Healthy Indulgence: Goat Cheese Recipes and Appetizers

Goat Cheese and Strawberry Grilled Cheese

Make a healthier version of grilled cheese by substituting flavorful goat cheese and strawberries.

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Why We Love Goat Cheese
- Goat cheese has about 80 calories and 6 grams of fat per ounce, compared to cow's milk cheese, which has 100 calories and 10 grams of fat.
- It's high in calcium, which strengthens bones and can help prevent breast cancer.
- People who are lactose intolerant can often enjoy goat cheese because it's easy to digest.

Grilled cheese is a favorite comfort food, but you don't have to go overboard with calories to enjoy that rich taste. Shake things up by substituting flavorful goat cheese. Bonus: You even get servings of fruit and veggies!

Goat Cheese and Strawberry Grilled Cheese
Spread 1 (4-oz.) goat cheese log, softened, on 1 side of 3 whole grain bread slices. Spread 4 1/2 tsp. red pepper jelly on 1 side of 3 whole grain bread slices; layer with 3/4 cup sliced fresh strawberries, 6 large basil leaves, and 1 1/2 cups fresh watercress or arugula. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Top with remaining bread, goat cheese sides down. Cook sandwiches in a large, lightly greased nonstick skillet over medium heat 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.

Easy Goat Cheese Appetizers
Pecan-Goat Cheese Truffles
Stir together equal amounts of goat cheese and cream cheese; stir in minced sweetened dried cranberries and salt and pepper to taste. Shape by teaspoonfuls into balls; roll in chopped toasted pecans.

Grape Crostini
Spread toasted baguette slices with goat cheese. Top with chopped seedless red grapes, thinly sliced green onions, minced fresh rosemary, and salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle with store-bought balsamic glaze.

Cherry Tartlets
Fill frozen mini-phyllo pastry shells, thawed, with crumbled goat cheese. Top each with cherry preserves, cooked and crumbled bacon, freshly cracked pepper, and chopped fresh chives. Bake tartlets at 350˚ for 5 minutes.

Herb Dip
Process 4 oz. softened goat cheese, 1/2 cup plain nonfat yogurt, 3 Tbsp. assorted chopped fresh herbs, 1 minched garlic clove, and 1 Tbsp. lemon juice in a food processor until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve with fresh cut vegetables.

From the March 2011 Magazine Issue

Healthy Grilled Cheese Sandwich (Hint: Use Goat Cheese)

Not only is goat cheese good for you, but it is oh, so delicious, too. Use these recipes to make easy goat cheese appetizers for your next get-together.|Erin Shaw Street

Why We Love Goat Cheese