finishing grilled vegetables.

Cuisine: American, Canadian

Course: Appetizer

Author: Jennifer Maloney

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1 serving,
Calories: 90 kcal,
Carbohydrates: 10 g,
Protein: 1 g,
Fat: 4 g,
Sodium: 129 mg,
Potassium: 28 mg,
Vitamin A: 95 IU,
Vitamin C: 2.1 mg,
Calcium: 21 mg,
Iron: 0.8 mg