Fried Goat Cheese Balls with Honey
Mini balls of tangy goat cheese are coated in seasoned panko breadcrumbs, shallow fried then drizzled with honey, flaky sea salt and fresh thyme. These will transport you straight to a swanky table at the famous SUR restaurant from Vanderpump Rules.
Servings: 14 balls
Ingredients
- 8 oz goat cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup vegetable or peanut oil
- 2 tsp flaky sea salt
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional
- 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme optional for garnish
Instructions
Portion + Freeze
- Place a piece of parchment paper on a large plate or baking sheet that fits in your freezer.
- Divide goat cheese into 12-15 even sized pieces. Roll each piece into a ball. Transfer balls to parchment lined plate and freeze for 30 minutes.
Assemble Goat Cheese Balls
- 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.
- Remove goat cheese balls from freezer. One at a time, roll ball in the flour, then the egg and then the breadcrumbs. Transfer balls to a parchment paper lined plate.
Shallow Fry
- In a large skillet, heat 1 cup oil on medium until shimmering. Off to the side, line a large plate with paper towels or setup a wire cooling rack.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
Notes
- Air fryer instructions: preheat to 400 F. Spray the coated balls with nonstick cooking spray and place in the preheated air fryer for 5 minutes or until golden brown.
- Baking instructions: preheat oven to 375 F. Place coated goat cheese balls on a parchment lined baking sheet and spray with cooking oil. Bake for 20 minutes or until visibly golden brown and crisp.
- Make ahead: prepare recipe up until just before frying. Store coated balls in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 month or in the fridge up to 1 day in advance.