These fried goat cheese balls are the kind of appetizer that stop conversations mid-bite. Creamy, tangy chèvre gets coated in crisp panko breadcrumbs, then fried for just 20 seconds until golden and irresistibly crunchy. A drizzle of truffle honey and a sprinkle of chopped pistachios take them completely over the top.
They’re sweet, salty, tangy, and utterly addictive — the perfect hors d’oeuvre to impress guests (and yourself). Trust us, you’ll want to make a double or triple batch.
Chèvre: AKA One Of My Favorite Soft Cheeses!
Chèvre is cheese made from goat’s milk. It is often used to describe fresh goat cheese (you’ll frequently see this in log form at grocery stores in the States, pictured above), but it comes in all shapes and sizes. It’s got a bright, tangy taste and a creamy texture.
While you can fry goat cheese in other oils, I strongly recommend using neutral oil which has a high smoke point.
How To Make Fried Goat Cheese
Full instructions and quantities can be found in the recipe card below.
Chef-Tested Tips! 👩🏻🍳
- Heat oil in a small sauce pan. You’ll only cook 4 or 5 goat cheese balls at a time since they cook so fast. It’ll heat quicker in a smaller pot too.
- Use a spider skimmer, which is helpful when turning the goat cheese balls over.
- Listen for the pop! After roughly 20 seconds, the goat cheese balls will begin making a popping sound. They should also be a light golden brown on all sides. They’re done!
- Drain on a paper towel lined cooling rack to absorb excess oil.
Wine Pairings!
Sancerre and goat cheese go together like peanut butter and jelly. Try this first!
Several years ago, John and I took the kids to Sancerre in the Eastern part of the Loire valley. The region specializes in growing Sauvignon Blanc, which pairs extremely well with goat cheese, also made in this same region.
While there, we were able to visit into a few goat farms. The same soil that is used to grow Sauvignon blanc grapes is also the home to goats! No surprise that the flavors of one work alongside — not against — the flavors of the other. 💯
Prefer a red wine? Cabernet Franc or Beaujolais are both delicious!
Full Party Spread
I am a big fan of finger foods at parties! Things like crostini with whipped ricotta and roasted grapes, cream cheese and sausage-stuffed mushrooms, and crispy Italian rice balls are all wonderful additions.
And if you’re looking for a way to use goat cheese in a dessert, maybe this cheesecake?
One bite and I think you’ll agree that crispy fried cheese balls are not only irresistible, but completely decadent in the very best way. Enjoy and be sure to let us know what you think in the comments below!
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Foolproof Crunchy Fried Goat Cheese Balls!
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 (8 oz) log of fresh goat cheese
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, room temperature, beaten
- ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs, not traditional breadcrumbs
- Flaky sea salt
- Truffle honey or regular honey
- 1 Tbsp pistachios, roughly chopped
- Neutral oil, such as grapeseed, sunflower, canola, or vegetable oil
Instructions
- Form the goat cheese balls. Cut the log of goat cheese into equal pieces, about 1 heaping teaspoon in size. An 8oz log will yield 24 pieces. Roll each piece into a small, round ball. It helps to wear disposable kitchen gloves to keep them neat.
- Dredge in flour. Place ½ cup flour in a small mixing bowl. Add goat cheese rounds, then toss to thoroughly coat.
- Coat in eggs. Transfer to a mixing bowl with 2 beaten eggs. Make sure they're covered on all sides.
- Coat in panko. Carefully transfer goat cheese to a mixing bowl with ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs, allowing all excess egg to drip off before placing them in the bowl. Toss to evenly coat on all sides with panko. Freeze for 20 minutes! Do not skip this step or the goat cheese balls will fall apart in the oil!
- Heat the oil. Heat neutral oil in a sauce pan until it reaches 375-400°F (191-204°C). When hot, carefully lower 4 or 5 goat cheese balls into the oil. In about 20 seconds, the goat cheese balls will begin making a popping sound. They should also be a light golden brown on all sides.
