The Tastiest Goat Cheese Types and How to Use Them in Your Kitchen

Goat cheese, known for its tangy flavor, creamy texture, and versatility, has become a staple in American kitchens and gourmet circles. Whether crumbled over a fresh salad, spread on warm bread, or baked into savory dishes, goat cheese adds an irresistible dimension to many recipes. Its appeal spans from casual home cooking to upscale restaurant menus, thanks to its distinctive taste and range—from soft, spreadable chèvre to aged, crumbly varieties.

Rising health awareness has also boosted goat cheese’s popularity. Rich in protein, calcium, and beneficial probiotics, goat cheese offers a lighter alternative to cow’s milk cheeses, often with less lactose and fat. As consumers seek new flavors and more nutrient-dense options, goat cheese fits perfectly into modern diets, gluten-free meals, and farm-to-table trends. Below, we spotlight the 10 most popular and tasty goat cheeses in the U.S..

1. Chèvre

Chèvre is the quintessential American goat cheese—fresh, soft, and creamy. Typically sold in logs or tubs, it has a clean, tangy flavor with a slightly earthy finish. Its texture ranges from smooth to spreadable, depending on moisture content. This cheese works beautifully as a spread on crackers or baguette slices, and its mild acidity makes it ideal for enriching pasta or risotto. Chèvre also enhances breakfast dishes like scrambled eggs or frittatas and is often rolled in herbs or spices for an added flavor kick.

2. Humboldt Fog

Crafted by Cypress Grove Creamery in California, Humboldt Fog is instantly recognizable by its white mold exterior and the signature line of edible vegetable ash running through the center. The cheese has a beautiful texture gradient, with a firmer outer layer transitioning to a creamy, luscious core. Its flavor is tangy, bright, and slightly floral. Served at room temperature, it pairs exquisitely with fruit preserves or fig jam and makes an elegant addition to a cheese board. It also crumbles well into roasted vegetable dishes or even gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches.

3. Bucheron

Bucheron is a semi-aged, French-style goat cheese with a distinctive bloomy rind and a contrasting dual texture. The outer layer is firm and crumbly, while the interior remains soft and creamy. Its flavor profile starts tangy and becomes nutty with age. Bucheron slices cleanly, making it excellent for cheese plates, especially when drizzled with olive oil and fresh herbs. It adds complexity to salads and holds up well when lightly baked and served with crusty bread or fruit.

4. Goat Gouda

An American twist on Dutch tradition, Goat Gouda is made with goat's milk to create a cheese that is creamy, subtly sweet, and slightly tangy. Depending on aging, its texture can vary from semi-soft to semi-firm. This cheese melts beautifully, making it perfect for grilled cheese sandwiches, casseroles, or creamy mac and cheese. It also pairs delightfully with apples and caramelized onions, offering both depth and versatility in the kitchen.

5. Caprino

Caprino, the Italian word for goat, refers to a style of goat cheese that ranges from soft and spreadable to firm with a thin white rind. In the U.S., Caprino is popular in delis and gourmet stores. Its buttery interior and mild flavor make it highly approachable. It’s delicious spread on crostini with a drizzle of olive oil or honey and complements Mediterranean grain bowls or pasta dishes. Its soft texture and delicate taste allow it to blend effortlessly into a variety of meals.

6. La Cloche Cranberry Chèvre

This American favorite blends fresh chèvre with dried cranberries, creating a balance of tangy, creamy, sweet, and chewy. La Cloche Cranberry Chèvre stands out for its festive appeal and is commonly used in both savory and sweet applications. It's fantastic in sandwiches and wraps, especially with roasted vegetables or turkey. Tossed into spinach salads, it adds a pop of color and flavor, and its sweet-savory profile makes it an unexpected star in desserts like cheesecake or frosted pastries.

7. Goat Feta

Goat-based feta cheese offers a saltier and sharper bite compared to its cow’s milk counterpart, with a crumbly yet creamy texture that holds up well in brine. Often used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, goat feta is excellent in Greek salads, stuffed peppers, or baked into spanakopita. It brings a bold tang to flatbreads and is delicious simply dressed with olive oil and oregano alongside warm pita.

8. Aged Goat Cheddar

Aged Goat Cheddar introduces a sharp, nutty flavor with a firm, crumbly texture that develops over several months. This cheese captures the best qualities of both traditional cheddar and goat milk’s signature tang. It’s a standout on cheeseboards, where it pairs beautifully with cured meats and bold red wines. It also brings a unique twist to comfort foods like grilled cheese sandwiches and macaroni and cheese, especially when paired with fruit such as apples or pears.

9. Goat Cream Cheese

Offering a lighter, tangier alternative to traditional cream cheese, goat cream cheese is soft, spreadable, and slightly zesty. Its creamy texture makes it a favorite for bagels, especially when topped with smoked salmon and capers. It also works well in dips, mixed with herbs, garlic, or sun-dried tomatoes. For baking, goat cream cheese adds a subtle tang to frostings or cheesecakes, providing a sophisticated twist to classic desserts.

10. Drunken Goat (Murcia al Vino)

Drunken Goat is a semi-soft Spanish-style cheese that has been soaked in red wine, giving it a striking purple rind and a smooth, creamy interior. Its flavor is mellow and slightly fruity, with a subtle earthiness from the wine wash. This cheese is visually stunning on a cheese board and pairs beautifully with figs, grapes, and crusty bread. Its unique character also makes it a fitting companion for red wines like Tempranillo or Rioja.