Crispy Goat Cheese Poppers with Honey Recipe

Introduction

Crispy Goat Cheese Poppers with Honey are a delightful appetizer combining creamy goat cheese with a crunchy golden crust and a touch of sweet honey. These bite-sized treats are perfect for entertaining or as a savory snack that’s both elegant and easy to make.

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

1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the flour and black pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, kosher salt, and 2 tablespoons of water. In another bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
2. Step 2: Roll the goat cheese log into 24 small balls, each about 1 tablespoon in size. Coat each ball first in the flour mixture, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally roll in the panko breadcrumbs until evenly coated.
3. Step 3: Place the coated goat cheese balls on a tray and freeze for 20 minutes or until firm. This helps them hold their shape during frying.
4. Step 4: When ready to cook, heat the oil in a deep saucepan over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
5. Step 5: Fry the goat cheese poppers in batches for 1 to 2 minutes or until they turn golden and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and drain on paper towels.
6. Step 6: Arrange the poppers on a serving platter. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with minced fresh chives before serving immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, mix some finely chopped herbs like thyme or rosemary into the panko breadcrumbs before coating.
• Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature; too hot will burn the coating, too cool will make them greasy.
• Substitute goat cheese with cream cheese for a milder taste and similar texture.

Storage

These poppers are best served freshly fried for maximum crispiness. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a hot oven or air fryer to restore the crisp texture rather than microwaving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the goat cheese balls ahead of time?

Yes, coating and freezing the goat cheese balls ahead of time helps them hold their shape during frying and makes the cooking process quicker.

What oil is best for frying these poppers?

Neutral oils with high smoke points like grapeseed, canola, or vegetable oil work best to achieve a crispy outside without imparting extra flavors.

Crispy Goat Cheese Poppers with Honey Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 76 reviews

These Crispy Goat Cheese Poppers with Honey are a delightful appetizer featuring soft goat cheese balls coated in a crispy panko crust, fried to golden perfection, and drizzled with sweet honey and fresh chives. They offer a perfect combination of creamy, crunchy, and sweet flavors, ideal for entertaining or a special snack.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 24 poppers 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Coating 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

Main Ingredients

• 1 (11 oz) log soft goat cheese

For Frying

• 2 cups grapeseed oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil

For Garnish

• 1 Tbsp honey
• 2 Tbsp minced fresh chives

Instructions

1. Prepare Coating Mixtures: In a medium bowl, combine the all purpose flour and black pepper thoroughly. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, kosher salt, and 2 tablespoons of water until smooth. In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs for the final coating step.
2. Form Goat Cheese Balls: Roll the soft goat cheese into 24 evenly sized balls, each about 1 tablespoon in size. This helps ensure uniform cooking and crispiness in each popper.
3. Coat Goat Cheese Balls: Roll each goat cheese ball first in the flour mixture, ensuring it is coated evenly. Then dip it into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, coat the ball thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs, making sure each ball is covered to form a crunchy crust.
4. Freeze the Coated Balls: Place the coated goat cheese balls on a tray and freeze for 20 minutes or until they are firm. This step helps the coating adhere better during frying and keeps the cheese from melting too quickly.
5. Heat Oil for Frying: Set a deep saucepan or deep fryer to medium-high heat and heat the grapeseed, canola, or vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature for safety and optimal frying results.
6. Fry the Goat Cheese Poppers: Fry the goat cheese balls in batches, avoiding overcrowding the pan. Cook each batch for 1 to 2 minutes, or until they turn golden and achieve a crispy texture. Use a slotted spoon to remove them carefully.
7. Drain and Serve: Transfer the fried poppers to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Arrange them on a serving platter, then drizzle with honey and sprinkle with minced fresh chives. Serve immediately while warm to enjoy the contrast of creamy cheese and crispy crust with the sweet honey finish.

Notes

• Freezing the coated goat cheese balls before frying is essential to prevent them from melting too fast and breaking apart during cooking.
• Maintain the oil temperature at 350°F for optimal frying – too hot will burn the crust, too cool will make them greasy.
• Use mild oil with a high smoke point like grapeseed, canola, or vegetable oil for best frying results.
• These poppers are best served immediately to enjoy the crispy texture before they soften.
• You can substitute chives with fresh thyme or parsley for a different garnish flavor.

Keywords: goat cheese poppers, crispy cheese appetizers, fried goat cheese, honey drizzled cheese balls, party snacks, easy appetizers