- Drain excess oil. Use a spider skimmer to carefully transfer each to a paper towel-lined cooling rack. Immediately sprinkle with a pinch of flaky sea salt.
- For serving: Place goat cheese balls on a serving tray. Drizzle with a little truffle honey, then sprinkle with chopped pistachios. Serve immediately or at room temperature!
Notes
- Nutrition facts were calculated before frying.
- While you can substitute panko breadcrumbs with traditional breadcrumbs, the overall texture will be different.
- Make sure you do not skip freezing the goat cheese balls before frying. They will not hold their shape during frying if you skip this step.
This recipe is such a winner. Super simple but full of flavor. The combination of the crunchy breading, smooth and tangy goat cheese, sweetness of the honey, and a little texture from the pistachios make this recipe a home run. I made them for my mother-in-law’s birthday brunch and we are still talking about that recipe several weeks later. *chef kiss*
It is a totally easy recipe and that’s why we love it so much!! Definitely love the sweetness from the honey and that extra crunch from the pistachios! Three cheers for fried goat cheese!! xo, Ari
The fried goat cheese balls are DELICIOUS!!
They are easy to make and taste so good, their flavor and texture are perfect!
YESSSS, they are killer! Love the crunch, both from the goat cheese and the pistachios! Hooray! xo, Ari
Is it okay to shape ahead, then refrigerate until ready to put into the freezer and then fry?
Yes, absolutely!! You’re good to go! xo, Ari
So excited to try these! Do you think this could be done with air frying oven?
Hi Elle! Yes, absolutely! I haven’t tested them with an air fryer, but many people have made them this way and reported that it works well. I have to insist that you DO NOT SKIP the step requiring them to go into the freezer before frying. If you skip this step — even with an air fryer — they are more likely to fall apart. Freezing for a short period of time will keep them together! xo, Ari
These are fantastic! I made them as an appetizer for some friends. They are delicious and impressive. I will be making them again soon!
Always so delicious and impressive! Love that crunch and of course the truffle honey!! xo, Ari
Absolutely loved this recipe! My family loved it!
That is so wonderful to hear! They are totally irresistible! xo, Ari
These were delicious! I made the goat cheese balls in advance and froze them fully. I fried them directly from frozen and just added maybe 20 seconds to the frying time. I also couldn’t find truffle honey so I used hot honey, which was still great. The cheese inside was gooey and melty, but so crunchy on the outside. I think the key here is keeping them small – too big and it would be too much goat cheese in one mouthful. I will definitely make these again!
Totally agree, keep them nice and small and bite size! Glad you all enjoyed them! xo, Ari
Can’t wait to make these. Please tell me where you got that gorgeous pan?!
Hi Jen! I’m scouring my email to see if I can trace the plate back to its original source (I know I bought it online!), but I am failing. I’ll circle back if I can find the shop. Enjoy these, they’re one of my fav apps! xo, Ari
Thank you SO much for even taking the time to look!
My husband and our dinner guests are obsessed! These are amazing! I made several hours ahead of our dinner and left in the freezer during that time which meant cook time was at least a minute to get the interior hot and creamy for serving 🙂
Isn’t that the best?! Something that can be prepped well in advance and takes so little time to cook to order?! Glad you loved, thanks for the review! xo, Ari
The perfect blend of crunch and creaminess, these air-fried goat cheese balls with a touch of truffle honey are a culinary masterpiece that’s definitely worth a try!
Thank you,
Alex
https://cheeseorigin.com/
You’re so welcome, Alex! xo, Ari
Do you think I could use cream cheese instead of goat cheese
Hi Andrea! I haven’t tested that so can’t confirm whether the texture of the cream cheese will remain (after frying) or how it will taste. If you give it a try, please report back and let other readers know what you thought. Thanks! -Ari
These goat cheese balls are awesome! We are not big fans of Truffle honey so we
Substitute either regular honey or Hot honey and sprinkle with either pistachios
Or roasted nuts of choice.
They are so scrumptious! Love that crunch! xo, Ari