Marinated Chèvre Cheese | Goat Cheese Appetizer

This delicious Marinated Chèvre Cheese 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! 

Marinated Chèvre Cheese

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! 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 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.

And if you love entertaining in the easiest way- don’t miss these delicious little cheddar cheese tarts!

I’m so excited to add this herb-infused marinated goat cheese to the list!

I like to give a lot of detail in my recipe posts to guide readers through any questions. If you’re just here for the printable recipe, feel free to click “jump to recipe” under the title of this post and you’ll head straight there! 

What is Chèvre Cheese?

Before I tell you about the ingredients and instructions for this simple chevre cheese recipe, I should explain exactly what chevre cheese is for anyone who might not know! Chèvre cheese is very simply 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 it’s 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.

Marinated Chèvre Goat Cheese Ingredients

Are you making your grocery list? Here’s what you’re going to need for this simple and delicious goat cheese appetizer.

• Goat Cheese
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Fresh Thyme
• Fresh Basil
• Red Pepper Flakes
• Sea Salt
• Freshly Cracked Pepper
• Minced Garlic
• Pine Nuts (optional)

Alternatively, you can simply top with fresh pesto!

How to Make this Goat Cheese Appetizer

There are a couple different ways to make this delicious chevre goat cheese appetizer!

1. Allow your log of goat cheese to rest on the serving platter.
2. 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!

   

3. Next, you’ll begin by finely chopping the fresh thyme and basil.

   

4. 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.

   

5. 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.

   

6. Just before serving, pour olive oil mixture directly over your chevre goat cheese.

QUICK TIP: You can also combine all the above listed ingredients directly into your food processor. Save the oil for last and pulse to combine.

Tips to Make Marinated Chevre Goat Cheese 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!

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.

It’s always a good idea to keep goat cheese and cream cheese on hand during the holidays, because you can almost always come up with a way to serve them at the very last second when you have unexpected guests! This incredible cranberry salsa serves beautifully over either cheese, for example.

Quick tip: I receive a lot of questions about my octagonal serving platter that I use for so many of my appetizer recipes! The one I have is no longer available, but this one is so similar and it comes in two great sizes! 

What to Serve with Chèvre Cheese

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.

QUICK TIP: 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!

Need more ideas? Try my spinach artichoke cups for a delicious and pretty appetizer guests will love. And don’t forget my little guacamole bites – the best way to enjoy guac in an individual serving!

Well, what do you think? I hope you’re always excited about fresh new ideas for cheesy appetizers, because I certainly am!

If you try this marinated goat cheese recipe, please come back to share using my 5 star rating in the comments below! Not only do I appreciate it, but I know readers do, too! For more easy recipes and simple living ideas, subscribe to my newsletter!

If you liked this, you’ll love my My Easy Cream Cheese Appetizer!