From fresh salads and warm mains to easy appetizers, these goat cheese recipes highlight the creamy, tangy cheese in dishes for every season.
1/28
Roasted Herbed Squash with Goat Cheese
From the Recipe Creator:
Cooking is a hobby I'm so happy to share with my toddler. She (and all our Christmas Eve party guests) heartily approved of this new potluck favorite. Any type of winter squash works here. —Lindsay Oberhausen, Lexington, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 251 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 715mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 10g fiber), 7g protein.
2/28
Cranberry-Fig Goat Cheese Crostini
From the Recipe Creator:
The blend of flavors in the crostini makes an absolutely scrumptious appetizer. —Barbara Estabrook, Rhinelander, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 crostini: 109 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 135mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
3/28
Mushroom Panzanella
From the Recipe Creator:
My fresh take on classic Italian bread salad pairs perfectly with grilled or roasted meats. —Jennifer Beckman, Falls Church, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 210 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 506mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
4/28
Butternut Thyme Tartlets
From the Recipe Creator:
A great teaser for what’s to come, this light and crunchy appetizer is filled with my favorite late-fall flavors. Make the creamy filling a few days early, then fill the phyllo cups right before guests arrive. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 tartlet: 49 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 60mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
5/28
Asparagus Galette with Goat Cheese
From the Recipe Creator:
This asparagus galette could be an appetizer or a side dish, or you could top it with an egg and serve it as an entree. While I prefer to make my own whole wheat crust to add a nutty flavor, you could use a refrigerated crust instead. Cooking all vegetables before assembling the galette adds flavor and expels most of the moisture, so the crust gets crispy in the oven. If you want to save time, use caramelized onion jam instead of caramelizing the leeks. —Kellyn Kemmerer, Baltimore, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 308 calories, 22g fat (12g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 797mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
6/28
Portobello Mushrooms Florentine
From the Recipe Creator:
A fun and surprisingly hearty breakfast dish packed with flavor and richness.
—Sara Morris, Laguna Beach, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed mushroom: 170 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 204mg cholesterol, 428mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 12g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1 lean meat, 0.500 fat.
7/28
Chicken and Goat Cheese Skillet
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband was completely bowled over by this on-a-whim goat cheese and chicken skillet meal. I can't wait to make it again very soon! —Ericka Barber, Eureka, California
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups chicken mixture: 251 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 447mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
8/28
Brussels Sprouts with Garlic & Goat Cheese
From the Recipe Creator:
I wanted to up my veggie game, so I smothered Brussels sprouts with garlic and goat cheese. It's really a side dish, but I love to eat it for lunch! —Brenda Williams, Santa Maria, California
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 81 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 205mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
9/28
Grilled Peach, Rice & Arugula Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
This hearty salad was created when I needed to clear out some leftovers from the fridge—and it became an instant hit! The grilled peaches are the ultimate "tastes like summer" salad booster. —Lauren Wyler, Dripping Springs, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 218 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 530mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
10/28
Veggie Omelet with Goat Cheese
From the Recipe Creator:
My family eats a lot of vegetables so I'll set some aside at dinner to use in an omelet the next day. This cuts prep time in half! I like the versatility of this recipe because it can be made with whatever veggies and cheeses you have. —Lynne Keast, Monte Sereno, California
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 omelet: 316 calories, 23g fat (7g saturated fat), 393mg cholesterol, 539mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 19g protein.
11/28
Secret-Ingredient Stuffed Eggs
From the Recipe Creator:
My take on deviled eggs is full of surprises. The down-home appetizer Mom used to make gets an upscale touch from mango, goat cheese and pecans. People love these tempting treats. —Beth Satterfield, Dover, Delaware
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed egg half: 94 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 110mg cholesterol, 140mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
12/28
Balsamic-Goat Cheese Grilled Plums
From the Recipe Creator:
Make a bold statement with this simple yet elegant treat. Ripe plums are grilled and then dressed with a balsamic reduction and tangy goat cheese. —Ariana Abelow, Holliston, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 plum half with 1 tablespoon cheese and 2 teaspoons glaze: 58 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 41mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
13/28
Artichoke & Lemon Pasta
From the Recipe Creator:
While sailing in the Mediterranean, we tasted a lemony artichoke pasta. I developed my own version of it that our guests love. Try it with shrimp and kalamata olives. —Peter Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 343 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 919mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 14g protein.
14/28
Goat Cheese Cheesecake
From the Recipe Creator:
Upgrade your traditional cheesecake by adding in goat cheese! This simple ingredient adds creaminess and complex flavors for a lovely taste in every bite. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 305 calories, 17g fat (9g saturated fat), 80mg cholesterol, 239mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
15/28
Pancetta, Pear & Pecan Puffs
From the Recipe Creator:
I was recently at a wedding reception where the menu was all small bites. Here’s my rendition of the pear pastries they served. They're the perfect combo of savory and sweet. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 puff: 105 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 178mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
16/28
Chicken Sausage & Gnocchi Skillet
From the Recipe Creator:
I had a bunch of fresh veggies and combined them with sausage, gnocchi and goat cheese when I needed a quick dinner. Mix and match your own ingredients for unique results. —Dahlia Abrams, Detroit, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups (calculated without Parmesan cheese): 454 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 995mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 5g fiber), 21g protein.
