Fried Goat Cheese Balls with Tarragon and Honey
Fried Goat Cheese Balls with Tarragon and Honey are the perfect combination of crispy, creamy, and sweet that will elevate any gathering. These golden-brown bite-sized treasures feature a delicate crunch that gives way to warm, tangy goat cheese infused with aromatic tarragon, all finished with a drizzle of golden honey. The herbaceous notes of tarragon add a sophisticated touch, while the honey provides the perfect sweet counterpoint to the rich, creamy cheese.
I first discovered the magic of these cheese balls during a dinner party at my friend’s house. The moment I bit into one, the contrast between the crispy exterior and the molten goat cheese center had me completely hooked. What struck me most was how the tarragon’s subtle anise-like flavor paired beautifully with the tangy cheese, creating something truly special. Since then, I’ve made these countless times for everything from casual wine nights to formal dinner parties, and they never fail to impress.
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. While the honey drizzle is absolutely divine, you can easily customize the garnish with balsamic glaze, fig jam, or even a spicy honey infusion. These cheese balls pair wonderfully with fresh fruit, crusty bread, or a simple arugula salad for a more substantial appetizer spread.
The beauty of fried goat cheese balls lies in their simplicity—just a handful of quality ingredients transformed into something elegant and delicious. Whether you’re hosting an intimate gathering or need an impressive appetizer for a larger crowd, these crispy, golden spheres deliver restaurant-quality results right from your own kitchen.
Perfect for:
- Elegant appetizers
- Cheese lovers
- Party platters
- Brunch menus
- Wine pairing events
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here’s why Fried Goat Cheese Balls with Tarragon and Honey will become your go-to appetizer favorite:
Irresistible Texture Contrast: The satisfying crunch of the golden panko coating gives way to warm, creamy goat cheese that practically melts in your mouth—it’s pure texture perfection.
Sophisticated Flavor Profile: Fresh tarragon brings an elegant, slightly licorice-like note that elevates the tangy goat cheese, while honey adds natural sweetness that balances every bite.
Surprisingly Simple: Despite their gourmet appearance, these cheese balls require minimal prep time and use everyday ingredients you likely have on hand.
Make-Ahead Friendly: The cheese mixture can be shaped and chilled hours ahead, making party prep stress-free.
Customizable Garnish: While honey is divine, these cheese balls work beautifully with various drizzles and accompaniments to suit any taste preference.
Pro tip: The key to perfect fried goat cheese balls is proper chilling—this prevents the cheese from melting too quickly during frying and helps maintain those beautiful round shapes!
Preparation and Cooking Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 | Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to make Fried Goat Cheese Balls with Tarragon and Honey:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| For the Cheese Balls: | ||
| Goat cheese (chevre), softened | 8 oz | Room temperature works best |
| Fresh tarragon, finely chopped | 1 tablespoon | Fresh preferred over dried |
| Garlic powder | ½ teaspoon | Adds savory depth |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon | Freshly ground preferred |
| Salt | ¼ teaspoon | To taste |
| For Breading: | ||
| All-purpose flour | ½ cup | For initial coating |
| Egg, beaten | 1 large | Room temperature |
| Panko breadcrumbs | ¾ cup | Creates crispy texture |
| For Frying: | ||
| Vegetable oil | 1½ cups | For deep frying |
| For Garnish: | ||
| Honey | 3 tablespoons | Local honey preferred |
| Extra fresh tarragon leaves | For garnish | Fresh sprigs |
| Cracked black pepper | Optional | For finishing |
Ingredient Highlights
Goat Cheese: The star of the show—provides a tangy, creamy base with rich texture that becomes beautifully molten when fried.
Fresh Tarragon: Adds an aromatic, slightly licorice-like flavor that’s sophisticated and unique. Fresh tarragon is essential for the best flavor impact.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Creates a light, airy coating that fries up incredibly crispy, giving perfect texture contrast to the creamy interior.
Honey: Balances the savory, tangy flavors with natural sweetness—choose a good quality honey for the best taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to make perfect Fried Goat Cheese Balls with Tarragon and Honey:
Prepare the Cheese Balls:
Mix the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened goat cheese, finely chopped tarragon, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly until completely smooth and well incorporated.
Shape into Balls: Using clean hands or a small scoop, roll the mixture into balls about 1-inch in diameter. Place them on a parchment-lined plate as you work.
Chill the Cheese Balls: Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to firm up. This crucial step helps them hold their shape during frying.
Bread the Cheese Balls:
Set Up Breading Stations: Arrange three shallow bowls—flour in the first, beaten egg in the second, and panko breadcrumbs in the third.
Coat the Cheese Balls: Working with one ball at a time, roll in flour, dip into beaten egg (letting excess drip off), then coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure even coverage.
