Crispy Goat Cheese Poppers with Honey Recipe
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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 poppers 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
