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Marinated Goat Cheese Balls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 112 reviews

Deliciously creamy and flavorful marinated goat cheese balls infused with garlic confit, rosemary, lemon, and chives. Perfect as a savory appetizer or party snack, these tender goat cheese balls are preserved in aromatic olive oil, giving them a rich and luscious taste. Serve with crispy toasted bread for an irresistible starter or accompaniment to any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Garlic Confit

  • 1 large head garlic (peeled)
  • 2 rosemary sprigs
  • 1 tbsp black peppercorns
  • Olive oil (enough to cover)

Goat Cheese Balls

  • 10 oz goat cheese log
  • 1/2 cup chives (finely chopped)
  • Olive oil (for rolling and topping)

Assembly

  • 1 lemon (peeled into strips)
  • 2 rosemary sprigs (fresh)
  • Crispy bread (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Make the Confit: Place the peeled garlic cloves, 2 rosemary sprigs, and black peppercorns in a baking dish. Pour enough olive oil to completely cover the ingredients. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 275°F (135°C) for 60 to 80 minutes until the garlic is golden and soft. Remove from the oven, let cool completely, then discard the rosemary sprigs.
  2. Prepare the Cheese: Cut the goat cheese log into 10 even slices, about 1 ounce each. Lightly oil your hands and roll each slice gently into smooth balls. Place the finely chopped chives in a shallow dish and coat half of the cheese balls with the chives, leaving the rest plain.
  3. Assemble the Jar: In a clean glass jar, layer the plain and chive-coated goat cheese balls. Add the black peppercorns, lemon peel strips, garlic confit cloves, and fresh rosemary sprigs. Carefully pour the cooled garlic confit oil over the cheese balls until fully submerged. Top off with additional olive oil as needed.
  4. Marinate: Seal the jar tightly and refrigerate. Allow the mixture to marinate for at least 24 hours to develop flavors. Store in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
  5. Serving: Remove the jar from the fridge about 30 to 45 minutes before serving to allow the olive oil to soften. When ready, spoon out the goat cheese balls and garlic confit into a serving bowl, avoiding peppercorns, lemon peel, and rosemary sprigs. Serve alongside toasted bread, spreading garlic confit first followed by the goat cheese balls.

Notes

  • Use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil to enhance flavor.
  • Make sure the garlic confit oil is completely cooled before pouring it over the cheese to prevent melting or ruining the texture.
  • Marinating for longer than 24 hours intensifies the flavors.
  • Serve with toasted rustic bread, crackers, or vegetable sticks for a delightful appetizer.
  • Can be stored refrigerated for up to 7 days; always keep the cheese fully submerged in oil to preserve freshness.

Keywords: marinated goat cheese, goat cheese balls, garlic confit, appetizer, easy party recipe, savory cheese, French appetizer

Find it online: https://kitchenbyclara.com/marinated-goat-cheese-balls-recipe/