Celebrate National Goat Cheese Day with These 10 Flavor Bombs

10 Crazy Good Ways to Eat Goat Cheese That Aren’t Salad—Promise!

Some holidays make perfect sense—chocolate gets one, coffee has a few, and cheese? It deserves a whole calendar.

But today’s spotlight goes to one of the quiet greats: goat cheese.

Creamy, tangy, and a little unexpected, it’s the kind of cheese that makes any dish instantly better. Sure, it’s famous for salads—but honestly, that’s just the beginning.

June 25 is National Goat Cheese Day, the perfect excuse to get creative and discover all the delicious ways to enjoy this versatile cheese. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to chèvre, here are 10 surprising ways to use goat cheese that go way beyond the salad bowl.

And yes—there’s a bonus party platter idea at the end for your midweek celebration!

1.Goat Cheese & Herb Compound Butter

Goat cheese meets butter in the most luxurious way. Simply mash together softened unsalted butter with fresh goat cheese, chopped herbs (like thyme, chives, or tarragon), lemon zest, and a pinch of sea salt. Roll it into a log, chill, and slice as needed.

Spread it on warm bread, melt it over grilled veggies, or let it slowly melt onto a seared steak or roasted salmon. It’s gourmet without trying too hard.

2. Goat Cheese-Stuffed Dates (3 Ways)

Sweet, salty, and endlessly snackable. Start with Medjool dates and stuff them with goat cheese, then take your pick:

• Savory: Top with crumbled bacon and black pepper.

• Sweet: Add crushed pistachios and a drizzle of rosewater honey.

• Spicy: Mix goat cheese with harissa or Calabrian chili paste.

These are tiny, flavor-packed showstoppers for any board.

3. Goat Cheese Cheesecake

Swap cream cheese for goat cheese in your next cheesecake recipe for a tangy twist that’ll have guests asking for the recipe. Pair it with a gingersnap or almond crust, and top with seasonal fruit—like roasted plums, fresh figs, or a swirl of berry compote.

Not a baker? Look for goat cheese cheesecakes at specialty markets—they’re trending.

4. Whipped Goat Cheese Dip

The appetizer that feels fancy but takes five minutes. Whip goat cheese with olive oil, a touch of lemon zest, and a dollop of Greek yogurt. Top with warm honey, roasted grapes, or marinated olives, and serve with crostini or naan chips.

Pro tip: Add a pinch of Aleppo pepper for a smoky kick

5. Goat Cheese Pizza (But Make It Gourmet)

Skip the usual mozzarella and spread goat cheese directly on the crust. Add caramelized onions, thinly sliced pears, arugula, and a sprinkle of chili flakes. Drizzle with truffle oil post-bake if you’re feeling extra.

Want something faster? Use naan or lavash bread as your base.

6. Goat Cheese + Hot Honey Flatbread

Toast up a flatbread and spread it with garlic goat cheese. Add roasted butternut squash or sweet potato rounds and a drizzle of hot honey. Sprinkle with pepitas and flaky salt. It’s the cozy-meets-bold combo you didn’t know you needed.

7. Goat Cheese Ice Cream or Frozen Yogurt

Don’t back away yet—this is dessert gold. Goat cheese adds a tangy richness to ice cream or frozen yogurt. Swirl in lemon curd, figs, or graham cracker crumble for something utterly refreshing and unique.

Look for it at specialty scoop shops, or try a simple no-churn version at home with whipped cream and condensed milk.

8. Baked Goat Cheese Marinara Dip

Take a small cast-iron skillet or baking dish, pour in your favorite marinara sauce, and nestle a round of goat cheese in the center. Bake until bubbling and golden. Serve with crusty bread or garlic knots.

It’s like lasagna’s cooler, faster sibling.

9. Goat Cheese-Stuffed Peppers or Mushrooms

Stuff mini bell peppers or baby portobellos with a blend of goat cheese, herbs, breadcrumbs, and lemon zest. Roast until melty. They work as appetizers, sides, or a full vegetarian dinner.

Bonus: They’re great served hot or at room temp—perfect for summer entertaining.

10. Savory Goat Cheese French Toast

Turn your brunch game up. Make thick-cut French toast with a little black pepper in the batter, then top with whipped goat cheese, cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

It’s the brunch version of a summer caprese—without the mozzarella.

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The Midweek “Goat Board” Celebration Platter

No cooking required—just bold, balanced flavors that celebrate the cheese of the hour. Here’s your cheat sheet:

Goat Cheese Selection

Aim for at least three varieties: one soft & creamy, one herb-crusted or flavored, and one aged or firm. Variety is key—think of it as a mini goat cheese tasting flight.

• Soft & Creamy

  • Vermont Creamery Fresh Goat Cheese – Classic, tangy, and ultra-spreadable.

  • Laura Chenel Original Chèvre – Smooth with a clean finish; a staple in many cheese shops.

• Herb-Crusted or Flavored

  • Cypress Grove “Purple Haze” – Flavored with lavender and wild fennel pollen—unexpected and unforgettable.

  • Montchevre Garlic & Herb Goat Cheese Log – Bold, zesty, and perfect for spreading on crackers or veggies.

• Aged or Firm

  • Cypress Grove “Midnight Moon” – Aged, nutty, and Gouda-like with a caramel finish. Sliceable and snackable.

  • Jasper Hill Farm “Eligo” – Washed-rind and goat-forward, with a firm texture and a rich, complex flavor.

Sweet & Savory Pairings

• Sweet Notes

  • Fresh figs, cherries, or strawberries

  • Dried apricots or dates

  • Fig jam, hot honey, or cherry preserves

  • Honeycomb (if you want a little drama)

• Savory Staples

  • Marinated olives

  • Roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts

  • Pickled shallots or cornichons

  • Prosciutto or spicy salami (if you're not going meat-free)

Crunch & Carb Options

• Seedy crackers (like Raincoast Crisps or Lesley Stowe)

• Crostini or grilled baguette slices

• Kettle-cooked potato chips for a salty, crispy contrast

• Pita chips or rosemary flatbread for earthy pairings

Garnish & Flair

• Fresh herbs (mint, rosemary sprigs, or thyme)

• Edible flowers (like pansies or nasturtiums)

• A few cubes of dark chocolate or candied nuts for contrast

Drink Pairing Ideas

• Rosé – Bright, dry, and ideal for cutting through tangy goat cheese

• Sauvignon Blanc – Classic, crisp, and citrusy—pairs beautifully with fresh chèvre

• Sparkling Water with Lemon & Basil – A refreshing non-alcoholic option that still feels elevated

• Lambic or Farmhouse Ale – A funky, tart beer can match goat cheese’s earthy side

Set it all up on a large board or platter (bonus points for a slate one you can label), cue your favorite chill playlist, and toast to the cheese that’s low-key been elevating your fridge all along.

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Goat cheese deserves way more love than just salad. This National Goat Cheese Day, mix it up, get creative, and enjoy all the tasty ways this little cheese can brighten your day. Easy, delicious, and totally worth it!