Fry the Cheese Balls:
Heat the Oil: In a small saucepan or deep skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy.
Fry Until Golden: Fry cheese balls in small batches for 1-2 minutes, until golden brown and crispy. Don’t overcrowd the pan.
Drain and Cool: Remove with a slotted spoon and place on paper towel-lined plates to absorb excess oil.
Pro tip: Keep the oil temperature consistent—too hot and the outside burns before the inside warms, too cool and they’ll absorb excess oil!
How to Serve
Serve and Garnish:
Drizzle with Honey: Arrange the warm cheese balls on a serving platter and generously drizzle with honey while they’re still hot for the best flavor absorption.
Garnish and Enjoy: Sprinkle with extra fresh tarragon leaves and a dash of cracked black pepper for added visual appeal and flavor. Serve immediately for the best texture experience.
Serving Suggestions:
As an Elegant Appetizer: Present on a beautiful platter with small spoons or toothpicks for easy grabbing at cocktail parties.
With Artisan Breads: Pair with warm crostini, crusty baguette slices, or artisan crackers for a more substantial appetizer spread.
With Fresh Salads: Serve alongside peppery arugula, mixed baby greens, or spinach salad for a refreshing contrast to the rich cheese.
With Complementary Dips: Offer fig jam, balsamic glaze, or a light yogurt-herb dip as additional flavor options.
At Brunch Tables: These make an impressive and unique addition to any brunch spread, especially alongside fresh fruit and pastries.
Recipe Variations
Herbed Goat Cheese Balls: Add chopped chives, fresh basil, or rosemary alongside the tarragon for a more complex herb profile.
Spicy Goat Cheese Balls: Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for those who enjoy a little heat.
Lemon-Infused Goat Cheese Balls: Add fresh lemon zest to the cheese mixture for a bright, citrusy twist that pairs beautifully with the tarragon.
Nut-Crusted Goat Cheese Balls: Replace panko with finely crushed almonds, pistachios, or hazelnuts for an elegant, nutty crunch.
Baked Goat Cheese Balls: For a lighter option, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes instead of frying until golden and crispy.
Truffle Goat Cheese Balls: Drizzle with truffle oil instead of honey for an ultra-luxurious appetizer perfect for special occasions.
Freezing and Storage
Freezing: Freeze the shaped, unbreaded cheese balls for up to 1 month. Bread and fry directly from frozen, adding an extra minute to cooking time.
Storage: Store leftover fried cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in an air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes or in a 375°F oven for 5-6 minutes to restore crispiness.
Make-Ahead Tips: Shape the cheese mixture and store covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before breading and frying.
Special Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Small saucepan or deep skillet for frying
- Slotted spoon for safe removal
- Paper towels for draining
- Candy thermometer (recommended for oil temperature)
FAQ Section
Can I air-fry these cheese balls instead?
Absolutely! Air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking. This creates a crispy exterior with less oil.
Can I use dried tarragon instead of fresh?
Fresh tarragon provides the best flavor, but dried works in a pinch—use half the amount (1½ teaspoons) as dried herbs are more concentrated.
Can I make these cheese balls ahead of time?
Yes! Shape and chill the cheese balls up to a day in advance, then bread and fry when ready to serve for the best texture and warmth.
What can I substitute for honey?
Maple syrup, agave nectar, or date syrup work as delicious alternatives. For a savory option, try balsamic glaze or fig jam.
Can I bake these instead of frying for a healthier option?
Definitely! Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Lightly spray with cooking oil before baking for extra crispiness.
What type of goat cheese works best?
Use soft, creamy goat cheese (chevre) at room temperature for easy mixing. Avoid aged or hard goat cheeses as they won’t create the right texture.
This recipe creates approximately 12 cheese balls with about 150 calories per serving, providing 5g of protein, 8g of carbs, and 10g of fat per serving.
Fried Goat Cheese Balls with Tarragon and Honey
Ingredients
Method
- Prepare the Cheese Balls:
- In a medium bowl, combine goat cheese, chopped tarragon, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well incorporated.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined plate. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to firm up.
- Bread the Cheese Balls:
- Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten egg, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
- Roll each cheese ball in flour, dip it in the beaten egg, and then coat it thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs. Press gently to ensure even coverage.
- Fry the Cheese Balls:
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or small saucepan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the cheese balls in small batches for 1-2 minutes, until golden brown and crispy. Do not overcrowd the pan.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and place on paper towel-lined plates to absorb excess oil.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Arrange the warm cheese balls on a serving platter. Drizzle with honey while still hot.
- Garnish with fresh tarragon leaves and a dash of cracked black pepper if desired. Serve immediately.
