Fried Goat Cheese with Tarragon and Honey Recipe
If you love exploring flavors that are both elegant and comforting, the Fried Goat Cheese with Tarragon and Honey Recipe is an absolute must-try. This dish transforms creamy, tangy goat cheese into a crispy, golden delight, enhanced by the fresh, anise-like aroma of tarragon and the subtle sweetness of honey. Whether served as a sophisticated appetizer or a delightful snack, it’s a recipe that invites you to savor every bite with joy and a touch of indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh, and thoughtfully selected ingredients make this recipe shine. Each element plays a crucial role in building layers of texture and flavor, from the rich goat cheese to the crunchy panko and the fresh herbal brightness of tarragon.
- 8 oz fresh goat cheese log: The star of the dish, providing a creamy and tangy base for frying.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Helps the coating stick and creates a light crust.
- 2 large eggs, beaten: Acts as a binding agent for the breadcrumbs to cling perfectly.
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs: Offers a satisfyingly crunchy texture when fried.
- 1 tbsp fresh tarragon, chopped (or 1 tsp dried tarragon): Adds a fragrant, slightly sweet herbal note.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Enhances all the flavors and balances the richness.
- 1/4 cup olive oil (for frying): Provides the perfect medium for frying with a subtle fruity undertone.
- 2 tbsp honey (for drizzling): Introduces a luscious sweetness that complements the savory cheese.
- Fresh tarragon leaves, for garnish (optional): A lovely finishing touch that lifts the presentation and aroma.
How to Make Fried Goat Cheese with Tarragon and Honey Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Goat Cheese
Start by slicing the fresh goat cheese into 1/2-inch thick rounds. This thickness ensures the cheese will soften but hold together beautifully while frying. For an 8-ounce log, you should get about eight slices. Place them carefully on a plate to keep their shape intact before breading.
Step 2: Set Up Breading Station
Organize your breading ingredients in separate shallow bowls: one with flour, another with beaten eggs, and a third mixing panko breadcrumbs with chopped tarragon, salt, and pepper. This setup simplifies the process and helps each slice get perfectly coated in every layer.
Step 3: Bread the Goat Cheese
Take a slice of goat cheese and gently dredge it in flour, covering it lightly but evenly. Next, dip it into the eggs, making sure it’s fully coated. Finally, press the cheese firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring every side gets its crunchy coat. Repeat this with each slice, creating a uniform golden crust that will fry to perfection.
Step 4: Fry the Goat Cheese
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking. Carefully place the breaded goat cheese slices in the hot oil and fry for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. The goal is a beautiful golden-brown crust while keeping the creamy cheese inside intact. Flip gently to avoid breaking.
Step 5: Drizzle with Honey and Garnish
Once fried, transfer the goat cheese onto a paper towel-lined plate to soak up any excess oil. Drizzle generously with honey to balance the savory and herbal notes with sweetness. Garnish with fresh tarragon leaves if you like, bringing color and a fresh herbal aroma.
How to Serve Fried Goat Cheese with Tarragon and Honey Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh tarragon leaves are a perfect garnish, providing a visual pop and reinforcing the distinctive herbal flavor. A light sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a few flakes of sea salt can enhance the crust’s texture and flavor even more.
Side Dishes
This fried goat cheese pairs beautifully with crisp green salads featuring vinaigrette or roasted vegetables that add earthiness to the plate. For a heartier option, serve it alongside warm crusty bread or grilled fruits like peaches or figs that echo the honey’s sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the plate by serving these cheese rounds atop crostini with a dab of fruit preserves or layered over beetroot carpaccio to create a stunning visual and palate contrast. For entertaining, present them as bite-sized appetizers threaded with toothpicks and drizzled tableside with honey.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind the crust may soften slightly, but the flavors will remain delightful.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the breaded but unfried goat cheese slices on a parchment-lined tray, then transfer to a freezer bag after they harden. They can be frozen for up to one month and fried directly from frozen, just add a minute or two to the frying time.
Reheating
To reheat, use a non-stick skillet over medium heat to restore the crispiness, or a toaster oven set at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess and loss of texture.
FAQs
Can I use dried tarragon instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Dried tarragon works well if fresh isn’t available—just use about one-third the amount and add it to the panko mixture to infuse the coating with that lovely herbal aroma.
What type of goat cheese is best for frying?
Choose fresh, soft goat cheese logs rather than aged or crumbly varieties. Fresh goat cheese melts slightly when fried but will hold its shape, creating a creamy center with a crispy outer crust.
Can I bake the fried goat cheese instead of frying?
You can bake the breaded slices at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, but frying gives the best golden crunch and texture contrast.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! This recipe contains no meat or fish, making it suitable for most vegetarians. Just ensure your honey aligns with your dietary preferences.
How do I prevent the cheese from melting out during frying?
Keeping the slices thick enough and chilling them briefly before breading can help maintain structure. Be gentle when handling and flipping to avoid breaking the crust, which helps keep the cheese inside.
Final Thoughts
The Fried Goat Cheese with Tarragon and Honey Recipe is one of those special dishes that combines simple ingredients and turns them into something truly memorable and loved by all. If you’re looking to impress friends or treat yourself to a bite of crispy, creamy goodness with a hint of sweetness and herbaceous freshness, this recipe is your go-to. Don’t wait—grab your goat cheese and dive into this tasty adventure!
Print
Fried Goat Cheese with Tarragon and Honey Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This delicious appetizer features crispy fried goat cheese rounds infused with fresh tarragon and finished with a sweet honey drizzle. The creamy goat cheese contrasts beautifully with the crunchy panko coating, making it a perfect savory-sweet starter or salad topping.
Ingredients
Goat Cheese and Coating
- 8 oz fresh goat cheese log
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp fresh tarragon, chopped (or 1 tsp dried tarragon)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Frying and Serving
- 1/4 cup olive oil (for frying)
- 2 tbsp honey (for drizzling)
- Fresh tarragon leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Goat Cheese: Slice the goat cheese log into 1/2-inch thick rounds. You should get about 8 slices from an 8 oz log. Place the slices on a plate and set aside.
- Set Up Breading Station: Arrange three shallow bowls: one with all-purpose flour, the second with beaten eggs, and the third with panko breadcrumbs combined with chopped fresh tarragon, salt, and pepper.
- Bread the Goat Cheese: Lightly dredge each goat cheese slice in flour, then dip into the beaten eggs ensuring full coverage. Press each piece into the panko mixture so both sides are evenly coated. Repeat for all slices.
- Fry the Goat Cheese: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When hot, carefully add the breaded goat cheese slices. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Flip gently to prevent the cheese from breaking.
- Drizzle with Honey and Garnish: Remove fried goat cheese slices from the oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Drizzle with honey and garnish with fresh tarragon leaves if desired.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately as an appetizer, tasty snack, or a flavorful topping for salads.
Notes
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve a crispy coating without excessive oil absorption.
- Use fresh tarragon if possible; it provides a more vibrant flavor than dried.
- Handle the fried goat cheese gently as it is delicate and can break apart easily.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour and panko with gluten-free alternatives.
- This dish is best enjoyed immediately to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: French
