Crispy Goat Cheese Poppers with Honey Recipe
Introduction
Crispy Goat Cheese Poppers with Honey are a delightful appetizer that combines creamy goat cheese with a crunchy, golden crust. Drizzled with sweet honey and fresh chives, they offer a perfect balance of flavors that’s sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
- 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
- 2 cups oil (grapeseed, canola, or vegetable oil) for frying
- 1 Tbsp honey, for garnish
- 2 Tbsp minced fresh chives, for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, mix the flour and black pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, kosher salt, and 2 tablespoons of water. Place the panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
- Step 2: Portion the goat cheese into 24 balls, about 1 tablespoon each. Roll each ball first in the flour mixture, then in the egg wash, and finally coat with panko crumbs. Make sure each popper is evenly coated.
- Step 3: Freeze the coated goat cheese balls for 20 minutes or until they become firm. This helps them hold their shape during frying.
- Step 4: Heat the oil in a deep saucepan over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the goat cheese poppers in batches for 1 to 2 minutes, or until they turn golden and crispy.
- Step 5: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried poppers to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Step 6: Arrange the poppers on a serving platter. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with minced fresh chives. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Tips & Variations
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to prevent the poppers from absorbing too much oil and becoming greasy.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or dried herbs to the flour mixture.
- Serve with a side of spicy mustard or a balsamic glaze for a tangy contrast.
- Use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary in the breading for a different aromatic twist.
Storage
These poppers are best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare the goat cheese balls ahead of time?
Yes, you can coat and freeze the goat cheese balls as directed, then fry them straight from the freezer when ready to serve.
What is the best oil to use for frying?
Neutral oils with a high smoke point such as grapeseed, canola, or vegetable oil work best for frying to ensure a crispy texture without imparting extra flavors.
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Crispy Goat Cheese Poppers with Honey Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 poppers 1x
Description
Crispy Goat Cheese Poppers with Honey are delightful bite-sized appetizers featuring creamy goat cheese balls coated in a seasoned flour, egg wash, and crunchy panko breadcrumbs, then fried to golden perfection. Finished with a drizzle of sweet honey and fresh chives, these poppers blend savory and sweet flavors with a satisfying crunch, making them perfect for parties or an elegant snack.
Ingredients
Dry Coating Ingredients
- 1/3 cup all purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
Wet Coating Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons water
Main Ingredient
- 1 (11 oz.) log soft goat cheese
For Frying
- 2 cups oil (grapeseed, canola, or vegetable oil)
For Garnish
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh chives
Instructions
- Prepare Dry and Wet Coatings: 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 smooth. In another bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs for easy access during the coating process.
- Form Goat Cheese Balls: Roll the log of soft goat cheese into 24 small balls, each about 1 tablespoon in size. This helps ensure even cooking and bite-sized portions.
- Coat the Goat Cheese Balls: Roll each goat cheese ball first in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring an even light coating. Next, dip it into the egg wash, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, coat the ball thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs to create a crispy crust when fried. Lay the coated balls on a tray and freeze for 20 minutes or until firm to prevent melting when frying.
- Heat Oil: When ready to fry, pour 2 cups of oil into a deep saucepan and heat it over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Proper oil temperature is crucial for crispy, non-greasy poppers.
- Fry Goat Cheese Poppers: Carefully add the cheese balls in batches to the hot oil, frying for 1 to 2 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain temperature.
- Drain and Serve: Use a slotted spoon to remove the poppers and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Arrange the poppers on a serving platter, drizzle with honey, and sprinkle with minced fresh chives. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Freezing the coated cheese balls before frying helps maintain their shape and prevents the cheese from leaking out.
- Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like grapeseed or canola for best frying results.
- Serve immediately after frying as the poppers are best enjoyed hot and crispy.
- Honey drizzle adds a beautiful contrast of sweetness to the savory poppers—feel free to adjust quantity to taste.
- Ensure the oil temperature stays steady around 350°F to avoid soggy or overly greasy poppers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: goat cheese poppers, crispy goat cheese, fried goat cheese balls, appetizer, party snacks, honey drizzle, panko crust
