Description
Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, these Fried Goat Cheese Balls with Spicy Sage Honey are the perfect appetizer. The warm, spiced honey glaze takes these little bites to the next level, making them a crowd-pleaser at any gathering!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz goat cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko works best)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Spicy Sage Honey:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 6 fresh sage leaves, finely chopped
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to your heat preference)
- 1/2 tsp lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the softened goat cheese with fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Form the mixture into small balls (about 1-inch in diameter). Place them on a plate.
- Set up a breading station: place the flour in one shallow bowl, the beaten egg in another, and the breadcrumbs in a third.
- Dredge each goat cheese ball in flour, then dip into the egg, and coat with breadcrumbs. Set aside.
- In a medium pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the goat cheese balls in batches, frying for about 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- While the goat cheese balls are frying, prepare the spicy sage honey. In a small saucepan, heat the honey over low heat. Add the chopped sage, crushed red pepper flakes, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir to combine and let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Drizzle the warm spicy sage honey over the fried goat cheese balls just before serving. Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can prepare the goat cheese balls in advance and freeze them before frying. This helps them hold their shape better when frying.
- If you prefer a milder honey sauce, reduce the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or omit them entirely.
- For extra flavor, you can sprinkle a little extra thyme on top of the fried cheese balls before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 cheese balls
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg