Goat cheese, with its distinct flavor and creamy texture, has been a culinary favorite for centuries. Whether you’re a fan of its tangy taste or you’re just discovering the world of this versatile cheese, this guide is for you. We’ll delve into what goat cheese is, its various types, health benefits, and how to use it in your cooking. Plus, we’ll highlight the top goat cheese brands in the USA that you must try. So, let’s embark on this cheesy journey!
Understanding Goat Cheese
Goat cheese, also known as chèvre, is a type of cheese made from goat’s milk. It’s known for its creamy, soft texture and tangy taste, which can range from mild to sharp based on its aging process. Unlike cheese made from cow’s milk, goat cheese is easier to digest due to its lower lactose content and smaller fat globules. It’s a staple in many cuisines around the world and is celebrated for its versatility in both savory and sweet dishes.
Exploring the Types of Goat Cheese
Goat cheese comes in a variety of forms, each with its unique texture and flavor profile. Here are some popular types:
- Fresh Chevre: This is the most common type of goat cheese. It’s soft, creamy, and spreadable with a mild, tangy flavor. Fresh chevre is perfect for spreading on toast, mixing into salads, or incorporating into pasta dishes.
- Goat Milk Mozzarella: A variant of the traditional mozzarella, this cheese is made from goat’s milk. It’s soft, creamy, and melts beautifully, making it perfect for pizzas and pasta dishes. Goat milk mozzarella offers a unique twist on classic Italian dishes.
- Firm Goat Cheese: This type of goat cheese is aged longer, resulting in a firm texture. It’s perfect for grating over dishes or eating as is. Firm goat cheese can be enjoyed in a cheese platter with fruits and nuts or grated over pasta and salads.
The Health Benefits of Goat Cheese
Goat cheese isn’t just delicious; it’s also packed with nutrients. It’s a good source of protein, calcium, and vitamin B2. Moreover, it’s lower in fat and calories compared to cheese made from cow’s milk. The lower lactose content makes it a suitable choice for those with lactose intolerance. Plus, it’s rich in probiotics, which are beneficial for gut health.
Culinary Uses of Goat Cheese
The culinary applications of goat cheese are endless. Its creamy texture makes it perfect for spreading on crackers or bread. It can be crumbled over salads, melted into pasta, or used in baking. Some unique ways to use goat cheese include:
- Goat Cheese and Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast: This dish is a flavorful combination of tender chicken, creamy goat cheese, and nutritious spinach. It’s a perfect dinner option that’s both healthy and delicious.
- Beet and Goat Cheese Salad: This salad is a colorful and tasty mix of roasted beets, fresh goat cheese, and crunchy walnuts. It’s a refreshing side dish or a light meal on its own.
- Goat Cheese and Herb Stuffed Mushrooms: This appetizer is a crowd-pleaser. The mushrooms are stuffed with a mixture of goat cheese and herbs, then baked until golden. It’s a perfect starter for any meal.
- Blueberry and Goat Cheese Pie: This dessert is a unique twist on the classic pie. The tanginess of the goat cheese balances the sweetness of the blueberries, resulting in a delicious and satisfying dessert.
Top 10 Goat Cheese in the USA
Exploring the world of goat cheese is a delightful journey, especially when you delve into the offerings of some of the top brands in the USA. Each of these brands brings a unique take on this classic cheese, offering a variety of flavors and textures to suit every palate.
Chavrie
Chavrie is a brand that’s known for its remarkable fresh cheeses. They have been dedicated to goat cheese since 1989, and their Goat Cheese Pyramid is a must-try. Here’s what you can expect from Chavrie:
- Product Range: Chavrie offers a variety of goat cheese products, including their signature Goat Cheese Pyramid, a creamy, spreadable cheese that’s perfect for a variety of dishes. They also offer flavored goat cheeses, providing a unique twist on the classic goat cheese taste.
- Quality: Chavrie is committed to using fresh, high-quality goat milk in their cheeses. This results in a product that’s rich, creamy, and full of flavor.
- Availability: Chavrie products can be found in many supermarkets and online, making it easy for you to enjoy their delicious goat cheese wherever you are.
Vermont Creamery
Vermont Creamery offers a variety of fresh goat cheese products, known for their fresh milk taste and smooth texture. Here’s more about what Vermont Creamery offers:
- Product Range: Vermont Creamery’s product line includes classic goat cheese and flavored goat cheeses. They offer unique flavors like cranberry, lemon, and pepper, providing a delicious twist on traditional goat cheese.
