Goat Cheese with Herbs

Why Make This Herbed Goat Cheese Log (And When to Serve It)

This goat cheese log with herbs is a simple but sophisticated appetizer that’s all about fresh ingredients and contrast: tangy goat cheese meets the bright and bold flavors of fresh herbs, lemon zest, and peppery extra-virgin olive oil.

When to Serve It:

• Holiday gatherings: It’s an easy and elegant starter for any party.
• Spring and summer barbecues: It pairs beautifully with grilled foods.
• Wine night: Serve with a chilled white, rose or sparkling wine.
• Snack board: Add it to a cheese board with nuts and fruit.

Why Make Your Own Herb Goat Cheese Log Instead of Buying It?

You’ve probably seen pre-made herbed goat cheese logs at the grocery store, but making your own has several advantages — and is surprisingly easy to do.

1. Fresher flavor

When you use freshly chopped herbs and real lemon zest, the flavor is brighter and more vibrant than anything mass-produced. Store-bought versions often rely on dried herbs which don’t deliver the same flavor.

2. Control over ingredients

Making your own means you choose everything that goes in — from the herbs, zest, and olive oil.

3. Customizable to your taste

Want it more lemony? Prefer dill over parsley? Like it spicy with chili flakes? You’re in charge. Homemade lets you tailor it to the season, the occasion, or just your mood.

4. Better presentation

A homemade goat cheese log looks beautiful. It’s something you can proudly serve to guests or bring to a gathering, and it instantly elevates any appetizer spread.

Ingredients

You only need a handful of fresh ingredients to make this dish shine:

• Fresh Goat Cheese (Chèvre):
  Creamy, tangy, and spreadable — goat cheese is the star.
• Fresh Herbs: Use a blend of herbs such as parsley, thyme and rosemary for depth of flavor.
• Lemon Zest:
  Lemon zest lifts the dish with citrusy brightness.  You can also use orange zest if you’d prefer a slightly different flavor profile.
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil:
  Adds richness and a luxurious finish. Choose a good-quality oil with a fruity or peppery note.
• Sea Salt and Freshly Ground Pepper (optional)
  Just a sprinkle of sea salt and a few cracks of freshly ground pepper enhances the overall flavor.  (For an extra special touch use pink peppercorns!)
• Crackers or Bread (for serving)
  

How to Make This Herb Goat Cheese Log

This appetizer takes just minutes to make and zero cooking:

1. Chop the herbs: Finely chop your chosen herbs and mix them together on a plate or piece of parchment.
2. Zest the lemon: Use a microplane or fine grater to zest the lemon directly into the herb mix.
3. Roll the cheese: Take your goat cheese log and gently roll it in the herb-lemon mixture, pressing slightly to adhere the coating on all sides.
4. Plate and drizzle: Place the coated log on a serving plate and drizzle generously with olive oil.
5. Season: Sprinkle with freshly cracked black pepper and a pinch of flaky sea salt.

How to Serve Herbed Goat Cheese

This dish is incredibly versatile. Here are some serving suggestions:

• With bread or crackers – Use your favorite toasted bread or crackers.
• As part of a cheese board – Pair with olives, nuts, and fruit (like grapes or figs).
• On salads – Crumble leftovers into salads.
• With vegetables – Top roasted or grill vegetables with crumbled goat cheese and drizzle with the olive oil.

Tips

Want to make sure your goat cheese appetizer turns out just right every time? These tips will help you get the best flavor, texture, and presentation:

• Let the goat cheese soften slightly: Take the log out of the fridge a few minutes before making so it's soft enough to pick up the herbs when rolling.
• Dry your herbs well: Fresh herbs should be thoroughly dried after washing; wet herbs won’t stick as well.
• Roll gently but firmly: Apply even pressure to get a good coating, but don’t press so hard that the log loses its shape.
• Use a sharp knife for clean slices: Chill the log until you are ready to serve and use a sharp, non-serrated knife.

Variations

Want to change things up? Here are some delicious ways to customize:

• Add crushed pink peppercorns for a floral, peppery twist.
• Use orange zest instead of lemon for a slightly sweeter citrus note.
• Swap goat cheese for a slab of feta if you’d prefer.

Why You’ll Love This Fresh Herb Goat Cheese Appetizer

This goat cheese log with fresh herbs is proof that entertaining doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to impress your guests. Keep it in your back pocket as your no cooking required appetizer this summer!