Description
Crispy and creamy Fried Goat Cheese Bites are a delicious appetizer featuring rounds of goat cheese breaded with herbed panko and fried to golden perfection. Drizzled with honey and fresh thyme, these bites combine savory, sweet, and aromatic flavors for an irresistible starter.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese and Coating
- 1 (8-oz.) log goat cheese
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 tsp. dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
For Frying and Garnish
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- Kosher salt, to taste
- 1 Tbsp. honey
- 1 Tbsp. fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
- Freeze Goat Cheese: Place the goat cheese log in the freezer for about 30 minutes to firm it up. This makes it easier to slice and bread without the cheese losing shape during frying. While freezing, prepare your coating stations: pour flour into a shallow dish, beat the egg in a second dish, and combine panko bread crumbs, dried thyme, and black pepper in a third dish. Rub half of the bread crumbs with your fingers to create finer crumbs for better adhesion.
- Slice and Bread: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove the goat cheese from the freezer and unwrap. Slice into 12 rounds approximately 1/2 inch thick. One at a time, gently coat each slice in flour, then dip into the beaten egg, allowing any excess egg to drip off. Next, press each piece firmly into the seasoned bread crumbs, ensuring an even, well-adhered crust. Arrange these breaded rounds on the prepared baking sheet and refrigerate until ready to fry.
- Heat the Oil: Prepare a medium skillet on medium heat and add the vegetable oil. Heat the oil until it reaches 350°F, checking with an instant-read or deep-fry thermometer. You can test by dropping a small bit of bread crumb into the oil – it should sizzle on contact, indicating readiness.
- Fry the Cheese Bites: Carefully place 4 breaded goat cheese rounds into the oil, frying them in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry the bites until golden brown on the bottom, about 30 seconds, then turn with a fork and fry the other side for an additional 30 seconds. Once crispy and golden, transfer the bites to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil and immediately season with kosher salt. Repeat with the rest of the goat cheese rounds, adjusting heat as needed to maintain oil temperature.
- Serve and Garnish: Arrange the fried goat cheese bites on a serving platter. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves to add a touch of sweetness and herbaceous aroma. Serve warm for the best texture and flavor experience.
Notes
- Freezing the goat cheese before slicing helps maintain shape during frying.
- Be sure to maintain oil temperature at 350°F to achieve a crisp crust without absorbing excess oil.
- You can substitute fresh herbs in the breading mix for variety, such as rosemary or oregano.
- Serve immediately for best texture; fried cheese bites are best enjoyed warm.
- Use a thermometer for precise oil temperature control to avoid undercooked or burnt bites.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite (approx. 25g)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
