Description
These Fried Goat Cheese Balls with Spicy Sage Honey offer a delightful combination of creamy, crispy, and sweet-spicy flavors. Soft goat cheese is seasoned, coated in breadcrumbs, and fried until golden brown, then drizzled with a warm honey infused with fresh sage, red pepper flakes, and a touch of lemon for a burst of flavor. Perfect as an appetizer or elegant snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Goat Cheese Balls
- 8 oz goat cheese, softened
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko works best)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
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
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: 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. Arrange them on a plate.
- Set Up Breading Station: Place the flour in one shallow bowl, the beaten egg in another, and the breadcrumbs in a third bowl to coat the cheese balls properly.
- Bread the Cheese Balls: Dredge each goat cheese ball first in flour, then dip into the beaten egg, and finally coat with breadcrumbs. Set aside on a clean plate.
- Fry the Cheese Balls: Heat vegetable oil in a medium pan over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the goat cheese balls in batches. Fry each side for 2-3 minutes or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain excess oil on paper towels.
- Prepare the Spicy Sage Honey: While frying, heat honey in a small saucepan over low heat. Add finely chopped sage, crushed red pepper flakes, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Serve: Drizzle the warm spicy sage honey over the fried goat cheese balls just before serving. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch in the coating.
- Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to control the spice level of the honey.
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to avoid greasy cheese balls.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast between warm honey and crispy cheese balls.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute regular breadcrumbs and flour with gluten-free alternatives.
