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.

A white plate with a marinated goat cheese appetizer surrounded by crostini.
Want to save this?
Enter your email below and I’ll send it to you!
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

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!

A white plate with a log of marinated goat cheese surrounded by crostini.

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.

A white plate with a log of marinated goat cheese surrounded by crostini.
logo

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

  • So Easy
  • Simple, Fresh Ingredients
  • Great with a Variety of Serving Suggestions
A plate with a piece of fish covered in herbs and topped with goat cheese.

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!

A white plate with chevre goat cheese, herbs, and a measuring cup.
logo

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!
A white plate with a log of marinated goat cheese surrounded by crostini.
A white plate with a log of marinated goat cheese surrounded by crostini.

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!

A white plate with a log of marinated goat cheese surrounded by crostini.

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.
A white plate with a marinated goat cheese appetizer

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

Appetizers
A white plate with a log of marinated goat cheese surrounded by crostini.
5 from 5 votes
Click stars ↑ to rate and leave a review!

Marinated Goat Cheese Appetizer

This delicious marinated goat cheese appetizer is covered in fresh herbs, oil and spices. You can make this recipe ahead, and it's a crowd-pleaser!
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 0 minutes
Total: 10 minutes
Servings: 12
Pin Rate Print
Save this recipe!
Enter your email and I’ll send it to you!
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Ingredients  

  • 11 ounces goat cheese soft, no rind.
  • ½ cup olive oil extra virgin
  • 6 sprigs thyme fresh
  • 6 leaves basil fresh
  • teaspoon sea salt
  • 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. 
Calories: 149kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 122mg | Potassium: 10mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 330IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 38mg | Iron: 1mg

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!

  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! A knife is being used to cut a piece of Chèvre 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. A measuring cup filled with a mixture of greens and herbs enhanced by chevre goat cheese.
  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. A measuring cup filled with a mixture of herbs and spices, perfect for garnishing a goat cheese appetizer.
  6. Just before serving, pour olive oil mixture directly over your goat cheese. A white plate with marinated goat cheese.

You May Also Like

5 from 5 votes (5 ratings without comment)

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Rate this Recipe