Description
Crispy and creamy fried goat cheese balls paired with a sweet and spicy sage honey drizzle, perfect for a flavorful appetizer or party snack.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Goat Cheese Balls:
- 8 ounces goat cheese (softened)
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Spicy Sage Honey:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage (finely chopped)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, mix together the goat cheese, cream cheese, and black pepper until smooth and fully combined.
- Form Cheese Balls: Scoop the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined tray. Freeze for at least 30 minutes, or until firm.
- Make the Spicy Sage Honey: While the cheese balls chill, combine the honey, chopped sage, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan over low heat. Warm gently for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside to infuse flavors.
- Bread the Cheese Balls: Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs. Roll each frozen cheese ball in flour, then egg, then panko, pressing gently to coat thoroughly.
- Fry the Cheese Balls: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or saucepan to 350°F. Fry the cheese balls in batches for 1–2 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Serve: Drizzle the fried goat cheese balls with the spicy sage honey and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Best served hot and crispy for optimal texture and flavor.
- Cheese balls can be made ahead and kept frozen until ready to fry for convenience.
- Add a small sprig of fresh sage or edible flowers for a beautiful and aromatic garnish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 cheese balls with honey
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
