As you get ready to deck the halls and assemble a collection of presents for family and friends that would even make Santa jealous, you might be wondering what dishes you can bring to holiday gatherings that will truly impress.
We’ve done the homework for you with this roundup of six party-ready goat cheese recipes. They bring you the best, festive flavors of the season and, of course, the clean, fresh taste of LaClare Creamery goat cheese. You’ll also get wine pairing ideas so you’re always the party host’s favorite guest.
Let’s unwrap some spectacular recipe ideas …
Appetizers
Move over, figgy pudding—this appetizer is about to be a new winter holiday classic. The concentrated sweetness of fig balances with savory bacon and our creamy, tangy Fig & Honey Goat Cheese. Better yet, you can prepare these stuffed dates ahead of time. Just remove from the fridge and bake for 20-25 minutes when you’re ready.
Wine pairing suggestion: Sauvignon Blanc, as it offers pleasant, invigorating acidity to counter the creamy sweetness of the dish.
2: Holiday Tree Snacking Board
Goat cheese and snacking go together like mistletoe and holly, so we invite you to assemble your favorite varieties of goat cheese, fruit, veggies, nuts, candies, and meat. Some combos to consider as you plan your spread:
· Salted pistachios, roasted Brussels sprouts, and turkey sausage snack sticks
· Wine: Beaujolais, a medium-bodied, soft red wine
Pumpkin Chèvre (Limited Edition)
· Roasted pepitas, fresh blueberries, and crispy wheat crackers
· Wine: Pinot Grigio to complement the creaminess of the chèvre
· Salted caramels, salami, and sesame mini toasts
· Wine: Syrah, a full-bodied wine to round out the tang of apples and chèvre
The possible combinations are endless, so we invite you to explore our other tips for creating a holiday goat cheese board too.
Entrées
These elegant tomato tartlets feature Garlic & Herb Chèvre, juicy tomatoes, thyme, and basil. In other words, this dish delivers engaging textures with crisp puff pastry and ripe tomato plus robust flavors with creamy goat cheese and fresh herbs. The tarts are also easy to share and will add vibrant color to your table.
Wine pairing suggestion: Classic Chianti that leverages acidity and herbal notes to help the tomato and fresh herbs sing.
You can’t go wrong bringing creamy comfort food to holiday gatherings. Our velvety mac and cheese stars original chèvre and adds depth of flavor with oregano, thyme, and nutmeg. It’s just what everyone will want to cozy up with at winter parties. Bookmark the recipe, because your friends and family will be asking for it.
Wine pairing suggestion: Sparkling wine or champagne are celebratory choices, with bubbliness to equalize the rich mouthfeel of mac and cheese.
Desserts
We might be biased, but a gooey, tangy, chocolatey pan of brownies is always on our must-have holiday gift list. The classic dessert is elevated in this recipe with our original soft goat cheese. You can drench them in semi-sweet chocolate glaze, and the original chèvre will ensure the rest of the brownie is never overwhelmingly sweet—only unbelievably delicious.
Wine pairing suggestion: Merlot, a dry red wine that accentuates the chocolate while standing up to the sweetness of brownies.
If you want to bring a dish that is worthy of being the centerpiece of the table, this is it. Filled with tangy original chèvre and sour cream, made warm and inviting with cinnamon and nutmeg, and topped with honey and fresh berries, this cheesecake will have party guests lining up for a piece—and probably snapping pics for Instagram.
Wine pairing suggestion: Riesling, a cool, crisp, light wine that lets the cheesecake enjoy the spotlight.
Be the Guest that Impresses with Next-Level Dishes this Holiday Season
When you bring one or more of these showstopping recipes to your holiday parties, you’ll be everyone’s best new foodie friend. Add thoughtful extras like flowers, a wreath, or a fun game or puzzle and you’ll be sure to get an invite next year (and for years to come). Our gift-giving guide for cheese lovers has all kinds of ideas to try too.
Hungry for more LaClare? Explore our growing collection of goat cheese recipes for any occasion.