Goat cheese is a wonderfully tangy, creamy cheese that can elevate any dish, from salads to pizzas to appetizers. But if you’ve ever struggled with crumbling goat cheese, you’re not alone! Its soft texture can make it tricky to break into perfect little pieces without turning it into a mushy mess. Don’t worry – with a few easy tips and tricks, you’ll be crumbling goat cheese like a pro in no time.
Why Crumble Goat Cheese?
Crumbled goat cheese adds a burst of flavor and a creamy texture to dishes without overwhelming them. It’s perfect for sprinkling over salads, wraps, roasted vegetables, crostinis, and even pizzas. The key is to get the texture just right – light, fluffy, and crumbly, not gooey or overly soft.
The Secret to Easy Crumbling: Keep It Cold
One of the most important tips for crumbling goat cheese is to work with it when it’s cold. Chilled goat cheese is firmer and easier to crumble, whereas room temperature cheese tends to be too soft and sticky. Here’s how to prepare your goat cheese for crumbling:
– Remove the goat cheese log from the refrigerator.
– Place it in the freezer for about 15 to 20 minutes. This firms up the cheese just enough to make crumbling easier without freezing it solid.
How to Crumble Goat Cheese: Step-by-Step
1. Using Your Hands
Once your goat cheese is chilled, take it out of the freezer and unwrap it. Using your fingers, gently pinch and break the cheese into small, pillow-like pieces. Avoid warming the cheese too much with your hands, as body heat can make it too soft to crumble properly.
2. Using a Fork
If the cheese is still a bit sticky or too soft for your fingers, use a fork to crumble it. The fork’s tines help break the cheese into smaller pieces without melting it from the warmth of your hands.
3. Using a Knife
For goat cheese that is very soft or sticky, cutting it into small chunks with a knife can be helpful. Place the cheese on a piece of wax paper or foil, cut it into small pieces, then scrape the pieces into your dish.
Tips for Crumbling Sticky or Creamy Goat Cheese
– If your goat cheese is very creamy and sticky, try freezing it for a few minutes longer. Just be sure not to forget it in the freezer, as freezing too long can change the texture.
– Wearing gloves can reduce the warmth from your hands, making crumbling less messy.
– Some people try pushing goat cheese through a colander to crumble it, but this method is often ineffective and can be frustrating.
What to Do If You Can’t Crumble It?
If your goat cheese is too soft to crumble nicely, don’t worry! You can still enjoy it by:
– Pinching off small blobs of cheese and sprinkling them over your dish.
– Whipping the goat cheese with a little cream cheese and salt in a food processor to create a creamy spread or dip.
– Using it as a spread on crostinis or crackers instead of crumbling.
Creative Ways to Use Crumbled Goat Cheese
Once you’ve mastered crumbling goat cheese, here are some delicious ways to use it:
– Salads: Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese over mixed greens, roasted beets, or fresh fruit salads.
– Pizzas: Add crumbled goat cheese as a topping before baking for a tangy twist.
– Wraps and Sandwiches: Use crumbled goat cheese for creamy texture and flavor.
– Appetizers: Top crostinis or crackers with crumbled goat cheese and a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze.
– Baked Dishes: Mix crumbled goat cheese into casseroles or bake it with herbs and olive oil for a warm appetizer.
Final Thoughts
Crumbling goat cheese is easier than you think once you know the tricks: keep it cold, use your hands or a fork, and don’t stress if it’s a little messy. Whether you’re topping a salad or making a creamy spread, goat cheese adds a delicious, tangy touch that’s sure to impress.
Enjoy your perfectly crumbled goat cheese and happy cooking!