File this one under “secret weapon” and pull it out whenever you need a quick but impressive appetizer. Warming the olives in thyme-and-lemon-zest-infused oil awakens their flavor and transforms a goat cheese medallion into a sumptuous spread.–The Editors of Gourmet Magazine
LC Wowsers Note
Wowsers. Even if you have a mere hour’s notice—less, even–that company’s coming, you can pull off this elegant alternative to olives and cheese with ease. The components are familiar enough to be unintimidating, yet seemingly fancy enough to be memorable in the best possible way. Don’t skimp on cheap ingredients, as the quality of each factors largely in the sum of the parts. If you’re especially pressed for time, forget about allowing the olives and infused oil to cool to room temperature. Just dump them over the cheese when you need. Any residual warmth will work its charms, making the texture of the soft cheese even softer, to the point of being almost ooey and gooey. Just pretend that’s how you intended things to be.
Goat Cheese with Olives, Lemon, and Thyme Recipe
Hands-On Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Serves 4
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup assorted olives, pitted if desired
- 3 fresh thyme sprigs, leaves stripped from stems if desired
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
- One 4-to 5- ounce fresh goat cheese medallion or two 2-ounce goat cheese buttons, at room temperature
- Crackers, flatbread, or baguette slices
Directions
- 1. Gently heat the olives, thyme, oil, zest, and pepper in a small skillet or saucepan over low heat until fragrant. Do not allow the oil to simmer. Remove from the heat and let cool to room temperature.
- 2. Pour the olive mixture over the goat cheese. (This can be done up to 2 hours ahead and kept, covered, at room temperature.) Serve with crackers, flatbread, or baguette slices.
Hungry for more? Chow down on these:
- Olive and Goat Cheese Turnovers from Chez Us
- Okra Fritters with Grilled Corn & Goat Cheese from Confections of a Foodie Bride
- Burrata with Asparagus, Pine Nuts, and Golden Raisins from Leite's Culinaria
- Goat Cheese-Radicchio Quesadillas from Leite's Culinaria
Goat Cheese with Olives, Lemon, and Thyme Recipe © 2012 The Editors of Gourmet Magazine. Photo © 2012 Conde Nast Publications. All rights reserved.
