MSG Free Herb-Crusted Baked Goat Cheese
Warm, creamy goat cheese wrapped in a fragrant crust of pistachios, fresh herbs, and lemon zest is the kind of appetizer that disappears from the table before you even sit down. The combination of parsley, thyme, and rosemary gives every bite a garden-fresh intensity, while the chopped pistachios add a satisfying crunch that plays beautifully against the soft, tangy cheese underneath. Every single ingredient here is whole and unprocessed, so you never have to second-guess what's actually going into your food — no flavor enhancers, no seasoning packets, just real herbs and honest pantry staples. Chilling the rounds before coating is a small but smart step that keeps everything tidy and ensures the crust actually sticks through the oven. A drizzle of honey at the end is optional but genuinely worth it, pulling the savory and bright flavors together in the best possible way. Serve straight from the oven with gluten-free crackers or crisp sliced vegetables and watch it become the most requested thing you make.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the goat cheese rounds
- 8 oz fresh goat cheese log
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
For the herb crust
- ¼ cup raw pistachios, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
For serving
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- honey, for drizzling (optional)
- gluten free crackers or sliced vegetables, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Slice the goat cheese log into 4 equal rounds, each about 1 inch thick. Place them on a small plate, brush all surfaces lightly with 1 tbsp olive oil, and refrigerate for 30 minutes so the rounds firm up and hold their shape during coating.
- 2
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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