This delicious marinated goat cheese appetizer is covered in herbs, oil and spices for the easiest make-ahead appetizer. It’s a simple chevre goat cheese appetizer your guests will devour!
This creamy goat cheese appetizer is so elegant to serve, and so delicious there won’t be any left at the end of your gathering.
I know what you might be thinking. “Julie, how many cheesy appetizers can you come up with?” Well, my answer is all of them. All the cheese, all the time!
I love dips and spreads. Honestly, I could live on cheesy dips and flavorful spreads alone!
I’ve given you some delicious goat cheese appetizers in the past, including whipped goat cheese spread and easy baked goat cheese and honey appetizer.
I’m so excited to add this herb-infused marinated goat cheese to the list!
Marinated Goat Cheese
Goat cheese is also called Chèvre, (the French term for goat cheese).
Chèvre is actually the French word for goat, which means they would describe any cheese produced by goats milk as Chèvre cheese. In simple terms, French goat cheese becomes drier and more pungent the longer its aged. Aging also deepens the color and produces a rind.
Our Americanized version of goat cheese is most often the soft, moist cheese we can find in any grocery store. For this recipe, we’re using a young, soft Chèvre cheese because the mild flavor and texture are the perfect foil to all the fresh herbs and spices we’re going to add.
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
- So Easy
- Simple, Fresh Ingredients
- Great with a Variety of Serving Suggestions
Copy and paste to add ingredients to your grocery list.
Shopping List
- Goat Cheese
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Thyme
- Basil
- Red Pepper Flakes
- Sea Salt
- Freshly Cracked Pepper
- Minced Garlic
- Pine Nuts (Optional)
Alternatively, you can simply top with fresh pesto!
Tips
- Chèvre cheese is delicious whether served cold or room temperature. It’s soft even when it’s chilled, which means this is the perfect last-minute appetizer.
- You can also combine all the above listed ingredients directly into your food processor. Save the oil for last and pulse to combine.
- Have leftovers? Add to a salad or spread on a sandwich the next day! You won’t regret enjoying it on a bed of greens!
Serving Platter
While our octagonal platter is no longer sold, we found one that is very similar!
Make Ahead
One of the many reasons that I love serving dips and spreads is that they can often be made ahead. I really appreciate any opportunity to check an item off my list when entertaining!
To prepare this cheese marinade ahead of time, you’ll simply chop and combine your ingredients and store, sealed, in your refrigerator. Don’t cover the goat cheese yet- save that step until just before serving!
Serving Suggestions
Another reason I frequently create cheese-based appetizers is because they work with a variety of diets. If a guest is restricting carbs, they can generally still enjoy a high-protein cheese simply by dipping or spreading onto a veggie option instead of bread or crackers.
- Carrots, bell pepper strips, cucumbers and celery are the perfect low-carb alternatives to serve with a this marinated cheese recipe.
- Crostini – it’s always my favorite pairing! Crunchy crostini is the best way to enjoy a cheese spread, especially when drizzled in olive oil.
- French bread- this marinated goat cheese is equally delicious when served with something crunch or soft, like warm French bread. Yum!
- Pita chips are a great crunchy addition.
- Buttery crackers are always a kid (and adult!) favorite when served with any kind of cheese.
How to Store
- Room Temperature – This marinated goat appetizer cheese recipe can be left out while serving for up to two hours.
- Refrigerator – Goat cheese keeps for a long time when wrapped tightly and refrigerated! You can make the marinate mixture up to two days in advance, prior to serving. You can store the marinated goat cheese for 2-3 days when wrapped in an airtight container.
More Cheese Appetizers
Marinated Goat Cheese Appetizer
Ingredients
- 11 ounces goat cheese soft, no rind.
- ½ cup olive oil extra virgin
- 6 sprigs thyme fresh
- 6 leaves basil fresh
- ⅛ teaspoon sea salt
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper fresh cracked
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon garlic minced
Instructions
- Allow your log of goat cheese to rest on the serving platter.
- Slice the cheese halfway through, every inch or so along the distance of the log. This allows the marinade to immerse into the goat cheese!
- Next, you'll begin by finely chopping the fresh thyme and basil.
- In a small bowl, combine herbs, salt and pepper, garlic, red pepper flakes and olive oil.
- If you'd like to add pine nuts, you're welcome to do so! Simply chop them finely or run them through your food processor for an added touch of texture.
- Just before serving, pour olive oil mixture directly over your chevre cheese.
Julie’s Tips
Tips
- This marinated cheese is delicious whether served chilled or room temperature.
- Don’t forget to slice your goat cheese log throughout! This allows your marinade to seep into all the crevices.
- To prepared this appetizer ahead of time, simply blend all herbs, spices and oil and refrigerate until ready to use. Pour over goat cheese immediately before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Carrots, bell pepper strips, cucumbers and celery are great low-carb options.
- Crostini – Crunchy crostini is the best way to enjoy a cheese spread, especially when drizzled in olive oil.
- French bread- this marinated goat cheese is equally delicious when served with something crunch or soft, like warm French bread.
- Pita chips and butter crackers are also great with this appetizer.
Estimated nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is not guaranteed.
Explore More
How to Make
There are a couple different ways to make this delicious marinated goat cheese appetizer!
- Allow your log of goat cheese to rest on the serving platter.
- Slice the cheese halfway through, every inch or so along the distance of the log. This allows the marinade to immerse into the goat cheese!
- Next, you’ll begin by finely chopping the fresh thyme and basil.
- In a small mixing bowl, add your finely chopped herbs along with the red pepper flakes, sea salt, freshly cracked pepper, minced garlic and olive oil.
- If you’d like to add pine nuts, you’re welcome to do so! Simply chop them finely or run them through your food processor for an added touch of texture.
- Just before serving, pour olive oil mixture directly over your goat cheese.
