Description
This marinated goat cheese recipe features creamy fresh goat cheese logs soaked in fragrant extra-virgin olive oil infused with red chile flakes, fennel seeds, pink peppercorns, lemon zest, bay leaves, thyme, and garlic. The cheese softens and absorbs the aromatic flavors, making it a perfect tangy and spicy addition to salads, crackers, or antipasto platters. Simple to prepare and ideal for advance preparation, it delivers a gourmet touch with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese
- 1 large log fresh goat cheese (10 ounces; 270g)
Marinade
- 2 cups (475ml) extra-virgin olive oil, or as needed
- 1 teaspoon red chile flakes
- 1 teaspoon whole fennel seeds
- 2 teaspoons pink peppercorns (optional)
- Four 2-inch strips lemon zest (peeled with a vegetable peeler with as little white pith as possible)
- 4 bay leaves
- 6 sprigs fresh thyme
- 4 medium garlic cloves, cut in half lengthwise
Instructions
- Prepare the goat cheese: Cut the goat cheese log into 8 equal pieces. For a more elegant presentation, you can roll each piece into a ball, though this step is optional.
- Start assembling the jars: Pour olive oil into clean wide-necked jars until they are half full. Evenly distribute the chili flakes, fennel seeds, and pink peppercorns between the jars.
- Add goat cheese to jars: Add the goat cheese pieces one by one into the jars. Between each addition, pour a little olive oil to ensure the cheese is fully immersed.
- Add aromatics: Place lemon zest strips, bay leaves, fresh thyme sprigs, and halved garlic cloves into the jars with the cheese and spices.
- Cover with oil and refrigerate: Top the jars with enough olive oil to completely cover the cheese and seal tightly. Refrigerate the jars for at least a few hours, preferably allowing the flavors to meld for 2 days. The marinated cheese can be stored refrigerated for up to 1 week.
Notes
- Marinating the cheese for at least 2 days enhances the flavor infusion.
- Ensure the cheese is completely submerged in olive oil to prevent spoilage.
- You can customize the spice mix by adding herbs or spices of your choice.
- Use wide-necked jars for easier access when serving.
- Consume within one week for best taste and quality.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: marinated goat cheese, olive oil marinated cheese, appetizer, Mediterranean cheese, easy cheese recipe