17/28
Grilled Nectarine & Cheese Crostini
From the Recipe Creator:
At our house, we love the summer tastes of sweet grilled nectarines and fresh basil over goat cheese. I can usually find all the ingredients at the farmers market. —Brandy Hollingshead, Grass Valley, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 48 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 55mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch.
18/28
Heirloom Tomato Tart
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a delicious way to use the tomato bounty from your garden or the great buys from the local farmers' market. If you don't have heirloom tomatoes, try regular tomatoes with grape or plum tomatoes. —Kathryn Conrad, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 236 calories, 14g fat (6g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 270mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
19/28
Quinoa-Stuffed Squash Boats
From the Recipe Creator:
My colorful “boats” with quinoa, garbanzo beans and pumpkin seeds use delicata squash, a winter squash with edible skin that’s cream-colored with green stripes. In a pinch, acorn squash will do—but don't eat the skin! —Lauren Knoelke, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed squash half: 275 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 591mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 10g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 1 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
20/28
Fiesta Grilled Corn
From the Recipe Creator:
We love Mexican food and corn on the cob. So I combined them into something fresh and spicy. For Italian flair, I make this corn with basil and oregano butter and Parmesan cheese. —MacKenzie Severson, Germantown, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 ear of corn with toppings: 426 calories, 33g fat (13g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 269mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 7g protein.
21/28
Grilled Chicken Salad with Blueberry Vinaigrette
From the Recipe Creator:
We love adding grilled chicken to our salads in the summer, but the real star here is the vinaigrette made with blueberry preserves and maple syrup. This salad goes great with a fresh baguette and a frosty glass of minted lemonade. —Susan Gauthier, Falmouth, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 455 calories, 26g fat (7g saturated fat), 82mg cholesterol, 460mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 4g fiber), 24g protein.
22/28
Smoked Salmon Quesadillas with Creamy Chipotle Sauce
From the Recipe Creator:
These extra-special quesadillas take just minutes to make, but you'll want to savor them for as long as possible. Sprinkle the cheesy wedges with chopped fresh cilantro. —Daniel Shemtob, Irvine, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 quesadilla with 3 tablespoons sauce: 453 calories, 28g fat (16g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 1118mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 15g protein.
23/28
Goat Cheese & Ham Omelet
From the Recipe Creator:
As a busy working mom, my breakfast needs to require minimal prep. I often combine the egg mixture beforehand and refrigerate it overnight. Then all I have to do in the morning is heat up my skillet. My favorite part is the goat cheese filling, which gets nice and creamy from the heat of the omelet. —Lynne Dieterle, Rochester Hills, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 omelet: 143 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 489mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
24/28
Tuscan Truffles
From the Recipe Creator:
For holiday potlucks, I make an appetizer truffle out of prosciutto, figs and toasted pine nuts. Mascarpone and goat cheese make them melt-in-your-mouth creamy. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 80 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 90mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
25/28
Pasta with Sausage and Peas
From the Recipe Creator:
With a tomato-y meat sauce and tangy goat cheese, this weeknight wonder is my version of comfort food. You want to have bowl after bowl. —Lizzie Munro, Brooklyn, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1-2/3 cups: 563 calories, 28g fat (12g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 802mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 7g fiber), 23g protein.
26/28
Hearty Shrimp Risotto
From the Recipe Creator:
Super creamy and packed with shrimp, this impressive Italian meal maker is special enough to serve company. Laced with the warm flavors of white wine, goat cheese and fresh spinach, it’s scrumptious, comforting and so fast! —Lydia Becker, Parkville, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 405 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 157mg cholesterol, 832mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
27/28
Warm Goat Cheese in Marinara
From the Recipe Creator:
Every family has a recipe they pull out time and again when the gang gathers, and goat cheese warmed in a marinara sauce is one of those household favorites. Minced basil and cracked black pepper give it that fresh and alive finish. —Jan Valdez, Chicago, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
3 tablespoons (calculated without baguette): 42 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 112mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
28/28
Grilled Goat Cheese & Arugula Sandwiches
From the Recipe Creator:
To create a more “grown-up” grilled cheese sandwich, I threw in tangy goat cheese and peppery arugula. I enjoy a similar combination on pizza, and it worked here, too! —Jess Apfe, Berkeley, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 499 calories, 30g fat (17g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 1438mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein.
Goat Cheese Recipes FAQ
What pairs well with goat cheese?
Goat cheese pairs well with a wide range of ingredients, including sweet fruits like figs, pears and peaches and savory ingredients like nuts, beets and sun-dried tomatoes. Its tangy flavor lightens the earthy taste of hearty grains like farro and quinoa and cuts through the richness of caramelized onions. The creamy side of goat cheese complements fresh herbs, from sturdy thyme and rosemary to tender basil and mint.
How do I store goat cheese to keep it fresh?
Whether you have soft, fresh goat cheese or firm, aged goat cheese, keep it fresh by storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This prevents the cheese from drying out and becoming hard and inhibits mold from growing. You can also make marinated cheese using goat cheese, which keeps for up to seven days. Avoid freezing goat cheese, as it can alter the texture and make it grainy or crumbly instead of smooth and spreadable.
How do I soften goat cheese for recipes?
To soften goat cheese for recipes, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 to 20 minutes. This helps it loosen to a soft and spreadable texture. If you’re short on time, microwave goat cheese in a heat-safe bowl in 5- to- 10-second increments on low power, checking frequently to avoid melting.
