Description
This Fried Goat Cheese with Tarragon and Honey recipe offers a delightful appetizer featuring creamy goat cheese balls infused with dried tarragon and honey, coated in crispy panko breadcrumbs, and fried to golden perfection. Finished with a drizzle of honey, crushed red pepper flakes, fresh chives, and chopped pistachios, it blends savory, sweet, and spicy flavors for an irresistible starter.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 12 ounces Goat Cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dried Tarragon
- 1 tablespoon Honey
- ¼ teaspoon Sea Salt
- Ground Black Pepper, to taste
- 1 Egg
- ½ cup Panko Breadcrumbs
- ½ cup All-Purpose Flour
- Salt, to taste
- Canola Oil, as needed for frying
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes, to taste
- Fresh Chives, to taste
- Pistachios, to taste (chopped)
Instructions
- Prepare the Goat Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine 12 ounces of goat cheese with 1 teaspoon dried tarragon, 1 tablespoon honey, ¼ teaspoon sea salt, and ground black pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly until well blended. Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning if needed. Roll the mixture into 12 to 14 balls, each approximately one ounce, then set them aside.
- Set Up Breading Stations: Beat 1 egg with a splash of water in a bowl. On a plate, spread ½ cup panko breadcrumbs seasoned with salt and ground black pepper to taste. On another plate, spread ½ cup all-purpose flour, also seasoned with salt and pepper.
- Coat the Cheese Balls: Working with one cheese ball at a time, roll it first in the seasoned flour, then dip into the egg wash, and finally roll in the seasoned panko breadcrumbs. Shake off any excess breadcrumbs and place the coated balls on a plate. Repeat until all are coated.
- Freeze for Firmness: Place the breaded goat cheese balls in the freezer for 20 minutes to firm up and prevent melting too quickly during frying.
- Fry the Goat Cheese Balls: Heat enough canola oil in a Dutch oven or deep pot to a depth of about 3 inches to 350°F (180°C). Fry 4 to 5 cheese balls at a time, avoiding overcrowding. Cook until they turn golden brown and crispy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Serve and Garnish: Arrange the fried goat cheese balls on a serving platter. Drizzle with honey, then sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes, freshly chopped chives, and chopped pistachios to taste. Serve warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Freezing the cheese balls before frying prevents them from melting too quickly and helps maintain their shape.
- Use a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature at 350°F to ensure even cooking and a crispy coating.
- Customize the seasoning and garnishes to your preference; for extra heat, add more crushed red pepper flakes.
- Serve immediately after frying for optimal texture and taste.
- Can be prepared ahead by coating and freezing the cheese balls, then frying just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