- Quality: Vermont Creamery is committed to producing high-quality cheeses. They use fresh, local goat milk and traditional cheese-making methods to ensure that every product is of the highest quality.
- Sustainability: Vermont Creamery is also committed to sustainable farming practices. They work closely with their farmers to ensure that their goats are raised in a humane and sustainable manner.
Montchevre
Montchevre’s Blueberry Vanilla Goat Cheese Log is a unique blend of tangy goat cheese with sweet flavors of blueberry and vanilla. Here’s what sets Montchevre apart:
- Product Range: Montchevre offers a wide range of goat cheese products, including their popular Blueberry Vanilla Goat Cheese Log. They also offer classic goat cheese logs and crumbled goat cheese.
- Quality: Montchevre is committed to using fresh, high-quality goat milk in their cheeses. This results in a product that’s rich, creamy, and full of flavor.
- Innovation: Montchevre is known for their innovative flavors. They combine classic goat cheese with unique flavor combinations, resulting in a product that’s truly unique.
Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s offers a variety of goat cheese products, including their Traditional Fresh Goat Cheese and Honey Fresh Goat Cheese Log. Here’s why you might want to try Trader Joe’s goat cheese:
- Product Range: Trader Joe’s offers a variety of goat cheese products, including fresh goat cheese, flavored goat cheese logs, and crumbled goat cheese.
- Affordability: Trader Joe’s is known for their affordable yet high-quality products. This makes it a great option for those who want to enjoy delicious goat cheese without breaking the bank.
- Availability: Trader Joe’s products can be found in their stores across the country, making it easy for you to get your hands on their delicious goat cheese.
LaClare Farms
LaClare Farms is a family-owned and operated dairy farm that specializes in goat cheese. They offer a variety of artisanal cheeses made from the milk of their own herd.
- Product Range: LaClare Farms offers a wide range of goat cheese products, including their award-winning Evalon, a firm aged cheese, and Chandoka, a unique cow and goat milk blend. They also offer flavored chevres and specialty seasonal cheeses.
- Quality: LaClare Farms is committed to producing high-quality cheeses. They use milk from their own herd of goats, ensuring that every product is of the highest quality.
- Sustainability: LaClare Farms is also committed to sustainable farming practices. They manage their own herd and use sustainable farming practices to ensure the health and well-being of their animals.
Cypress Grove
Cypress Grove is known for their innovative approach to cheesemaking, particularly their soft-ripened goat cheese.
- Product Range: Cypress Grove offers a variety of goat cheese products, including their famous Humboldt Fog, a soft-ripened cheese with a distinctive layer of edible ash. They also offer fresh chevre, aged cheeses, and flavored cheeses.
- Quality: Cypress Grove is committed to using fresh, high-quality goat milk in their cheeses. This results in a product that’s rich, creamy, and full of flavor.
- Innovation: Cypress Grove is known for their innovative flavors and unique cheesemaking techniques. They were one of the first to introduce a soft-ripened goat cheese to the American market.
Boursin
Boursin is a French brand known for their soft, creamy cheese spreads. While not exclusively a goat cheese brand, they do offer a delicious Goat Cheese and Garlic spread.
- Product Range: Boursin’s Goat Cheese and Garlic spread is a creamy, flavorful cheese spread perfect for crackers, bread, or cooking. They also offer a variety of other cheese spreads made from cow’s milk.
- Quality: Boursin is committed to producing high-quality cheeses. Their goat cheese spread is made with fresh goat cheese and real garlic for a rich, flavorful taste.
- Availability: Boursin products can be found in many supermarkets and online, making it easy for you to enjoy their delicious cheese spreads wherever you are.
Meredith Dairy
Meredith Dairy is an Australian company that produces a range of fresh sheep and goat milk products. Their Marinated Sheep and Goat Cheese is particularly popular.
- Product Range: Meredith Dairy’s Marinated Sheep and Goat Cheese is a unique product that features creamy cubes of cheese marinated in oil, garlic, and herbs. They also offer fresh sheep and goat milk yogurts.
- Quality: Meredith Dairy is committed to producing high-quality cheeses. They use milk from their own herd of sheep and goats, ensuring that every product is of the highest quality.
- Sustainability: Meredith Dairy is also committed to sustainable farming practices. They manage their own herd and use sustainable farming practices to ensure the health and well-being of their animals.
