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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 cut open showing the soft interior.
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Make these irresistible, bite-sized goat cheese balls. They are crispy outside, creamy inside, and finished with a sweet honey drizzle, making them a perfect holiday appetizer or party snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz soft goat cheese, chilled
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • 1/4 cup honey, for drizzling
  • Optional: Chopped pecans or fresh thyme for garnish

Instructions

  1. Combine the flour, salt, and pepper in one shallow dish.
  2. Whisk the eggs in a second shallow dish.
  3. Mix the panko breadcrumbs and dried thyme in a third shallow dish.
  4. Scoop the chilled goat cheese into small, uniform balls (about 1 inch in diameter). You should get about 16 to 20 balls.
  5. Dredge each cheese ball first in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
  6. Dip the floured ball into the beaten egg, letting excess drip off.
  7. Roll the ball thoroughly in the panko mixture, pressing gently to make sure the coating adheres completely.
  8. Place the coated balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to set the coating.
  9. Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature.
  10. Working in small batches, carefully lower the chilled cheese balls into the hot oil using a slotted spoon. Do not overcrowd the pot.
  11. Fry for 1 to 2 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy. The cheese inside will soften but should not fully melt out.
  12. Remove the balls with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack set over paper towels to drain excess oil.
  13. Arrange the warm goat cheese balls on a serving platter. Drizzle generously with honey and garnish with chopped pecans or fresh thyme, if using. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For an air fryer option, spray the coated balls lightly with cooking spray and air fry at 380°F (195°C) for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden.
  • You can make these ahead. After coating, place them on the baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag. Fry directly from frozen, adding 1 minute to the cooking time.
  • If you prefer a sweet and savory mix, roll half of the cheese balls in finely chopped dried cranberries and pecans instead of plain panko.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchenslang.com/goat-cheese-balls-crispy-fried-honey-drizzle/