Easy Pistachio Coated Goat Cheese and How to Freeze

An appetizer is always a good idea! The good news is that I have the perfect recipe for you using the unique flavor of goat cheese.

How to Store Leftover Goat Cheese

You may ask yourself, "how long does goat cheese last in the fridge?" Unopened goat cheese can typically stay in the refrigerator for about 1-3 weeks, which is the typical shelf life of goat cheese. Always check the “best by” or expiration date on the packaging to get more accurate information. For opened fresh goat cheese, it is best to use it within 1 to 2 weeks due to it having a shorter shelf life. See my tips below for how to properly store it for future use.

Storing Fresh Goat Cheese in the Refrigerator (Step-by-Step)

1. Reseal: Reseal the goat cheese in the original packaging or wrap it with wax paper. 
2. Store: Place the goat cheese in an air-tight container, this can be a glass or plastic container.
3. Label and Refrigerate: Label the date on the container so you know when you need to use the goat cheese by. Place in the refrigerator.

The Best Way to Freeze Goat Cheese (Step-by-Step)

1. Portion the cheese: Cut into the portion sizes you’d like. You can freeze a whole log if preferred.
2. Wrap the cheese: Wrap each portion of goat cheese tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap (saran wrap), ensuring no areas are exposed to prevent freezer burn.
3. Place in an airtight container: Place wrapped portions in airtight containers or a Ziploc freezer bag. Make sure to squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. 
4. Label and date: This part is essential and often needs to be remembered! Label and write the date that you freeze the goat cheese. You can freeze goat cheese for up to 3 months. 
5. Freeze: Place the goat cheese in the freezer for up to 3 months.
6. Thawing: When ready to thaw, place in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. 

Notes: After you freeze goat cheese, it may not have the same flavors that fresh goat cheese has and may experience texture changes. If that bothers you, you could use it in soups or sauces!

Different Ways to Use Goat Cheese 

Here are some ideas on how to use goat cheese including some of my favorite goat cheese recipes!

Cheese Boards

Cheese boards are so trendy right now and I know why. They are delicious and such a crowd-pleaser with all the yummy foods and pretty designs! I found this Fig & Honey Goat Cheese Board from Nikki’s Modern Mediterranean blog.

Dips

Goat cheese dips make an easy holiday appetizer and honestly, appetizers are probably my favorite part of the meal. This Creamy Goat Cheese Dip from Broma Bakery looks delicious and is probably one that I will need to make ASAP especially with the holidays coming up!

Creamy Sauces

Putting a goat cheese sauce on pasta or spaghetti squash is such an easy way to mix it up! I am not a huge fan of marinara so anything cheesy sounds amazing to me! I found this Spinach and Goat Cheese Sauce that would be perfect for a pasta dish during the week!

Soups

You could add goat cheese to soups as a garnish or even mix it into tomato soup for extra creaminess like this Tomato Bisque from the NY Times.

Salads

I love adding goat cheese crumbles to my salads for extra flavor and creaminess! The tangy element complements greens and vinaigrette dressings! Some people add cottage cheese to their salads which tastes really good but replace it with goat cheese for a more tangy flavor! This simple salad from Lauren Fit Foodie looks amazing and is the perfect way to use goat cheese in a salad.

Tacos

Adding goat cheese to tacos can turn a simple recipe into an ~elevated~ recipe. Who doesn’t love the ease of tacos? And if you have goat cheese crumbles in your fridge, just add some on top! I even created a super simple taco recipe with goat cheese for you on my blog already!

Sandwiches/Wraps

Adding a goat cheese spread to a sandwich or wrap is so simple but will make the sandwich taste more gourmet! This would be especially good with a roasted vegetable sandwich or wrap.

Pizza Topping

Have you ever gotten a frozen pizza with goat cheese on it? If not, you’ve got to try it!! It really does make a frozen pizza feel more elegant. If you are making homemade pizza you can also follow this easy recipe from the Minimalist Baker.

Stuffed Peppers or Mushrooms

I think summer and fall are the perfect times to grill or bake stuffed peppers or mushrooms. To change it up try adding some goat cheese and herbs to your favorite stuffed pepper recipe or check out these Mini Stuffed Peppers from Walder Wellness.

Desserts

Goat cheese cheesecake?! Say less. I would have never thought of using goat cheese in a cheesecake instead of cream cheese but it actually sounds so unique and delicious. From Kickass Baker, I found these incredible Blueberry Goat Cheese Cheesecake Bars that I really want to give a try!

Stuffed Dates or Figs

Another tasty app would be goat cheese stuffed dates or figs with prosciutto wrapped around! Check out this Food52 recipe if you need some inspo!

Nutritional Benefits

Protein: Goat cheese is a good source of protein. Protein is a building block of bones, muscles, cartilage, and skin. Protein also helps to repair tissues. Protein is important to consume shortly after a workout to help build and repair your muscles that were working. Protein is also important during and after an illness, surgery, or injury.

Fat: Fat provides your body energy and supports cell growth. Some vitamins also require fat to help wtih absorption.

Micronutrients: Calcium, phosphorus, vitamin A, riboflavin, and iron. Calcium and phosphorus work hand in hand to build strong bones and teeth.

What You'll Need

Before you begin, start gathering all your ingredients and kitchen items!

Ingredients:

I hope you enjoy this recipe! It is a great way to use goat cheese as an appetizer while entertaining guests. I would also make this Pistachio Coated Goat Cheese for a day of football and good food!