Fried Goat Cheese Balls with Spicy Sage Honey Recipe

Introduction

These Fried Goat Cheese Balls with Spicy Sage Honey offer a delightful combination of creamy, crispy, and sweet-spicy flavors. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, they are sure to impress your guests with their crispy exterior and rich, tangy center.

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 1/3 cup sesame seeds
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 log (10 ounces) goat cheese
• Avocado oil, for frying
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 clove garlic, grated
• 2-3 tablespoons hot sauce
• 1/4 cup fresh sage leaves
• Sea salt, for finishing

Instructions

1. Step 1: In one bowl, combine the flour and a pinch of black pepper. Place the beaten egg in a second bowl. In a third bowl, mix together the Panko breadcrumbs and sesame seeds.
2. Step 2: Line a plate with parchment paper. Roll the goat cheese log into 20–24 balls, about 1 tablespoon each.
3. Step 3: Coat each goat cheese ball by first tossing it in the flour mixture, then dipping it into the beaten egg, and finally dredging it through the Panko and sesame seed mix. Place the coated balls on the prepared plate.
4. Step 4: Freeze the coated goat cheese balls for at least 20 minutes or overnight to help them firm up before frying.
5. Step 5: While the balls are chilling, prepare the spicy sage honey by warming the honey with grated garlic, hot sauce, and fresh sage leaves in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir occasionally and keep warm.
6. Step 6: Heat 1 to 2 inches of avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the goat cheese balls in batches for 1 to 2 minutes until golden and crisp on all sides. Remove and drain on paper towels.
7. Step 7: Arrange the fried goat cheese balls on a serving plate, drizzle generously with the spicy sage honey, and sprinkle with sea salt before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, double-dip the goat cheese balls through the egg and breadcrumb mixture before freezing.
• Try using different herbs like thyme or rosemary in the honey for a unique twist.
• If you prefer milder heat, reduce the hot sauce or substitute with a sweet chili sauce.

Storage

Store any leftover fried goat cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to retain their crispiness. The spicy sage honey can be stored separately in the fridge for up to a week and gently rewarmed before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the goat cheese balls in advance?

Yes, you can coat and freeze the goat cheese balls ahead of time. Just fry them straight from frozen for best results.

What oil is best for frying these balls?

Avocado oil is recommended for its high smoke point, but you can also use vegetable or canola oil for frying.

Fried Goat Cheese Balls with Spicy Sage Honey Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 131 reviews

These Fried Goat Cheese Balls with Spicy Sage Honey are crispy, creamy bites perfect as an appetizer or snack. Coated in a crunchy panko and sesame seed crust, the goat cheese centers are fried to golden perfection and drizzled with a warm honey sauce infused with garlic, fresh sage, and a spicy kick of hot sauce for a sweet and savory flavor explosion.

• Author: Ruby
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes (plus freezing time of 20 minutes or overnight)
• Yield: 20–24 balls 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Coating and Cheese

• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• Black pepper, a pinch
• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 1/3 cup sesame seeds
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 log (10 ounces) goat cheese
• Avocado oil, for frying (enough for 1-2 inches in skillet)

Spicy Sage Honey

• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 clove garlic, grated
• 2–3 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup fresh sage leaves
• Sea salt, to sprinkle

Instructions

1. Prepare the coatings: In one bowl, combine the flour with a pinch of black pepper. In a second bowl, beat the egg. In a third bowl, mix the Panko breadcrumbs with the sesame seeds. These will be used to coat each goat cheese ball.
2. Form the goat cheese balls: Roll the goat cheese into 20-24 balls, about 1 tablespoon each. Thoroughly coat each ball by first rolling it in the seasoned flour, then dipping it into the beaten egg, and finally dredging it through the Panko and sesame seed mixture. Place each coated ball on a parchment-lined plate.
3. Freeze the balls: Freeze the coated goat cheese balls for at least 20 minutes or overnight. This step helps them hold their shape during frying.
4. Make the spicy sage honey: While the balls freeze, warm the honey in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the grated garlic, hot sauce, and fresh sage leaves to the honey and gently infuse the flavors until warm and aromatic. Keep warm until serving.
5. Fry the goat cheese balls: Heat 1-2 inches of avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the frozen goat cheese balls in batches for 1 to 2 minutes or until they turn golden and crisp on all sides. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
6. Serve: Arrange the fried 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 balls before frying is crucial to prevent them from melting too quickly and losing shape.
• You can adjust the amount of hot sauce in the honey to control the spice level.
• Avocado oil is recommended for frying due to its high smoke point, but other neutral oils like vegetable or canola oil can be used.
• Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to get a crisp coating without the cheese leaking out.
• This appetizer pairs well with a light salad or a crisp white wine.

Keywords: fried goat cheese balls, spicy sage honey, appetizer, crispy goat cheese, panko crust, savory snack, party food