Discover the Delicious World of Goat’s Cheese Varieties
If you love cheese, goat’s cheese is something you just have to try. It has a rich, creamy texture and a slightly tangy flavour that makes it stand out from other types. And there’s more to goat’s cheese than just the classic white logs you might see in a supermarket. From soft and spreadable to firm and crumbly, from smoky to sweet, goat’s cheese comes in many shapes and sizes.
At Cheese Shop Nantwich, we absolutely love goat’s cheese and offer a fantastic range of options from both the UK and abroad. If you’ve never gone beyond one type of goat’s cheese, now’s your chance to explore a whole new world of flavour.
What Makes Goat’s Cheese Different?
Goat’s cheese, sometimes called chèvre, is made from goat’s milk, as the name suggests. It’s lower in lactose than cow’s milk, which can be easier on the stomach for some people. The cheese tends to have a distinct tanginess and can be softer or crumblier, depending on how it’s matured.
Goat’s milk has different fat and protein structures, which give goat cheese its unique taste and texture. Its flavour profile can range from mild and creamy to strong and earthy, depending on how it’s made.
Types of Goat’s Cheese You Need to Try
Let’s take a look at some popular and unique styles you can try today. All of these goats’ cheeses are available at Cheese Shop Nantwich, and we’ve made it simple for you to explore.
Capricorn Goat’s Cheese
Soft and creamy with a lovely mild tang, Capricorn Goat is made in Somerset and is perfect for those just beginning their goat’s cheese journey. It pairs beautifully with beetroot or a warm salad.
Crottin AOC
This iconic French cheese hails from the Loire Valley and becomes more intense as it ripens. When young, Crottin AOC is crumbly and mild. Over time, it releases a sharper, nutty taste and becomes firmer.
Gjetost (Goat Cheese Fudge)
If you’ve never heard of Gjetost, prepare to be amazed. This caramel-coloured cheese from Norway is made from whey and has a fudge-like texture and a sweet, almost butterscotch flavour. It’s totally different from any other goat’s cheese you’ve tried.
Picos de Europa
A bold blue cheese made in Spain, Picos D Europa, combines goat’s and cow’s milk for a really punchy bite. It’s creamy, earthy and sharp, ideal for blue cheese lovers.
Ticklemore Goat Cheese
This British cheese stands out with its striking white rind and crumbly texture. Ticklemore Goat has a refreshing, slightly lemony taste – great in a summer salad or on its own.
Rachel Cheese
Firm yet creamy in texture, Rachel is a washed rind cheese with a semi-hard texture and a delicate fruity flavour. Made in Somerset, it offers a gentler goat profile that suits many palettes.
Cheese With No Name
One for the adventurous eater, Cheese with No Name is a small-batch gem with an earthy edge and a wrinkled rind. It’s punchy and soft, perfect spread over crusty bread.
Driftwood Goat Cheese
Ash-coated and visually dramatic, Driftwood is a log-shaped cheese made in Somerset. It has a smooth texture and a pleasant yet punchy flavour, which pairs well with a glass of white wine.
Inglewhite Goat Cheese
Rich, full-flavoured and aged to perfection, Inglewhite Goat is a firm cheese with a creamy finish. This Lancashire gem is perfect for a cheeseboard or grated into a hot dish.
We stock all these styles in our goat’s cheese selection at Cheese Shop Nantwich, so you’re sure to find something that sounds tasty.
Perfect Pairings for Goat’s Cheese
Goat’s cheese loves the company of fresh, sweet, salty and crunchy elements. Here are a few simple ideas you can try when serving it:
Fruit
Fresh figs, apples, grapes or pears pair beautifully with goat’s cheese. The sweetness of the fruit balances the sharpness of the cheese perfectly.
Nuts and Seeds
Goat’s cheese tastes great with almonds, walnuts or pumpkin seeds. The crunch adds texture while the nutty flavour matches well with the creamy cheese.
