Description
Delight in these crispy Fried Goat Cheese Balls paired with a warm, spicy sage honey drizzle. Perfect as an elegant appetizer or party bite, this recipe combines creamy goat cheese coated in crunchy panko and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes infused in sweet honey for a sophisticated flavor balance.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Mixture
- 8 ounces goat cheese
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
Breading
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Frying
- Vegetable oil, for frying (about 2 inches deep)
Spicy Sage Honey
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh sage
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Balls: In a bowl, thoroughly mix the goat cheese and softened cream cheese until smooth and fully combined. Shape the mixture into small balls about 1 inch in diameter. Arrange these on a tray lined with parchment paper and freeze for 20 to 30 minutes until firm.
- Set Up Breading Station: Place the flour in one shallow bowl, the beaten eggs in a second bowl, and the panko breadcrumbs in a third. This setup will allow for an easy, even coating process.
- Bread the Cheese Balls: Remove the cheese balls from the freezer. One at a time, roll each ball first in flour, ensuring an even light coat. Next, dip into the beaten eggs, then roll in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere a crispy layer around the cheese balls.
- Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil to a depth of about 2 inches into a deep skillet or saucepan. Heat over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C) to ensure proper frying temperature for golden, crispy balls.
- Fry the Cheese Balls: Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, fry the cheese balls in the hot oil for 1 to 2 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them carefully and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Prepare the Spicy Sage Honey: While frying, gently warm the honey in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the red pepper flakes, finely chopped sage, and a pinch of salt. Let it simmer gently for 1 to 2 minutes to infuse the flavors, then remove from heat.
- Serve: Drizzle the warm spicy sage honey over the fried goat cheese balls or serve it as a dipping sauce alongside. Enjoy immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- These goat cheese balls can be breaded ahead of time and frozen. Fry them directly from frozen, adding 30 seconds to the cooking time.
- Serve with toothpicks for easy party appetizers or place over a fresh salad for an elegant entrée.
- Make sure oil temperature is maintained at 350°F for even frying and to avoid greasy results.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 balls with drizzle
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
