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Fried Goat Cheese Balls Recipe

Fried Goat Cheese Balls Recipe
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★★★★★

5.2 from 24 reviews

Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, these Fried Goat Cheese Balls are a delightful appetizer perfect for parties or a tasty snack. Coated in a seasoned panko crust infused with fresh thyme, these bite-sized treats deliver a flavorful contrast to the tangy goat cheese center. Serve them warm with honey, hot honey, preserves, or marinara for a deliciously indulgent experience.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Balls

  • 8 oz goat cheese log
  • ½ cup all purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme
  • 1 quart canola oil (for frying)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pan: Line a plate or small sheet pan with parchment paper and set it aside to hold the goat cheese balls before and after coating.
  2. Slice the Goat Cheese: Cut the 8 oz goat cheese log into 8 slices. Next, cut each slice into thirds, yielding 24 small pieces for frying.
  3. Form the Cheese Balls: Roll each piece of goat cheese into a ball and place them on the prepared pan. Place the pan with cheese balls in the freezer to firm up while preparing the coating.
  4. Mix the Coatings: In a bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, and kosher salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. In a third bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the minced fresh thyme.
  5. Coat the Cheese Balls: Using one hand as a dry hand and the other as a wet hand, roll each cheese ball first in the flour mixture until fully coated. Then dip it in the egg mixture, ensuring complete coverage, followed by pressing it firmly into the panko-thyme breadcrumbs until well coated. Place each coated ball back onto the parchment-lined pan.
  6. Freeze Before Frying: Return the coated cheese balls to the freezer for 30 minutes to ensure they hold their shape during frying.
  7. Heat the Oil: Add the canola oil to a heavy-bottomed pot or cast iron pan and heat over medium heat until the temperature reaches 350°F, using a digital or oil thermometer. Prepare a wire rack or place paper towels on a sheet pan for draining the fried balls.
  8. Fry the Cheese Balls: Carefully lower 4-5 cheese balls at a time into the hot oil using a slotted spatula. Fry gently, turning occasionally, for 30 seconds to 1 minute or until they turn golden brown.
  9. Drain and Season: Remove the fried balls with a slotted spoon, letting excess oil drip back into the pot. Place them on the wire rack or paper towels, and immediately sprinkle lightly with kosher sea salt for added flavor.
  10. Serve Warm: Repeat frying with remaining cheese balls and serve all warm. Pair with honey, hot honey, fruit preserves, or marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

  • Use one hand as your ‘wet’ hand when handling the egg wash and the other as your ‘dry’ hand to keep ingredients from clumping.
  • Freezing the cheese balls before and after coating helps them maintain their shape during frying and prevents cheese from oozing out.
  • Maintain the oil temperature at 350°F to ensure a crispy crust without absorbing excess oil.
  • Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor; the contrast of warm crispy exterior and soft goat cheese center is ideal.
  • Feel free to add herbs such as rosemary or oregano to the breadcrumb mixture for variation.

Nutrition

Keywords: fried goat cheese balls, goat cheese appetizer, crispy goat cheese, party snacks, panko crust goat cheese, fried cheese bites

Find it online: https://thehungrymason.com/fried-goat-cheese-balls-recipe/