Humboldt Fog
Humboldt Fog is a specific type of goat cheese produced by Cypress Grove, a renowned cheese company based in California. This cheese is a standout in the world of goat cheese for its unique characteristics.
- Product Range: Humboldt Fog is a soft-ripened goat cheese characterized by a distinctive layer of edible ash in the middle. The cheese has a creamy texture with a tangy, citrusy flavor that becomes more pronounced as it ages.
- Quality: Cypress Grove, the makers of Humboldt Fog, is committed to producing high-quality cheeses. They use fresh, high-quality goat milk in their cheeses, resulting in a product that’s rich, creamy, and full of flavor.
- Innovation: Humboldt Fog is a testament to Cypress Grove’s innovative approach to cheesemaking. The distinctive layer of edible ash is not just visually striking but also adds a subtle, earthy flavor to the cheese.
Drunken Goat
Drunken Goat, or Queso de Cabra al Vino, is a semi-soft goat cheese from Spain that’s bathed in red wine for a unique flavor profile.
- Product Range: Drunken Goat cheese is known for its wine-infused rind that gives the cheese a fruity, slightly sweet flavor. The cheese itself is mild and creamy, making it a great choice for those new to goat cheese.
- Quality: Drunken Goat cheese is made using traditional Spanish cheesemaking methods. The cheese is bathed in Doble Pasta wine for 72 hours, giving it its distinctive flavor and color.
- Availability: Drunken Goat cheese can be found in specialty cheese shops, some supermarkets, and online.
Each of these cheeses offers a unique take on goat cheese, providing a range of flavors, textures, and types to explore. Whether you’re a long-time goat cheese lover or a curious foodie, there’s a cheese out there for you to discover and enjoy.
Where to Buy Goat Cheese
If you’re wondering where to find these delightful varieties of goat cheese, you’re in luck. Goat cheese is widely available and can be found in various outlets. Whether you prefer shopping in person or ordering online, here are some places where you can buy goat cheese:
- Supermarkets: Most local supermarkets carry a selection of goat cheese. Look for brands like Chavrie, Vermont Creamery, Montchevre, and Trader Joe’s in the cheese section. Some supermarkets with a wide cheese selection include Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and HEB.
- Specialty Cheese Shops: For a wider variety of goat cheese, including imported and artisanal options, try visiting a specialty cheese shop. These stores often carry unique varieties that you might not find in a typical supermarket.
- Farmers Markets: Farmers markets are a great place to find fresh, locally-produced goat cheese. You’ll also have the opportunity to speak directly with the producers, who can provide more information about the cheese and suggest ways to use it.
- Online: If you prefer shopping from the comfort of your home, there are several online platforms where you can buy goat cheese. Amazon offers a variety of goat cheese brands, including those mentioned above. You can also order directly from the brand’s official website or use grocery delivery services like Instacart.
Remember, the availability of specific brands and types of goat cheese may vary depending on your location and the store’s inventory.
Conclusion
Goat cheese is a versatile and delicious addition to any meal. With its unique flavor profile and numerous health benefits, it’s no wonder that it’s a favorite among cheese lovers. Whether you’re looking for a classic fresh chevre, a tangy blueberry vanilla goat cheese log, or a firm goat cheese for grating, there’s a goat cheese out there for you. So why wait? Start exploring the world of goat cheese today!
FAQs
- What is goat cheese? Goat cheese, also known as chèvre, is a type of cheese made from goat’s milk. It’s known for its creamy, soft texture and tangy taste.
- What are some popular types of goat cheese? Some popular types of goat cheese include fresh chevre, goat milk mozzarella, and firm goat cheese.
- What are some top goat cheese brands in the USA? Some top goat cheese brands in the USA include Chavrie, Vermont Creamery, Montchevre, and Trader Joe’s.
- Where can I buy goat cheese? You can buy goat cheese at local supermarkets, specialty cheese shops, farmers markets, and online platforms like Amazon and Instacart.
- Can I use goat cheese in cooking? Yes, goat cheese is very versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads and pasta to desserts.
Blog Tags: Goat Cheese, Chevre, Goat Milk Cheese, Fresh Chevre, Goat Milk Mozzarella, Firm Goat Cheese, Chavrie, Vermont Creamery, Montchevre, Trader Joe’s, Cheese Shopping, Buying Cheese Online, Cooking with Goat Cheese, Cheese Lovers, Goat Cheese Brands, Goat Cheese in USA.
