Description
Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, these Fried Goat Cheese Balls are perfectly paired with a warm, spicy sage honey drizzle. This appetizer blends the tangy richness of goat cheese with the aromatic kick of fresh thyme and the sweet heat of infused honey, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Goat Cheese Balls
- 8 oz goat cheese, softened
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko works best)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
Spicy Sage Honey
- 1/2 cup honey
- 6 fresh sage leaves, finely chopped
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to your heat preference)
- 1/2 tsp lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Goat Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine the softened goat cheese with fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the flavorings are evenly distributed. Form the mixture into small balls approximately 1 inch in diameter and place them on a plate to set aside.
- Set Up Breading Station: Arrange three shallow bowls: one with the all-purpose flour, one with the beaten egg, and one with the breadcrumbs. This setup will facilitate coating the cheese balls evenly for frying.
- Bread the Cheese Balls: Take each goat cheese ball and first dredge it lightly in the flour, then dip it into the beaten egg, ensuring it is fully coated. Finally, roll it in the breadcrumbs until completely covered. Place them on a separate plate ready for frying.
- Fry the Cheese Balls: Heat the vegetable oil in a medium-sized pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the goat cheese balls in batches, frying them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown and crispy exterior. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried balls to paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Prepare the Spicy Sage Honey: While frying the cheese balls, warm the honey in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the finely chopped sage, crushed red pepper flakes, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer gently for 3-4 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and infuse.
- Serve: Just before serving, drizzle the warm spicy sage honey over the fried goat cheese balls. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor combination.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh goat cheese that is neither too dry nor overly soft.
- Panko breadcrumbs provide the crispiest coating, but regular breadcrumbs can be used as a substitute.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes in the honey to control the spice level.
- Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to prevent the cheese balls from absorbing too much oil.
- These are best served immediately while crispy and warm.
