Description
Crispy Fried Goat Cheese Balls served with a warm, spicy sage-infused honey make a delightful appetizer perfect for parties or special occasions. The creamy, tangy goat cheese centers are coated in panko breadcrumbs and fried to golden perfection, while the spicy honey glaze adds a sweet and aromatic kick that complements the rich cheese beautifully.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Balls
- 8 ounces goat cheese, softened
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying (about 2 inches deep)
Spicy Sage Honey
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 4–5 fresh sage leaves
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, blend the softened goat cheese, cream cheese, and black pepper together until the mixture is smooth and uniform in texture.
- Form and Chill Balls: Roll the cheese mixture into 1-inch diameter balls and place them onto a parchment-lined tray. Freeze the balls for 20–30 minutes until they become firm enough to handle easily.
- Make Spicy Sage Honey: While the cheese balls chill, combine the honey, red pepper flakes, and fresh sage leaves in a small saucepan over low heat. Warm gently for 5–7 minutes to infuse flavors, then remove from heat and allow the mixture to steep.
- Set Up Breading Station: Arrange three bowls—one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs. This will allow for an easy and thorough coating process.
- Bread the Cheese Balls: Dip each chilled goat cheese ball first into the flour, coating evenly, then into the beaten eggs, and finally roll in panko breadcrumbs ensuring a complete coating. Repeat until all balls are breaded.
- Heat Oil for Frying: Pour vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed pan to a depth of about 2 inches and heat it to 350°F (175°C) for optimal frying temperature.
- Fry the Cheese Balls: Carefully fry the breaded cheese balls in batches, turning occasionally, for 2–3 minutes or until they are golden brown and crisp. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Serve: Drizzle the crispy fried goat cheese balls with the warm spicy sage honey or serve the honey on the side for dipping, providing a perfect balance of creamy, crispy, sweet, and spicy flavors.
Notes
- You can prepare the cheese balls a day in advance and keep them frozen until ready to fry, making this recipe great for entertaining.
- Try experimenting with flavored goat cheese varieties for added depth and unique twists.
- The spicy sage honey can be made ahead of time and stored at room temperature, allowing flavors to develop more intensely.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 cheese balls with spicy sage honey
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
