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Crispy Fried Goat Cheese Balls with Herbed Coating and Spicy Honey Dip

A stack of golden brown, crispy fried goat cheese balls, one broken open showing the melted interior, served with sweet chili sauce.

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Make these impressive fried goat cheese balls for your next gathering. They feature a creamy interior, a crispy herbed coating, and pair perfectly with a simple spicy honey dip.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz soft goat cheese, chilled
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh chives
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • For the Spicy Honey Dip: 1/2 cup honey
  • 1 teaspoon sriracha or hot sauce (adjust to taste)

Instructions

  1. Combine the chopped parsley, chives, and garlic powder with the panko breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Season the breadcrumb mixture with salt and pepper.
  2. Place the flour in a second shallow dish and the beaten egg in a third dish.
  3. Scoop the chilled goat cheese and roll it into small, uniform balls, about 1 inch in diameter. You should get about 12 to 15 balls.
  4. Set up a standard breading station: flour, then egg, then the herbed breadcrumb mixture.
  5. Dredge each goat cheese ball lightly in the flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the egg, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, roll thoroughly in the herbed panko mixture, pressing gently so the coating adheres well.
  6. Place the coated goat cheese balls on a plate lined with parchment paper and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps the coating set.
  7. Prepare the spicy honey dip by whisking together the honey and sriracha in a small bowl. Set aside.
  8. Pour vegetable oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature.
  9. Working in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pot, carefully lower the chilled goat cheese balls into the hot oil using a slotted spoon.
  10. Fry for 1 to 2 minutes, turning occasionally, until the coating is golden brown and crispy. The cheese inside will soften but should not fully melt out.
  11. Remove the fried goat cheese balls with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
  12. Serve the crispy fried goat cheese balls immediately while warm, alongside the spicy honey dip for dipping.

Notes

  • If you prefer a less messy method, you can bake these goat cheese balls at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, or use an air fryer until golden.
  • For a festive variation, substitute half the panko with crushed pecans for added texture.
  • These make excellent party food recipes and can be assembled ahead of time; just wait to fry until serving.

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