Fried Goat Cheese Balls with Tarragon and Honey
These crispy Fried Goat Cheese Balls are filled with creamy goat cheese and aromatic tarragon, drizzled with golden honey for a perfect blend of savory and sweet.
Ingredients
- For the Cheese Balls:
- 8 oz goat cheese chevre, softened
- 1 tablespoon fresh tarragon finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- For Breading:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg beaten
- ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
- For Frying:
- 1½ cups vegetable oil for deep frying
- For Garnish:
- 3 tablespoons honey local honey preferred
- Fresh tarragon leaves for garnish
- Cracked black pepper optional, for finishing
Instructions
- 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.
Notes
Make-Ahead Tips: You can shape and refrigerate the cheese balls up to 24 hours in advance. Bread and fry when ready to serve.
Storage: Store leftover fried cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in an air fryer or oven to restore crispiness.