Description
Crispy and creamy Fried Goat Cheese Bites coated with seasoned panko breadcrumbs and delicately fried to a golden brown. These savory appetizers are enhanced with thyme and honey, making a perfect bite-sized treat for any occasion.
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
Frying
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- Kosher salt, to taste
Garnish
- 1 Tbsp. honey
- 1 Tbsp. fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
- Freeze the goat cheese: Place the goat cheese log in the freezer for 30 minutes to firm it up, making it easier to slice and coat.
- Prepare coating stations: Pour the flour into one shallow dish. In a second shallow dish, beat the egg until blended. In a third shallow dish, mix panko bread crumbs with dried thyme and black pepper. Rub about half of the bread crumbs together to create finer crumbs for better adhesion.
- Slice and coat the goat cheese: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Unwrap the goat cheese and slice it into 12 rounds, approximately 1/2 inch thick. One at a time, lightly coat each slice in flour, then dip in the beaten egg, letting excess drip off. Roll each piece in the seasoned bread crumb mixture, pressing firmly to adhere. Arrange the coated rounds on the baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator while heating the oil.
- Heat the oil: Line a plate with paper towels to absorb excess oil. In a medium skillet over medium heat, warm the vegetable oil to 350°F (use an instant-read thermometer for accuracy). Test with a breadcrumb: it should sizzle immediately.
- Fry the goat cheese bites: Carefully place 4 breaded goat cheese rounds into the hot oil. Fry for about 30 seconds until the bottom side is golden brown. Using a fork, flip them gently and fry for another 30 seconds or until evenly golden brown. Remove from oil and place on the paper towel-lined plate; immediately season with kosher salt. Repeat with remaining pieces, adjusting heat as necessary to maintain the oil temperature.
- Serve and garnish: Arrange the fried goat cheese bites on a serving platter. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves for a fragrant and sweet finish.
Notes
- Freezing the goat cheese helps it hold its shape during frying, preventing melting and spreading.
- Be careful not to overcrowd the skillet; fry in batches to maintain the oil temperature and achieve perfect crispiness.
- Use fresh thyme leaves for garnish to enhance the aroma and freshness of the dish.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor; leftover bites can be reheated briefly in an oven.
- Adjust seasoning with kosher salt right after frying for better salt adherence.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fried goat cheese bite (approx.)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg