Indulge your taste buds with a delightful twist on a classic appetizer: Walnut Crusted Goat Cheese with Thyme Honey! This elegant dish combines the creamy richness of goat cheese with a crunchy walnut crust, all drizzled with fragrant thyme-infused honey. Perfect for impressing guests at your next gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe is a showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to make. Ready to elevate your culinary game? Let’s dive into the delicious details of this mouthwatering recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 8 oz goat cheese
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 1/4 cup honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that the goat cheese crust gets perfectly golden and crispy.
- Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This will prevent the goat cheese from sticking and make for easier cleanup.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped walnuts and fresh thyme. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. This will add flavor to the crust.
- Take the goat cheese and slice it into rounds, about 1/2 inch thick. If the cheese is too soft to slice, you can chill it in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes to firm it up.
- Carefully press each slice of goat cheese into the walnut and thyme mixture, ensuring that both sides are well-coated. This will create a delicious crust.
- Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, gently place the coated goat cheese rounds in the skillet.
- Cook the goat cheese for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Be careful when flipping them to avoid breaking the cheese.
- Once the goat cheese is golden and crispy, transfer the rounds to the prepared baking sheet.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is warmed through and slightly soft in the center.
- While the goat cheese is baking, prepare the thyme honey. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the honey and a few sprigs of fresh thyme. Allow it to warm gently for about 5 minutes, infusing the honey with the thyme flavor.
- Once the goat cheese is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a minute. Drizzle the warm thyme honey over the top of each round before serving.
- Serve the walnut crusted goat cheese warm, garnished with additional thyme if desired. This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread, crackers, or a fresh salad.
Tips
- Chill the Cheese: If your goat cheese is particularly soft, chill it in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes before slicing. This will make it easier to handle and coat with the walnut mixture.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh thyme makes a world of difference in flavor. If you can, opt for fresh over dried thyme to enhance the dish’s aromatic qualities.
- Watch the Heat: When frying the goat cheese, keep an eye on the heat level. Medium heat is ideal to ensure the crust becomes golden without burning.
- Experiment with Nuts: Feel free to mix it up! While walnuts are traditional, you can also use pecans or almonds for a different flavor profile.
- Serve Warm: This dish is best enjoyed warm. Serve it immediately after baking for the crispiest texture and the creamiest cheese.
- Pair it Right: Complement the goat cheese with a side of crusty bread, fresh crackers, or a vibrant salad to balance the richness of the dish.
- Make Extra Thyme Honey: If you love the flavor of thyme honey, consider making extra to drizzle over desserts or use in tea for a delightful twist.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 14g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 35mg
