PrintCrispy Fried Goat Cheese Balls with Honey Drizzle
Make these simple, creamy goat cheese balls coated in herbs and breadcrumbs. You can fry them or use an air fryer for an easy, elegant finger food perfect for parties.
- Prep Time: 30 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Total Time: 70 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying or Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz soft goat cheese, room temperature
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh chives
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- Vegetable oil, for frying (or cooking spray for air fryer)
- 1/4 cup honey, for drizzling
- Flaky sea salt, for finishing
Instructions
- Combine the goat cheese, cream cheese, chives, thyme, garlic powder, and pepper in a medium bowl. Mix until completely smooth.
- Roll the cheese mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. You should get about 18 to 20 balls. Place them on a parchment-lined plate and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Set up a standard breading station with three shallow dishes. Place the flour in the first dish. Whisk the eggs in the second dish. Mix the panko breadcrumbs and parsley in the third dish.
- Working with one chilled cheese ball at a time, lightly dredge it in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip it into the beaten egg, letting the excess drip off. Finally, roll it thoroughly in the panko mixture, pressing gently so the crumbs adhere completely. Return the coated balls to the plate and chill for another 30 minutes.
- To fry: Heat 2 inches of oil in a deep, heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully lower 4-5 cheese balls into the hot oil. Fry for 1 to 2 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- To air fry: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the coated cheese balls with cooking spray. Cook in a single layer for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
- Arrange the warm goat cheese balls on a serving platter. Drizzle generously with honey and sprinkle with flaky sea salt before serving.
Notes
- For a festive touch, mix 2 tablespoons of finely chopped dried cranberries into the panko coating.
- You can prepare the coated cheese balls up to 24 hours ahead. Keep them covered in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook.
- Serve these creamy snack bites alongside a spicy jam or a balsamic glaze for an elegant finger food option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 balls
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 14
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 14
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 8
- Cholesterol: 45