Bread and Crackers
Serve it on a thick slice of crusty sourdough, oatcakes or water biscuits. For soft cheeses like Driftwood or Crottin AOC, go for a lighter cracker so you don’t overpower the flavour.
Cured Meats
Prosciutto, Parma ham or spicy salami work well with both fresh and aged goat’s cheeses. The savoury saltiness is a perfect balance to the tangy crumble of the cheese.
Chutneys and Honey
A little dab of beetroot chutney or fig jam can lift goat’s cheese to a new level. Or drizzle honey over a log of Ticklemore for a dessert-style treat.
Recipes to Try at Home
Goat’s cheese is very versatile, and you can cook with it in many different ways. Even just crumbling a little over a salad or melted on toast is delicious. But if you’d like to try something new, here are a few ideas:
Warm Goat’s Cheese Salad
Slice a soft cheese like Capricorn, place it on rounds of baguette, and grill for 3–5 minutes. Serve on a bed of mixed leaves with balsamic glaze and walnuts.
Goat’s Cheese and Beetroot Tart
Roll out puff pastry, layer with slices of cooked beetroot and crumbled goat’s cheese, sprinkle thyme on top, then bake until golden.
Stuffed Peppers
Mix goat’s cheese with couscous or rice, pine nuts and herbs, then stuff into halved peppers and roast in the oven until bubbly.
Gjetost Sauce for Pasta
Melt Gjetost into a little cream over low heat and pour over pasta. Add cracked pepper and enjoy this unusual savoury-sweet combo.
Pizza Topping
Swap mozzarella for goat’s cheese, add roasted veg, and a drizzle of honey on your pizza base for a twist on the usual flavours.
How to Store and Serve Goat’s Cheese
Goat’s cheese should be kept in the fridge, ideally wrapped in wax paper or in a container that lets it breathe a little. Plastic wrap can hold in moisture and affect flavour. For the best taste, take your cheese out of the fridge around 20–30 minutes before serving.
If it’s a soft cheese like Crottin or Driftwood, serve it with a knife so guests can spread it easily. For harder options like Inglewhite, use a sharp knife and cut thin slices.
Whether you’re building a cheeseboard or just having a sneaky snack, goat’s cheese goes down well with a cool glass of white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or even a dry cider.
FAQ
Does goat’s cheese taste strong?
It depends on the type. Some are very mild, like Capricorn, while others are much stronger, like Picos de Europa or Driftwood. Trying a few different ones is the best way to find what you like.
Is goat’s cheese healthier than cow’s cheese?
Goat’s milk tends to be lower in lactose and has slightly different fats, which some people find easier to digest. But like all cheese, it’s best enjoyed in moderation.
Can I cook with goat’s cheese?
Yes! It melts beautifully in tarts, sauces and on pizzas. It can be crumbled cold on salads or stirred into hot dishes for extra creaminess and tang.
Can children eat goat’s cheese?
Absolutely. Start with a milder cheese like Capricorn or Ticklemore, and serve it in small amounts to get them used to the flavour.
Do all goat’s cheese come from France?
Not at all. While France makes a lot of goat’s cheese, the UK also produces some top-quality options like Driftwood, Rachel and Inglewhite, all available in our cheese collection.
Discover Your Next Favourite Goat’s Cheese at Cheese Shop Nantwich
There are so many wonderful goat cheeses to try, whether you like them soft and mild or firm and bold. They’re great on their own, as part of a recipe or added to a cheeseboard with nuts, fruits and chutneys.
If you’re not sure which to try first, visit our website at Cheese Shop Nantwich and explore our full range of goat’s cheeses. Whether you choose a reliable favourite like Capricorn Goat or go wild with Gjetost, we’ve made it easy to find the right cheese for your table.
Enjoy exploring and happy tasting! Browse our site today, or pop into Cheese Shop Nantwich to explore the full range of great goat’s cheese for yourself.
