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Crispy Fried Goat Cheese Balls with Honey Drizzle

A stack of crispy, golden-brown fried goat cheese balls drizzled with honey, one is broken open showing the creamy interior.
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Make these crispy fried goat cheese balls for an elegant appetizer. They are warm and creamy inside with a crunchy coating, perfect for your next party.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz soft goat cheese, chilled
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped pecans
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • Flaky sea salt, for finishing
  • Honey, for drizzling

Instructions

  1. Place the chilled goat cheese in a bowl and use a fork to break it up slightly.
  2. Roll the goat cheese into small, uniform balls, about 1 inch in diameter. You should get about 16 to 20 balls. Place them on a parchment-lined plate and chill in the freezer for 15 minutes to firm up.
  3. Set up a standard breading station with three shallow dishes. Place the flour in the first dish. Whisk the egg in the second dish. In the third dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, chopped pecans, dried thyme, and garlic powder. Mix well.
  4. Working with one cheese ball at a time, dredge it lightly in the flour, shaking off excess. Dip it into the beaten egg, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, roll it thoroughly in the pecan-breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure the coating adheres completely. Return the coated balls to the parchment-lined plate.
  5. Chill the coated balls for another 20 minutes. This step helps prevent the cheese from leaking out during frying.
  6. Pour enough vegetable oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to reach a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature.
  7. Carefully lower 4 to 5 cheese balls into the hot oil, ensuring you do not overcrowd the pot. Fry for 1 to 2 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy.
  8. Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried cheese balls and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Sprinkle lightly with flaky sea salt immediately.
  9. Repeat the frying process with the remaining balls.
  10. Arrange the warm goat cheese balls on a serving platter. Drizzle generously with honey just before serving.

Notes

  • For an easier cooking method, you can air fry these. Place the coated balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at 380°F (195°C) for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden.
  • If you want a different flavor profile, substitute the thyme and garlic powder with 1 teaspoon of finely chopped fresh rosemary and chives.
  • These are best served immediately while the center is warm and creamy.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbyfelix.com/goat-cheese-balls-crispy-fried-appetizer/