Description
Crispy fried goat cheese balls coated in sesame Panko breadcrumbs, served with a spicy, fragrant sage-infused honey drizzle. These bite-sized appetizers offer a perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and spicy flavors, ideal for entertaining or a savory snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Coating
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- Black pepper, a pinch
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup sesame seeds
Main
- 1 log (10 ounces) goat cheese
- Avocado oil, for frying (about 1-2 inches in skillet)
Spicy Sage Honey
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- 2-3 tablespoons hot sauce
- 1/4 cup fresh sage leaves
- Sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Prepare Coating Bowls: In three separate bowls, add the flour with a pinch of black pepper, beat the egg, and combine the Panko breadcrumbs with sesame seeds, respectively.
- Shape Goat Cheese Balls: Roll the goat cheese log into 20-24 balls, each about 1 tablespoon in size. Coat each ball sequentially in flour, dip in beaten egg, then dredge through the Panko-sesame mix to fully coat.
- Freeze Balls: Place the coated balls on a parchment-lined plate and freeze for at least 20 minutes or overnight to firm up, ensuring they hold their shape when frying.
- Make Spicy Sage Honey: Warm honey in a small sauce pot over low heat. Add grated garlic, hot sauce, and fresh sage leaves, gently heating to infuse flavors without burning. Keep warm until serving.
- Fry Goat Cheese Balls: Heat 1-2 inches of avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the goat cheese balls in batches for 1-2 minutes, turning to achieve an evenly golden, crisp exterior. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Serve: Arrange the fried goat cheese balls on a serving plate, drizzle generously with the spicy sage honey, and sprinkle lightly with sea salt. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Freezing the balls is essential to maintain their shape and prevent melting during frying.
- Use avocado oil or another high smoke-point oil to ensure even frying without burning.
- Adjust hot sauce quantity in the honey to your preferred spice level.
- Serve as an appetizer or party snack for best impact.
