Description
Make these Crispy Fried Goat Cheese Balls for a delightful appetizer. They are creamy inside and perfectly crisp outside, finished with a sweet honey drizzle. You will impress your guests with this simple, gourmet treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces soft goat cheese, room temperature
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 2 tablespoons honey, for drizzling
Instructions
- Form the room temperature goat cheese into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a parchment-lined tray and chill for at least 30 minutes until firm.
- Set up a standard breading station: place the flour in one shallow dish, the beaten egg in a second, and the panko breadcrumbs in a third.
- Working with one chilled cheese ball at a time, lightly dredge it in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip the floured ball completely into the egg wash.
- Roll the egg-coated ball thoroughly in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs completely. Return the breaded balls to the tray and chill for another 20 minutes.
- Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Heat the oil to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Use a thermometer to check the temperature.
- Carefully lower 3-4 cheese balls into the hot oil using a slotted spoon. Do not overcrowd the pot.
- Fry for 60 to 90 seconds, turning occasionally, until the coating is golden brown and crisp. The inside will become soft and melted.
- Remove the fried balls immediately with the slotted spoon and drain them on a wire rack lined with paper towels.
- Arrange the warm goat cheese balls on a serving platter. Drizzle generously with honey just before serving.
Notes
- If you prefer a less hands-on method, you can bake these at 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) for 10-12 minutes, or air fry them at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for about 8 minutes, flipping halfway.
- For extra flavor, mix finely chopped fresh herbs like thyme or chives into the panko breadcrumbs before coating.
- Serve immediately while the center is warm and gooey.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 balls
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 40mg