Do you ever crave that perfect combination of crispy and creamy? Look no further than fried goat cheese balls, a delightful dish that brings together the rich, tangy flavor of goat cheese with a satisfyingly crunchy exterior.
Fried goat cheese balls have the ability to elevate any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, a game night, or just treating yourself to a culinary adventure at home, these little morsels are sure to steal the spotlight. Their bite-sized nature also makes them a fantastic addition to cheese boards, bringing a touch of gourmet flair to casual gatherings.
Can you fry goat cheese?
You sure can. The process of frying transforms the goat cheese into a delectable treat, creating a contrast between the crispy shell and the soft, creamy interior. The result? An explosion of flavors and textures that is simply irresistible.
What do I need to make fried goat cheese balls?
For this cheesy appetizer, you’ll need:
- Goat cheese
- All-purpose flour
- Whole milk
- Egg
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Frying oil
- Honey or jam for serving
How do I make fried goat cheese?
To make fried goat cheese:
- Roll the goat cheese into small balls.
- Set up a breading station: put flour in one small bowl and whisk the milk and egg together in another bowl. Mix the breadcrumbs with the seasonings and put them in a third small bowl.
- Roll a cheese ball in flour, then swirl it in the egg mixture. Shake off the excess, then roll the ball in the panko mixture. Repeat with all the goat cheese.
- Freeze the goat cheese balls in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat a pot of oil to 360°F and line a plate with paper towels.
- Fry the goat cheese balls in small batches for 1-2 minutes. Move to the lined plate to drain and cool. Serve warm!
Do I really have to freeze the goat cheese balls before frying them?
Yes—be sure not to skip this step! If you try to fry the goat cheese right after rolling it in the breadcrumbs, the coating will just slide right off. A trip to the freezer will help keep your fried goat cheese intact.
What condiment goes with goat cheese?
Fried goat cheese balls are versatile and can be served in various ways. They make for a delightful appetizer, especially when drizzled with honey or served with a little dish of jam for dipping. If you want a more savory appetizer, you could also try them with fresh marinara sauce.
Want to make your fried goat cheese into more of a meal? Try them over a bed of greens for a goat cheese balls salad.
Can I prep the goat cheese balls in advance?
You sure can! Prepare the goat cheese balls through the freezing step. Allow the balls to freeze solid, and then transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag or a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to one month. When ready to serve, you can fry the goat cheese balls directly from frozen.
How long does fried goat cheese last in the fridge?
Like most fried appetizers, fried goat cheese doesn’t reheat particularly well. We recommend frying only as many as you need for your party and eating immediately. Extra goat cheese balls can stay in the freezer for up to a month, until you are ready to fry up a fresh batch.
Want more holiday appetizer recipes like this one?
Fried Goat Cheese Recipe
Crispy exterior, creamy interior—fried goat cheese delights with a perfect blend of textures and a rich, tangy flavor.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces goat cheese, room temperature
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup whole milk
- 1 egg, beaten
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Oil for frying (avocado, canola, or vegetable oil)
Instructions
- Divide the goat cheese into 24 equal portions (0.66 ounces each) and roll them into balls. Place on a lined baking sheet and set aside.
- Set the flour in a small bowl. In a second bowl, add the milk and egg and beat until well combined. In a third bowl, stir together the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
- One by one, roll a cheese ball in the flour, then dip in the egg mixture and shake off the excess. Roll in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the breadcrumbs firmly onto the goat cheese. Place the breaded cheese balls back on the parchment-lined baking sheet and place in the freezer for at least 30 minutes.
- Pour enough oil in a large pot to completely cover the cheese balls, then heat over medium heat until it reaches 360°F. While the oil is heating, line a plate with paper towels.
- Once the oil is hot, fry 4-5 frozen cheese balls at a time for about 1-2 minutes, turning them occasionally to brown evenly. Using a slotted spoon, remove them from the oil carefully and place on the lined plate.
- Serve the cheese balls with honey or jam!
Notes
- We find it helpful when breading the cheese balls to have one dry hand and one wet hand!
- It is absolutely essential to freeze the breaded cheese balls before frying, otherwise the breading will come right off in the oil. Don't skip this step!
- Like most fried appetizers, these are best eaten right after making. We recommend serving them immediately!
- You can make these ahead of time for a party and just freeze them until you’re ready to fry, up to about a month!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 24 Serving Size: 1 cheese ballAmount Per Serving: Calories: 80Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 17mgSodium: 138mgCarbohydrates: 4gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 5g
At Wholefully, we believe that good nutrition is about much more than just the numbers on the nutrition facts panel. Please use the above information as only a small part of what helps you decide what foods are nourishing for you.
