Pistachio Crusted Goat Cheese From The Greenbrier

Ingrediënten

# Baked Goat Cheese with Pistachio-Cranberry Crust

A copycat of the signature warm appetizer from The Greenbrier in Gatlinburg, TN. Creamy, tangy goat cheese is baked in a crunchy, sweet, and nutty crust, then drizzled with honey and served with warm flatbread.

## Ingredients

* 1 log (8 oz) plain, high-quality goat cheese (Chèvre)

* 1/3 cup shelled pistachios, roasted and salted

* 1/4 cup dried cranberries

* 1 tbsp olive oil

* 2 tbsp local raw honey (for drizzling)

* 1 package naan bread or pita flatbreads (for serving)

## Instructions

1. **Prep the Crust:** Finely chop the roasted pistachios and dried cranberries together using a sharp chef's knife until they form a uniform, small crumble. Alternatively, pulse them a few times in a mini food processor. Pour the mixture onto a flat plate.

2. **Coat the Cheese:** Lightly brush the entire outside of the cold goat cheese log with olive oil (this acts as the glue). Gently press the log into the pistachio-cranberry mixture on the plate, rolling and patting until it is completely and heavily coated on all sides.

3. **Chill:** Place the coated cheese log onto a piece of plastic wrap, wrap it gently, and refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes. Chilling ensures the cheese stays firm and doesn't completely puddle when baked.

4. **Bake:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chilled, coated goat cheese log into a small cast-iron skillet, a ceramic baking dish, or a shallow oven-safe ramekin. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes. The cheese should be warm and soft to the touch, and the nuts should be highly fragrant, but it should not melt completely flat.

5. **Warm the Naan:** During the last 3 minutes of baking, slide your naan bread directly onto the oven rack to warm through and soften. Cut into triangular dipping wedges.

6. **Finish and Serve:** Remove the sizzling goat cheese from the oven. Immediately drizzle the 2 tablespoons of local raw honey generously over the top. Serve hot in the baking dish alongside the warm naan bread wedges.