Fried Goat Cheese Balls with Spicy Sage Honey Recipe
Crispy fried goat cheese balls coated in a crunchy panko and sesame seed crust, served with a warm, spicy sage honey drizzle. This appetizer combines creamy, tangy goat cheese with a sweet and spicy honey sauce for a delightful flavor contrast. Perfect for entertaining or an elegant snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings (20-24 balls)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Goat Cheese Balls
- 1 log (10 ounces) goat cheese
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- black pepper, a pinch
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup sesame seeds
- avocado oil, for frying (1-2 inches in skillet)
For the Spicy Sage Honey
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- 2-3 tablespoons hot sauce
- 1/4 cup fresh sage leaves
- sea salt, to sprinkle
Instructions
- Prepare coating stations. Add the flour and a pinch of black pepper to a bowl. In a separate bowl, beat the egg. In a third bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs and sesame seeds. Line a plate with parchment paper for placing the coated cheese balls.
- Shape and coat goat cheese balls. Roll the goat cheese into 20-24 small balls, each about 1 tablespoon in size. First, roll each ball in the flour mixture to coat evenly, then dip it through the beaten egg, and finally dredge in the panko and sesame seed mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating. Place each coated ball on the prepared parchment-lined plate.
- Freeze the coated balls. Freeze the coated goat cheese balls for 20 minutes or up to overnight. This step helps them hold their shape during frying.
- Make the spicy sage honey. While the balls freeze, combine the honey, grated garlic, hot sauce, and fresh sage leaves in a small sauce pot. Warm gently over low heat until fragrant and infused, stirring occasionally. Do not boil.
- Fry the goat cheese balls. Heat 1-2 inches of avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Fry the frozen goat cheese balls in batches for 1 to 2 minutes per batch, turning frequently until all sides are golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Serve. Arrange the crispy goat cheese balls on a serving plate, drizzle generously with the warm spicy sage honey, and sprinkle lightly with sea salt. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Freezing the cheese balls before frying prevents them from melting too quickly and losing shape.
- Use avocado oil or another neutral high smoke point oil for frying to achieve crispiness without burning.
- The spicy honey can be adjusted by adding more or less hot sauce depending on your heat preference.
- These cheese balls are best served fresh and crispy, as they lose crunch over time.
- You can prepare the sage honey in advance and gently reheat before serving.
