I have to tell you, making this Fried Goat Cheese Balls with Spicy Honey was such a fun experience! From rolling the creamy cheese into perfect little spheres to frying them until golden and crunchy, every step was a joy.
I love how a simple drizzle of honey transforms them into a decadent treat. This recipe has quickly become my go-to appetizer for dinner parties or just a cozy night in.
Trust me, these little bites disappear faster than I can say “more, please!” You might also enjoy trying Fluffernutter Tea Sandwiches Recipe for a sweet-savory twist alongside them.
Ingredients
Here’s what I used to make these crispy, flavorful goat cheese balls:
- Goat cheese (8 oz): Soft, plain goat cheese works best; herbed varieties are fine too. Pro tip: fresh cheese gives the creamiest inside.
- All-purpose flour (½ cup): Helps the coating stick perfectly.
- Eggs (2, beaten): Binds the breadcrumbs to the cheese balls for extra crunch.
- Panko breadcrumbs (1 cup): Offers a crispier, airy texture than regular breadcrumbs.
- Dried rosemary (1 tsp) and sage (1 tsp): Add aromatic flavor to the coating.
- Vegetable oil (for frying): Use high-smoke-point oil like avocado for perfect frying.
- Flaky sea salt (to taste): Enhances flavor after frying.
- Honey (2–3 tbsp): Drizzle on top for a sweet and slightly spicy kick.
Note: several servings
Variations
Want to switch things up? I tried a few twists:
- Use dairy-free goat cheese for a vegan version.
- Swap honey for sugar-free syrup if you’re cutting sugar.
- Add a pinch of cayenne to the breadcrumbs for extra heat.
- Mix in finely chopped fresh herbs like thyme or oregano for a bright flavor.
- You can also enjoy Valentines Day Heart Pepperoni Pizza Recipe as a fun pairing for a themed dinner night.
Cooking Time
I like keeping things simple, so here’s the timeline I followed:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Equipment You Need
I always make sure I have the right tools on hand:
- Baking sheet: To freeze the balls before frying.
- Medium saucepan: Perfect for heating oil and frying evenly.
- Three shallow bowls: For flour, egg, and breadcrumb coatings.
- Thermometer: Optional, but ensures oil stays at the perfect frying temperature.
How to Make Fried Goat Cheese Balls with Spicy Honey
Prepare the Cheese Balls
Start by rolling the goat cheese into small balls, roughly the size of a teaspoon. I found chilling them for a few minutes made handling easier. You’ll end up with about 20–25 balls.
Set Up Coating Stations
In three separate shallow bowls, place the flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs mixed with rosemary and sage. This keeps everything organized and makes coating faster.
Coat the Cheese Balls
Dip each cheese ball in flour first, then egg, and finally the breadcrumb mixture. I make sure every inch is covered for maximum crunch.
Chill Before Frying
Place the coated balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 20–60 minutes. Freezing keeps them firm so they don’t melt too quickly in hot oil.
Fry Until Golden
Heat vegetable oil to 350°F and fry in small batches, about 5 at a time, for 30 seconds or until golden. Drain on paper towels, sprinkle with flaky salt, and drizzle honey just before serving.
Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better
From my experience, these tricks make a big difference:
- I always freeze the balls before frying to prevent them from losing shape.
- Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure even crisping.
- Coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs; rushing this step results in a soggy exterior.
- Drizzle honey right before serving so the coating stays crunchy.
- Make extra — these go fast, and freezing leftovers is a lifesaver.
How to Serve Fried Goat Cheese Balls with Spicy Honey
I like serving these on a small platter with a garnish of fresh rosemary sprigs. They pair beautifully with a charcuterie board, a light salad, or even as standalone bites at a party. Drizzling a little more honey over the top right before serving gives them a professional, restaurant-quality look.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 180–200 kcal per 3–4 balls
- Protein: 6 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fat: 14 g
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing: Keep un-fried cheese balls in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a month.
Freezing: Freeze pre-fried balls on a sheet before transferring to a bag; fry straight from frozen.
Reheating: Pop in a hot oven for 5 minutes or quickly fry to restore crispiness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This is why I always keep this recipe handy:
- Flavor-packed: Creamy inside, crunchy outside, with a sweet and spicy finish.
- Easy to make: Minimal prep, simple frying, and quick assembly.
- Versatile: Perfect for parties, game nights, or casual snacks.
- Make-ahead friendly: Freeze before or after frying for easy entertaining.
- Customizable: Switch herbs, spice, or honey to suit your taste.
These fried goat cheese balls with spicy honey are truly a crowd-pleaser, and I can’t wait for you to try them at your next gathering!
Fried Goat Cheese Balls with Spicy Honey Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Start by rolling the goat cheese into small balls, roughly the size of a teaspoon. I found chilling them for a few minutes made handling easier. You’ll end up with about 20–25 balls.
- In three separate shallow bowls, place the flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs mixed with rosemary and sage. This keeps everything organized and makes coating faster.
- Dip each cheese ball in flour first, then egg, and finally the breadcrumb mixture. I make sure every inch is covered for maximum crunch.
- Place the coated balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 20–60 minutes. Freezing keeps them firm so they don’t melt too quickly in hot oil.
- Heat vegetable oil to 350°F and fry in small batches, about 5 at a time, for 30 seconds or until golden. Drain on paper towels, sprinkle with flaky salt, and drizzle honey just before serving.
Notes
- I always freeze the balls before frying to prevent them from losing shape.
- Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure even crisping.
- Coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs; rushing this step results in a soggy exterior.
- Drizzle honey right before serving so the coating stays crunchy.
- Make extra — these go fast, and freezing leftovers is a lifesaver.