Description
Crispy and creamy fried goat cheese balls featuring a crunchy double breadcrumb coating, perfect as an appetizer or snack. These versatile bites can be deep-fried to golden perfection and served drizzled with sweet, spicy hot honey for a delightful flavor balance.
Ingredients
Scale
Goat Cheese Balls
- 8 oz goat cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Refined coconut oil, for frying
- Hot honey, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Goat Cheese Balls: Divide the goat cheese into sixteen 1/2-ounce portions. Roll each portion into a smooth ball. Arrange the balls on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and place them in the freezer to freeze completely, about 1 hour. This step ensures the cheese holds its shape during frying.
- Set Up Breading Stations: Place the flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs into three separate shallow bowls. Season each bowl generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavor of the coating.
- Bread the Goat Cheese Balls: Once the goat cheese balls are frozen, dredge each ball in flour first, tapping off excess. Then, coat thoroughly with beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off. Roll the egg-coated ball in panko breadcrumbs to fully cover it. To create a sturdy double coating, dip the ball again into the beaten eggs and roll in panko breadcrumbs a second time, pressing gently to compress the coating. Repeat for all balls. Return the breaded balls to the freezer and freeze for at least 1 hour or overnight to help maintain the shape during frying.
- Heat the Oil for Frying: Pour about 1 inch of refined coconut oil into a large, heavy-bottomed pot. If the oil is solid, warm it in the microwave slightly to liquefy. Attach a deep-fry thermometer to the pot and heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 360°F (182°C), the optimal frying temperature for crispiness without excessive oil absorption.
- Deep-Fry the Goat Cheese Balls: Fry 5 to 6 balls at a time to avoid overcrowding, which can lower oil temperature. Fry for 1 1/2 minutes on one side or until golden brown, then gently flip and fry for another 1 1/2 minutes until golden all over. Use a slotted spoon or spider to remove them from the oil and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Repeat Frying: Allow the oil temperature to rise back to 360°F between batches, then continue frying the remaining goat cheese balls following the same process.
- Serve: Sprinkle the fried goat cheese balls with flaky salt to taste and drizzle generously with hot honey before serving. Enjoy immediately for the best contrast of crispy exterior and creamy center.
Notes
- Nutritional information provided is an estimate and may vary based on brands and ingredient substitutions.
- Freezing the goat cheese balls both before and after breading is essential to maintain shape during frying.
- For a healthier alternative, you can air fry or bake the goat cheese balls, though deep frying provides the crispiest texture.
- Use refined coconut oil for neutral flavor and high smoke point suitable for deep frying.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 131
- Sugar: 0.7g
- Sodium: 148mg
- Fat: 7.5g
- Saturated Fat: 5.2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0.6g
- Protein: 5.2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
