Fried Goat Cheese Balls with Spicy Sage Honey Recipe

Introduction

Fried Goat Cheese Balls with Spicy Sage Honey are a delightful appetizer that combines creamy goat cheese with a crispy crust and a sweet, spicy drizzle. These bite-sized treats are perfect for impressing guests or enjoying as a savory snack.

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 1/3 cup sesame seeds
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 log (10 ounces) goat cheese
• Avocado oil, for frying
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 clove garlic, grated
• 2-3 tablespoons hot sauce
• 1/4 cup fresh sage leaves
• Sea salt, for sprinkling

Instructions

1. Step 1: In three separate bowls, place the flour mixed with a pinch of black pepper, the beaten egg, and a mixture of Panko breadcrumbs and sesame seeds.
2. Step 2: Line a plate with parchment paper. Roll the goat cheese into 20-24 balls, about 1 tablespoon each.
3. Step 3: Coat each ball first in the flour mixture, then dip into the egg, and finally dredge in the Panko and sesame seed mixture. Place the coated balls on the prepared plate.
4. Step 4: Freeze the coated goat cheese balls for at least 20 minutes or overnight for best results.
5. Step 5: While the balls freeze, prepare the sage honey by warming honey, grated garlic, hot sauce, and fresh sage in a small sauce pot until combined and aromatic. Keep warm.
6. Step 6: Heat 1 to 2 inches of avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the goat cheese balls in batches for 1 to 2 minutes until golden and crispy on all sides.
7. Step 7: Remove fried balls and drain on paper towels. Arrange on a serving plate, drizzle with the spicy sage honey, and sprinkle with sea salt before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Freeze the cheese balls thoroughly before frying to prevent melting and maintain their shape.
• Substitute avocado oil with another neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil if preferred.
• Adjust the hot sauce in the honey to your desired spice level for a milder or spicier finish.
• For extra crunch, double dredge the cheese balls by repeating the egg and breadcrumb coating step.

Storage

Store any leftover fried goat cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness. The sage honey can be stored separately in the fridge for up to a week and warmed before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Goat cheese has a unique tang and creaminess that works best for this recipe, but you can try cream cheese or feta for a similar texture, though the flavor will vary.

What oil is best for frying these cheese balls?

Avocado oil is ideal due to its high smoke point and mild flavor, but you can also use canola, vegetable, or peanut oil for frying.

Fried Goat Cheese Balls with Spicy Sage Honey Recipe

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4.6 from 125 reviews

Crispy and creamy fried goat cheese balls served with a vibrant, spicy sage-infused honey drizzle. This appetizer combines crunchy panko and sesame seed coatings with soft, tangy goat cheese, perfectly complemented by sweet and spicy honey for an irresistible bite.

• Author: Luna
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes (including freezing time)
• Yield: 20–24 cheese balls, serves 4-6 as an appetizer 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Coating and Cheese

• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 1/3 cup sesame seeds
• 1 log (10 ounces) goat cheese
• Avocado oil, for frying (about 1 to 2 inches depth in skillet)

Spicy Sage Honey

• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 clove garlic, grated
• 2–3 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust based on desired heat level)
• 1/4 cup fresh sage leaves
• Sea salt, for sprinkling

Instructions

1. Prepare the Coatings: In three separate bowls, place the flour with a pinch of black pepper in the first, the beaten egg in the second, and mix the Panko breadcrumbs with sesame seeds in the third. This organization helps in the breading process.
2. Form the Cheese Balls: Roll the goat cheese into 20 to 24 small balls, each about one tablespoon in size. Coat each ball first by rolling in the flour mixture, shaking off excess, then dipping into the beaten egg, and finally rolling in the Panko and sesame seed mixture to ensure an even and thorough coating. Arrange the coated balls on a parchment-lined plate.
3. Freeze the Cheese Balls: Place the plate with the coated goat cheese balls into the freezer for at least 20 minutes or up to overnight. Freezing helps the balls hold their shape during frying and prevents the cheese from melting too quickly.
4. Make the Spicy Sage Honey: While the cheese balls freeze, warm the honey gently in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the grated garlic, hot sauce, and fresh sage leaves to the honey and heat together until fragrant and slightly infused, taking care not to boil. Remove from heat and set aside.
5. Fry the Cheese Balls: Heat 1 to 2 inches of avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and hot enough for frying (approximately 350°F or 175°C). Fry the goat cheese balls in small batches for 1 to 2 minutes, turning carefully to ensure all sides become golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the balls and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
6. Serve: Arrange the fried goat cheese balls on a serving platter. Drizzle generously with the warm spicy sage honey and sprinkle with sea salt to taste. Serve immediately and enjoy this delightful combination of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and spicy flavors.

Notes

• Freezing the goat cheese balls before frying is crucial to prevent them from losing shape or leaking cheese during cooking.
• Adjust the amount of hot sauce in the honey mixture according to your preferred spice level.
• Avocado oil is chosen for its high smoke point, making it ideal for frying; however, other neutral oils like canola or vegetable oil can be used.
• You can prepare the spicy sage honey ahead and reheat gently before serving.
• If you prefer, fresh sage leaves can be omitted or substituted with thyme for a different herbal note.

Keywords: fried goat cheese balls, spicy honey, sage honey, appetizer, crispy cheese balls, savory snack