Description
Crispy fried goat cheese balls served with a spicy sage honey drizzle, perfect as a flavorful appetizer or party snack. The creamy cheese center contrasts beautifully with the crunchy panko coating and the sweet, spicy honey adds an irresistible kick.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Balls
- 8 ounces goat cheese, softened
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Vegetable oil for frying
Spicy Sage Honey
- ¼ cup honey
- 1–2 teaspoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 3 fresh sage leaves, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine the softened goat cheese and cream cheese. Mix thoroughly until smooth and evenly blended to ensure a creamy center for the cheese balls.
- Shape the Cheese Balls: Roll the cheese mixture into 1-inch balls and arrange them on a parchment-lined tray. Place the tray in the freezer for 20–30 minutes until the balls are firm, which helps with coating and frying.
- Set Up the Breading Station: Prepare three separate bowls—one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs. This station will allow for an organized and efficient breading process.
- Bread the Cheese Balls: Roll each cheese ball in flour, then dip in the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs. For extra adhesion, double-dip the balls in egg and panko if desired.
- Freeze Again: Place the breaded cheese balls back in the freezer for 15 minutes. This step helps the coating adhere during frying and prevents the cheese from melting too quickly.
- Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or saucepan, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) to ensure a crispy and golden exterior when frying.
- Fry the Cheese Balls: Fry the cheese balls in batches for 2–3 minutes each until they turn golden brown. Do not overcrowd the pan to maintain oil temperature and crispiness. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Make the Spicy Sage Honey: In a small saucepan, gently warm honey with hot sauce, chopped sage leaves, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt over low heat for 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld without boiling.
- Serve: Drizzle the spicy sage honey over the warm fried goat cheese balls and serve immediately for the best contrast of textures and flavors.
Notes
- For extra crunch, double-dip the cheese balls in egg and panko breadcrumbs before freezing.
- These cheese balls can be prepped ahead, frozen, and fried directly from the freezer when needed.
- Pairs beautifully with white wine or cocktails, making it an ideal appetizer for parties or gatherings.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes plus 45 minutes freezing
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 cheese balls with honey
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
