Crispy Goat Cheese Poppers with Honey Recipe
Crispy Goat Cheese Poppers with Honey are delightful bite-sized appetizers featuring creamy goat cheese balls coated in a seasoned breadcrumb crust, fried to golden perfection, and finished with a touch of sweet honey and fresh chives. Perfect for parties or an elegant snack, these poppers offer a delicious contrast of creamy and crispy textures with a hint of herbal and sweet flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 poppers 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
For the Coating:
- 1/3 cup all purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
For the Filling:
- 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 the coating mixtures: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and black pepper thoroughly. In a separate bowl, whisk together the large egg, kosher salt, and 2 tablespoons of water until fully blended. In another bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs, ready for coating.
- Form the goat cheese balls: Take the soft goat cheese log and roll it into 24 small balls, each about 1 tablespoon in size. This will ensure even cooking and easy handling.
- Coat the cheese balls: Roll each goat cheese ball first in the flour mixture, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally coat evenly with the panko breadcrumbs. Make sure each ball is thoroughly coated to achieve maximum crispiness.
- Freeze the coated balls: Place the coated goat cheese balls on a tray and freeze them for 20 minutes or until firm. This helps the coating adhere during frying and prevents the cheese from melting too fast.
- Heat the oil for frying: Pour 2 cups of your chosen frying oil into a deep saucepan and heat it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit over medium-high heat, ensuring it’s hot enough for frying but not smoking.
- Fry the goat cheese poppers: Working in small batches, fry the frozen cheese balls for 1 to 2 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside. Use a slotted spoon to remove them carefully to drain excess oil.
- Drain and garnish: Place the fried poppers on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Arrange them on a serving platter, then drizzle evenly with honey and sprinkle with freshly minced chives for a beautiful and flavorful finish.
- Serve immediately: These poppers are best enjoyed hot and fresh to savor the crispy exterior and creamy interior contrasts, paired perfectly with the sweet honey and herbaceous chives.
Notes
- Freezing the coated cheese balls before frying is essential to maintain shape and reduce cheese leakage during frying.
- You can substitute panko breadcrumbs with regular breadcrumbs, though panko offers a crispier texture.
- Grapeseed oil is recommended for its high smoke point and neutral flavor, but canola or vegetable oil also works well.
- To make the dish gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
- Serve these poppers with a side of spicy marinara or a tangy fruit chutney for added flavor contrasts.
Keywords: goat cheese poppers, crispy appetizers, fried goat cheese balls, cheesy snacks, party appetizers, honey drizzle, panko coated cheese
