Description
Delightfully crispy and creamy Fried Goat Cheese Bites, coated with seasoned panko and fried to golden perfection. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, these bites are drizzled with honey and garnished with fresh thyme for a sweet and herbaceous finish.
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
- Kosher salt, to taste
Frying
- 1 cup vegetable oil
Garnish
- 1 Tbsp. honey
- 1 Tbsp. fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
- Freeze the Goat Cheese: Freeze the goat cheese log for 30 minutes to firm it up, making it easier to slice and coat.
- Prepare Coating Stations: Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with a beaten egg, and one with panko bread crumbs mixed with dried thyme and black pepper. Rub about half the bread crumbs to create finer crumbs for added texture.
- Slice and Coat: Unwrap the goat cheese and slice into 12 rounds about 1/2 inch thick. Coat each slice first in flour, then dip into the beaten egg allowing excess to drip off, and finally press into the seasoned bread crumbs to create an even coating. Arrange the coated slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate while preparing the oil.
- Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a medium skillet and heat over medium until it reaches 350°F or a bread crumb dropped into the oil sizzles immediately.
- Fry the Goat Cheese Bites: Fry 4 coated cheese bites at a time for about 30 seconds on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Use a fork to turn the bites gently. Transfer the fried bites to a plate lined with paper towels and season with kosher salt immediately. Repeat with remaining bites, adjusting heat to maintain oil temperature.
- Serve: Arrange the fried goat cheese bites on a platter, drizzle with honey, and sprinkle fresh thyme leaves on top for a fragrant and sweet garnish.
Notes
- Freezing the cheese helps maintain shape during frying to prevent melting and leakage.
- Ensure oil temperature is monitored to avoid oil being too hot or too cool, which affects crispiness and absorption.
- Panko bread crumbs create a lighter, crispier crust compared to regular bread crumbs.
- Serve immediately for optimal texture and flavor; reheating may cause sogginess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fried goat cheese bite
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 1.5g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
