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
Scale
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
