Fried Goat Cheese Balls with Honey

These creamy fried goat cheese balls will transport you straight to a swanky table at the famous SUR restaurant from the hit TV show, Vanderpump Rules.

In this addicting recipe, mini balls of tangy goat cheese are coated in seasoned panko breadcrumbs, shallow fried then drizzled with sweet honey, flaky sea salt and fresh thyme.  

Fried goat cheese balls make the perfect appetizer, snack or addition to a green salad.

Below are the quick and easy recipe steps, instructions for making in advance as well as for preparing in the air fryer.

Looking for more crowd-pleasing appetizer recipes? Check out my Greek Pita Nachos or Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball.

WHAT INGREDIENTS DO I NEED TO MAKE FRIED GOAT CHEESE BALLS?

Goat cheese – be sure to buy a log of goat cheese and use a knife to cut into equal size portions before rolling into balls. You can get about 12-15 mini balls out of an 8 oz log.

All-purpose flour – is used to coat the goat cheese balls, making them firm and able to hold its shape once fried.

Eggs – are utilized as an adhesive so the panko breadcrumbs stick to the goat cheese and make an even crust all around the fried goat cheese balls.

Panko breadcrumbs – are the best choice for a crispy coating. You can swap for fine breadcrumbs, but the texture will be a bit different.

Garlic powder – is used to season the panko breadcrumbs. You can also add other seasonings like onion powder, paprika, or dried herbs for alternate flavorings.

Vegetable oil – you can also use peanut oil, canola oil or other neutral oils with a high smoke point.

Flaky sea salt – is necessary to counter the sweet tanginess of the fried goat cheese. I highly recommend a good quality version like Maldon.

Honey – goat cheese and honey just make sense together. Adding any sweetness to cheese is an amazing combination and balance. Get creative and use a truffle honey, spicy honey, or wildflower honey for different flavor combos.

Red pepper flakes – a totally optional seasoning that I prefer for a tiny bit of heat. You can skip this if you don’t want any spice in your fried goat cheese balls.

Fresh thyme – this fresh herb adds a beautiful color to the dish and a nice herby touch. It’s for garnish mainly and is optional. You can also use parsley, chives, scallions, or rosemary.

HOW TO MAKE FRIED GOAT CHEESE BALLS

Portion + Freeze Goat Cheese Balls

Step 1 – Place a piece of parchment paper on a large plate or baking sheet that fits in your freezer.

Step 2 – Divide goat cheese into 12-14 even sized pieces. Roll each piece into a ball. Transfer balls to parchment lined plate and freeze for 30 minutes.

Assemble Goat Cheese Balls

Step 3 – To a shallow dish, mix together flour, salt and pepper. In a second shallow dish, lightly beat two eggs. Add panko and garlic powder to a third shallow dish. Arrange three dishes in an assembly line.

Step 4 – Remove goat cheese balls from freezer. One at a time, roll ball in the flour, then the egg and then the breadcrumbs. Shaking off excess at each step but ensuring ball is coated on all sides. Transfer balls to a parchment paper lined plate.

Shallow Fry

Step 5 – In a large skillet, heat 1 cup oil on medium until shimmering. Off to the side, line a large plate with paper towels or set up a wire cooling rack.

Step 6 – Add goat cheese balls to hot oil in batches (about 6-7 at a time), turning on all sides until golden brown. Cook for a total of 2 minutes.

Step 7 – Remove golden balls using a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel lined plate or wire cooling rack to remove excess oil. Immediately season fried balls with flaky sea salt. Repeat frying process with remaining balls.

Garnish

Step 8 – Transfer fried goat cheese balls to a serving dish and drizzle with honey. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes and fresh thyme leaves for optional garnish.

RECIPE TIPS

Although this recipe is very easy to prepare, here are a few chef tips that will ensure your fried goat cheese balls turn out perfect.

• Keep the goat cheese chilled: since you want them to be as firm and cold as possible before frying it is best to work with chilled goat cheese (not room temp).
• Use hot neutral oil: make sure oil is shimmering before frying (350F – 375F). You can also sprinkle a little bit of panko in the pan to see that it floats and starts turning golden brown before adding in the goat cheese balls.
• Fry in batches: you want to avoid overcrowding the pan. If you add too many goat cheese balls and they’re too close together they will not fry evenly or get crispy.
• Remove excess coatings: make sure to shake off excess flour, egg drippings and panko at each step. This will ensure an evenly coated ball instead of pieces flaking off during frying.
• Do not overcook: once the goat cheese balls are golden brown in color all around, remove immediately or they will bust open.
• Drain excess oil: once goat cheese balls are removed from the oil, transfer immediately to a paper towel lined plate or wire rack to drain oil. This will keep them crispy.
• Add flaky sea salt immediately: you want to add a sprinkle of sea salt right when the fried goat cheese balls are removed from oil because the salt will stick to them.

HOW TO SERVE FRIED GOAT CHEESE BALLS

Fried goat cheese balls are the best when served warm since they will be at peak crunchiness and the cheese inside will be nicely melted.

They are excellent served as is, but you can also serve them with various dip options.

Serving ideas:

• Sur’s Mango Sauce: blend ¾ cup frozen mango pulp, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp kosher salt
• Marinara Sauce
• Sweet and Sour Sauce
• Fig Jam

Serving Tip: if you’re serving as an appetizer for 3 or more people, you should definitely double or triple this recipe. They will go quick!

RECIPE VARIATIONS AND SUBSTITUTIONS

There are lots of fun recipe ideas out there for making fried goat cheese balls.

I’ve listed some variations and substitutions below.

• Use flavored honey: truffle honey, hot honey, lavender or acacia honey would be delicious on these fried goat cheese balls.
• Add chopped nuts: add a crunchy element such as chopped pistachios, peanuts, pecans or almonds.
• Serve on top a bed of lettuce: serve the fried goat cheese balls on top a bed of arugula, mixed greens or slaw.
• Use flavored goat cheese: use a garlic-herb, truffle, or spicy goat cheese.
• Add different herbs: goat cheese pairs well with so many fresh herbs like chives, rosemary, parsley or scallions.
• Serve with marinara: skip the honey and serve the fried goat cheese balls with marinara for a more Italian style dish.

HOW TO MAKE FRIED GOAT CHEESE BALLS IN AN AIR FRYER OR BAKE IN THE OVEN

Even though I personally prefer anything that gets pan fried, air frying or baking in the oven will work just as well.

Air Fryer Instructions

1. Preheat air fryer to 400 F.
2. Spray coated goat cheese balls with nonstick spray.
3. Add the coated goat cheese balls to the basket and cook for 5 minutes. This is the air fryer I use.

Oven Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375 F.
2. Place coated goat cheese balls on a parchment lined baking sheet and spray with cooking oil.
3. Bake for 20 minutes or until visibly golden brown and crisp.

MAKE AHEAD AND STORING INSTRUCTIONS

Make Ahead

Prepare the goat cheese balls all the way up until just before frying. Store in an airtight container in the fridge up to 2 days in advance or in freezer for up to 3 months.

When ready to serve, just remove and fry as instructed but you may need to add a bit more cook time since they will be chilled or frozen.

Storing

Place leftover fried goat cheese balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can refry them in the air fryer or oven.

RECOMMENDED TOOLS

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Shallow dishes
• Deep skillet
• Tongs
• Wire rack
• Air fryer

RECIPE FAQ’S

MORE APPETIZERS YOU’LL LOVE

• Greek Salad Skewers
• Puff Pastry Meat Pies
• Easy Greek Hummus

RECIPE VIDEO

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