Elevate your cheeseboard: how to cut goat cheese like a pro

Goat cheese, with its distinct flavor and creamy texture, is a versatile ingredient that can elevate any dish. Cutting goat cheese properly is crucial to ensure its presentation and optimal taste. This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the techniques and tips you need to master the art of goat cheese cutting.

Types of Goat Cheese and Their Cuts

Different types of goat cheese require specific cutting techniques to preserve their shape and enhance their flavor. Here are the most common types:

• Fresh goat cheese (chèvre): Soft and spreadable, this cheese can be cut into rounds, triangles, or cubes for salads, sandwiches, and appetizers.
• Semi-soft goat cheese (crottin): Slightly firmer than fresh goat cheese, it is often shaped into small logs. Cut into thin slices for salads or platters, or into thicker wedges for grilling.
• Aged goat cheese (chèvre affiné): Firm and crumbly, this cheese can be cut into wedges or crumbled for use in salads, pasta dishes, and sauces.
• Blue goat cheese (chèvre bleu): With its distinctive blue veins, this cheese has a strong flavor. Cut into small cubes or wedges for salads or cheese platters.

Essential Tools for Cutting Goat Cheese

• Sharp knife: A sharp knife with a thin, flexible blade is ideal for cutting goat cheese without tearing or breaking it.
• Cheese wire: A cheese wire is a thin, taut wire used to cut soft cheeses like fresh goat cheese into uniform rounds.
• Cheese slicer: A cheese slicer with an adjustable blade allows you to cut goat cheese into thin, even slices.
• Cheese board: A sturdy cheese board provides a stable surface for cutting.

Step-by-Step Cutting Techniques

Fresh Goat Cheese (Chèvre)

1. Use a sharp knife: Dip the knife in hot water to warm it and prevent sticking.
2. Cut into rounds: Hold the cheese in one hand and use the knife to cut perpendicularly into rounds of desired thickness.
3. Cut into triangles: Cut the rounds in half diagonally to form triangles.
4. Cut into cubes: Cut the triangles into smaller cubes for salads or appetizers.

Semi-Soft Goat Cheese (Crotin)

1. Use a sharp knife: Warm the knife as described above.
2. Cut into slices: Hold the cheese upright and cut it into thin slices using a gentle sawing motion.
3. Cut into wedges: Cut the slices into thicker wedges for grilling or serving on platters.

Aged Goat Cheese (Chèvre Affiné)

1. Use a sharp knife: Warm the knife to prevent crumbling.
2. Cut into wedges: Hold the cheese in one hand and use the knife to cut it into equal wedges.
3. Crumble: For use in salads or sauces, simply crumble the goat cheese using a fork or your fingers.

Blue Goat Cheese (Chèvre Bleu)

1. Use a sharp knife: Warm the knife as described above.
2. Cut into cubes: Hold the cheese in one hand and use the knife to cut it into small cubes.
3. Cut into wedges: For serving on platters, cut the cheese into larger wedges.

Tips for Cutting Goat Cheese

• Let the cheese come to room temperature: This softens it slightly, making it easier to cut.
• Use a wire for soft cheeses: A cheese wire is ideal for cutting fresh goat cheese without tearing it.
• Slice semi-soft cheeses thinly: Thin slices enhance the flavor and texture of semi-soft goat cheese.
• Cut aged cheeses with confidence: Aged goat cheese is crumbly, so don’t be afraid to use a little force when cutting it.
• Keep the knife clean: Wipe the knife with a damp cloth between cuts to prevent sticking.

How to Store Cut Goat Cheese

To preserve the freshness and flavor of cut goat cheese, follow these storage guidelines:

• Wrap tightly: Wrap the cut cheese in plastic wrap or parchment paper to prevent moisture loss.
• Store in the refrigerator: Keep the cheese in the coldest part of the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freeze for longer storage: Cut goat cheese can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Frequently Discussed Topics

How do I prevent goat cheese from sticking to the knife?

• Warm the knife in hot water before cutting.
• Dip the knife in cold water between cuts.
• Use a cheese wire for soft cheeses.

What is the best way to cut goat cheese for a cheese platter?

• Cut fresh goat cheese into rounds or triangles.
• Cut semi-soft goat cheese into thin slices or wedges.
• Cut aged goat cheese into wedges or crumble it.
• Arrange the cheeses on a platter with other accompaniments like crackers, fruit, and nuts.

Can I cut goat cheese with a butter knife?

• A butter knife is not sharp enough to cut goat cheese properly.
• Use a sharp knife with a thin, flexible blade for optimal results.