Crispy Goat Cheese Poppers with Honey Recipe

Introduction

Crispy Goat Cheese Poppers with Honey make a delightful appetizer that combines creamy, tangy cheese with a crisp golden crust. These bite-sized treats are perfect for entertaining or a special snack that feels indulgent yet simple to prepare.

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup all purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp. black pepper
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
• 2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 11 oz. log soft goat cheese
• 2 cups oil (grapeseed, canola, or vegetable)
• 1 Tbsp. honey
• 2 Tbsp. minced fresh chives

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the flour and black pepper. In another bowl, whisk together the egg, kosher salt, and 2 tablespoons of water. Place the panko breadcrumbs in a separate bowl.
2. Step 2: Roll the goat cheese into 24 small balls, about 1 tablespoon each. Coat each ball by rolling first in the flour mixture, then dipping in the egg wash, and finally rolling in the panko breadcrumbs to cover evenly.
3. Step 3: Arrange the coated goat cheese balls on a tray and place them in the freezer for 20 minutes until firm. This helps them keep shape during frying.
4. Step 4: Heat the oil in a deep saucepan over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the goat cheese balls in batches for 1 to 2 minutes until they turn golden and crisp.
5. Step 5: Using a slotted spoon, transfer the poppers to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
6. Step 6: Arrange the poppers on a serving platter. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with minced fresh chives. Serve immediately while warm and crispy.

Tips & Variations

• Freezing the cheese balls before frying is key to keeping them intact and preventing melting too quickly in the hot oil.
• Substitute fresh thyme or rosemary for chives to vary the herb flavor.
• Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch compared to regular breadcrumbs.
• Serve with a side of spicy aioli or marinara sauce for dipping.

Storage

These poppers are best enjoyed fresh and hot, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a hot oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the coating soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare these poppers ahead of time?

Yes, you can coat the goat cheese balls and freeze them for up to a week before frying. Just keep them frozen until you fry to ensure the best texture.

What oil is best for frying these poppers?

Use a neutral, high smoke point oil such as grapeseed, canola, or vegetable oil to ensure even frying without imparting strong flavors.

Crispy Goat Cheese Poppers with Honey Recipe

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4.4 from 66 reviews

Crispy Goat Cheese Poppers with Honey are bite-sized, golden-fried balls of creamy goat cheese coated in a seasoned crust of flour, egg, and panko breadcrumbs. These irresistible appetizers are finished with a drizzle of sweet honey and a sprinkle of fresh chives, offering a perfect balance of savory, crunchy, and sweet flavors that make them an elegant and crowd-pleasing snack or party treat.

• Author: Daniel
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 24 poppers 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Coating

• 1/3 cup all purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs

Main

• 1 (11 oz) log soft goat cheese

Frying

• 2 cups oil (grapeseed, canola, or vegetable oil)

Garnish

• 1 Tbsp honey
• 2 Tbsp minced fresh chives

Instructions

1. Prepare coating mixtures: In a medium bowl, combine all purpose flour and black pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, kosher salt, and 2 tablespoons of water. In another bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
2. Form goat cheese balls: Roll the goat cheese log into 24 small balls, approximately 1 tablespoon each in size, ensuring they are evenly sized for consistent cooking.
3. Coat the cheese balls: Dip each goat cheese ball first into the seasoned flour mixture, then into the egg wash, and finally coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs. Make sure the coating is even for a crispy texture.
4. Freeze the coated balls: Place the coated goat cheese balls on a tray and freeze for at least 20 minutes or until firm to prevent them from melting too fast during frying.
5. Heat the oil: In a deep saucepan, heat 2 cups of grapeseed, canola, or vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) over medium-high heat, using a thermometer to ensure accurate temperature.
6. Fry the goat cheese poppers: Fry the goat cheese balls in batches for 1 to 2 minutes or until golden brown and crisp. Use a slotted spoon to carefully remove them and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
7. Garnish and serve: Arrange the crispy goat cheese poppers on a serving platter. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with minced fresh chives. Serve immediately while warm and crunchy.

Notes

• Freezing the coated goat cheese balls before frying is essential to maintain shape and prevent the cheese from leaking out during frying.
• Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point such as grapeseed or canola oil for the best frying results.
• Serve these poppers immediately after frying to enjoy their crisp texture and warm, gooey interior.
• These poppers make a great appetizer or party snack and pair wonderfully with a light white wine or sparkling beverage.
• For an alternative garnish, try a drizzle of balsamic glaze instead of honey for a tangier option.

Keywords: Goat cheese poppers, crispy goat cheese balls, fried goat cheese appetizer, honey goat cheese bites, party snack recipe