Description
Make these Crispy Fried Goat Cheese Balls with a sweet and spicy honey drizzle. They are a perfect party appetizer, offering a creamy, tangy center encased in a crunchy, golden crust. This recipe brings excitement and fun back to your kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz soft goat cheese, room temperature
- 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your taste)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened goat cheese and Parmesan cheese. Mix until just combined.
- Roll the cheese mixture into small, uniform balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a parchment-lined plate and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Set up a standard breading station: place flour in one shallow dish, the beaten eggs in a second, and panko breadcrumbs in a third.
- Working in batches, dredge each chilled cheese ball first in the flour, shaking off excess. Dip it completely into the egg wash. Finally, roll it thoroughly in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to adhere. Return the breaded balls to the refrigerator for another 15 minutes to set the coating.
- Pour vegetable oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to check the temperature.
- Carefully place 3-4 cheese balls into the hot oil, ensuring you do not overcrowd the pot. Fry for 1 to 2 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are deep golden brown and crispy. The inside will warm quickly.
- Remove the fried balls with a slotted spoon and immediately place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- While the cheese balls drain, gently warm the honey in a small saucepan or microwave. Stir in the red pepper flakes.
- Arrange the warm goat cheese balls on a serving platter. Drizzle generously with the spicy honey and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
- If you prefer a less messy route, you can bake these at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, or use an air fryer set to 380°F (195°C) for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway.
- For a holiday twist, Sara suggests rolling the chilled cheese balls in finely chopped pecans and dried cranberries before breading.
- Make sure the cheese balls are very cold before frying; this prevents them from melting too quickly in the hot oil.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Deep Fry (Air Fryer/Bake option available)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 balls
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 40mg