Crispy Goat Cheese Poppers with Honey Recipe
These Crispy Goat Cheese Poppers with Honey are a delightful appetizer featuring creamy goat cheese balls coated in a crispy panko crust, fried to golden perfection, and drizzled with sweet honey and fresh chives for a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 poppers
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Cheese Poppers
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 11 oz. log soft goat cheese
For Frying
- 2 cups oil (grapeseed, canola, or vegetable oil)
For Garnish
- 1 Tbsp. honey
- 2 Tbsp. minced fresh chives
Instructions
- Prepare Coating Mixtures: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and black pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk together the large egg, kosher salt, and 2 tablespoons of water until well mixed. In another bowl, spread out the panko breadcrumbs.
- Form Cheese Balls: Roll the soft goat cheese log into 24 approximately 1-tablespoon-sized balls. Make sure they are evenly sized for consistent cooking.
- Coat Cheese Balls: Roll each goat cheese ball first in the flour mixture to lightly coat, then dip into the egg wash ensuring full coverage, and finally roll in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to coat evenly. Place the coated balls on a tray and freeze for 20 minutes or until firm to help maintain their shape during frying.
- Heat Oil: When ready to cook, heat 2 cups of frying oil in a deep saucepan over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy to ensure the ideal frying temperature.
- Fry Cheese Poppers: Fry the goat cheese balls in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, cooking them for 1 to 2 minutes until they turn golden brown and develop a crispy exterior. Use a slotted spoon to carefully remove them from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
- Garnish and Serve: Arrange the crispy goat cheese poppers on a serving platter, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of honey, and sprinkle 2 tablespoons of minced fresh chives over them. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor experience.
Notes
- Freezing the goat cheese balls before frying is essential to help them hold their shape and prevent melting too quickly in hot oil.
- Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like grapeseed, canola, or vegetable oil for frying to ensure crispiness without burning.
- Adjust frying time if you make larger or smaller cheese balls to ensure they are cooked through but not bursting.
- Serve immediately after frying to maintain the crispy exterior and creamy center.
- For a vegetarian option, ensure the goat cheese is made with vegetarian rennet.
