National Goat Cheese Month is here, and we’re diving headfirst into all things chèvre! From mouthwatering cheese platters that’ll have you saying, “Oh my goat!” to goat farm adventures that’ll make your heart bleat with joy, we’ve got the lowdown on five fantastic ways to revel in the deliciousness of National Goat Cheese Month.
1. Make an all-chèvre cheese plate
There’s no better way to show your undying love of goat cheese than by eating it! Back in 2018, we asked cheesemonger Lillith Spencer to curate an all-chèvre cheese plate with some of their favorite goaties.
“I love how much goat cheese changes,” says Spencer. “A soft goat cheese starts out bright and tangy, but becomes nuttier and more savory as it ages. Harder goat cheeses lose almost all acidity and become milky, toasty, and caramel-sweet, like dulce de leche.”
Get all five pairings here.
2. Visit a goat dairy
This is probably our favorite way to celebrate National Goat Cheese Month, and if you’ve ever held a baby goat you know why. We’ve rounded up a list of five captivating goat dairies that promise not only a delicious culinary experience but also an opportunity to connect with nature, learn about sustainable farming, and maybe even make a few furry friends. From the rolling hills of Vermont to the sunny landscapes of California, these dairies offer a unique and unforgettable experience for all.
3. Make goat cheese at home
If you’re a DIY-er, try making your own goat cheese. This recipe for blue goat cheese logs only requires five ingredients and is a great way to level-up your cheesemaking skills.
“If you’ve already crafted fresh cheeses—ricotta, fromage blanc, paneer, and so on—the following recipe is a small step beyond what you already know. Start with chèvre, add some blue mold spores, shape the drained curd into logs, ripen them for a week or two, and behold: finished cheeses that are not only beautifully blue but also tangy and a wee bit funky.”
Get the recipe here.
4. Cook something delicious with goat cheese
Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner, goat cheese is great any time of day. Mix it into your morning oatmeal, melt it into pasta, or slather it on brownies for creamy and tangy frosting. Check out some of our favorite recipes utilizing goat cheese here!
5. Learn more about our favorite goat’s milk cheeses
There are so many amazing goat’s milk farmers and cheesemakers out there, many of whom are innovators in animal husbandry, land management, and cheesemaking.
Culture recently wrote about Ayers Brook Goat Dairy, where farmers are harnessing the power of genetics to breed more productive animals. Read more about it here.
Want to learn more about goat’s milk cheese? Culture’s list of the best goat’s milk cheeses of 2022 is a good place to start. Consider it a crash course in goat cheeses you need to know!
Josie Krogh
Josie Krogh is culture's Digital Strategy Lead. She earned her master's degree in Agricultural and Applied Economics from The University of Georgia. Josie developed a love of food while working at farmstands in the D.C. area as a young adult, and discovered her love of cheese while living and working on a dairy farm on Martha's Vineyard. She is passionate about the food supply chain, fresh stone fruit, and dogs. Josie currently lives in Catskill, NY.
