Herbed Baked Goat Cheese is a delightful and flavorful appetizer that combines the creaminess of goat cheese with the aromatic herbs and crunchy texture of Melba toasts. These warm and savory rounds make for an excellent addition to any party or gathering. The process involves rolling goat cheese into balls, coating them with minced fresh thyme and chives, dipping them in a mustard and egg mixture, and then coating them with Melba toast crumbs. The result is a delectable dish that will impress your guests and leave them craving for more. Enjoy this simple yet elegant recipe that brings out the best of goat cheese in a baked and herb-infused form.
MAKES 12 ROUNDS
INGREDIENTS:
- 3 ounces (2 cups) white Melba toasts
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh chives
- 12 ounces firm goat cheese
- Extra-virgin olive oil
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Process Melba toasts in a food processor until they turn into fine, even crumbs, which should take about 1½ minutes. Transfer the crumbs to a medium bowl and stir in the pepper.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and Dijon mustard.
- In another medium bowl, combine the minced fresh thyme and chives.
- Using a cheese wire or dental floss, slice the goat cheese into 12 evenly sized pieces. Roll each piece of cheese into a ball, then roll it in the mixture of thyme and chives to coat lightly.
- Working with 6 pieces at a time, roll the cheese balls in the egg mixture, then coat them with the Melba toast crumbs. Press the crumbs gently to help them adhere to the cheese. Flatten each ball into a 1-inch-thick disk and place them on a large plate.
- Freeze the cheese disks until they become firm, which should take at least 30 minutes or up to 1 week.
- Preheat the oven to 475 degrees and adjust the rack to the top position.
- Brush the tops and sides of the cheese disks evenly with olive oil.
- Bake the cheese in the preheated oven until the crumbs turn golden brown, and the cheese becomes slightly soft, which should take about 7 to 12 minutes.
- Using a thin metal spatula, transfer the baked goat cheese rounds to a paper towel-lined plate and allow them to cool for 3 minutes before serving.
- Serve the Herbed Baked Goat Cheese warm as a delightful appetizer or party treat. Enjoy the rich, creamy cheese with the aromatic flavors of thyme and chives combined with the satisfying crunch of Melba toasts.
TIPS:
- Use high-quality firm goat cheese for the best results. Softer goat cheese may not hold its shape during the coating process.
- When rolling the goat cheese into balls, make sure they are evenly sized to ensure even baking.
- The cheese can be coated with a variety of herbs based on personal preference. Experiment with different combinations for unique flavors.
- Freezing the coated cheese before baking helps it retain its shape and prevents excessive melting in the oven.
- For a crunchy and golden brown crust, brush the cheese rounds generously with olive oil before baking.
- Serve the baked goat cheese warm to enjoy its gooey texture and flavorful herbs at their best.
