Go Back
Goat Cheese Puddings topped with caramelized sugar, fresh raspberries, and mint in elegant glass dishes.
Daniel

Goat Cheese Puddings

Silky, savory-sweet individual puddings with tangy goat cheese and a whisper of honey, baked until just set with a delicate custard texture.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Appetizer, Dessert
Cuisine: American, French
Calories: 285

Ingredients
  

For the Puddings
  • 8 oz fresh goat cheese (chèvre) room temperature, log-style preferred
  • 1.5 cups whole milk
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream
  • 3 large eggs room temperature
  • 3 tbsp honey plus more for serving
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 0.25 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves plus small sprigs for garnish
For the Water Bath
  • 4 cups hot water from the kettle, for baking

Equipment

  • 6 (6-ounce) ramekins
  • Roasting pan or 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Fine-Mesh Sieve
  • Medium saucepan
  • Whisk

Method
 

Prep
  1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Arrange six 6-ounce ramekins in a roasting pan or deep baking dish, leaving space between them for water to circulate.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine milk and cream. Heat over medium-low until steaming and small bubbles form at the edges, about 5 minutes. Do not boil. Remove from heat.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk goat cheese until smooth and creamy with no lumps. Whisk in honey, vanilla, salt, and thyme leaves. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each. Slowly pour in the warm dairy mixture in a thin stream, whisking constantly, until fully combined.
  4. Pour the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a large measuring cup or bowl with a spout. Divide evenly among the ramekins, filling each about three-quarters full. Skim off any foam with a spoon.
  5. Carefully pour hot water into the roasting pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Bake until the centers are just set with a slight jiggle, 30 to 35 minutes. The edges will look firm but the centers should quiver like Jell-O when nudged.
  6. Remove ramekins from water bath and cool on a wire rack for 20 minutes. Serve warm or chilled. Drizzle with additional honey and garnish with thyme sprigs just before serving.

Notes

For the smoothest texture, use a fresh, creamy goat cheese log rather than pre-crumbled. The puddings can be made up to 2 days ahead; cover and refrigerate, then bring to room temperature or warm gently before serving. For a dessert version, add a tablespoon of orange zest to the custard and serve with fresh figs or berries.