Crispy Goat Cheese Poppers with Honey Recipe

Introduction

These Crispy Goat Cheese Poppers with Honey are an irresistible appetizer perfect for any gathering. Creamy goat cheese coated in a crunchy crust, fried to golden perfection, then drizzled with sweet honey and fresh chives for a delightful bite every time.

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup all purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 (11 oz) log soft goat cheese
• 2 cups oil (grapeseed, canola, or vegetable oil) for frying
• 1 Tbsp honey (for garnish)
• 2 Tbsp minced fresh chives (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the flour and black pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg with salt and 2 tablespoons of water. Place panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
2. Step 2: Roll the goat cheese into 24 balls, about 1 tablespoon each. Coat each ball first in the flour mixture, then dip into the egg wash, and finally roll in the panko crumbs to evenly coat. Freeze the coated balls for 20 minutes or until firm.
3. Step 3: Heat oil in a deep saucepan over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F.
4. Step 4: Fry the goat cheese poppers in batches for 1 to 2 minutes, until they are golden and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
5. Step 5: Arrange the poppers on a serving platter, drizzle with honey, and sprinkle with minced chives. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Tips & Variations

• Freeze the cheese balls well before frying to prevent them from melting too quickly and losing shape.
• Substitute fresh thyme or rosemary for chives to vary the herb garnish.
• For a spicy kick, mix a pinch of cayenne pepper into the flour mixture.
• Serve with a side of balsamic glaze or spicy aioli for dipping.

Storage

Best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftover poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a hot oven or air fryer at 350°F for 5 minutes to retain crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it may result in a soggy coating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these poppers ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and freeze the coated goat cheese balls in advance. Keep them frozen until ready to fry to maintain their shape and texture.

What oil is best for frying these poppers?

Use neutral oils with a high smoke point such as grapeseed, canola, or vegetable oil to ensure even frying and avoid burning the coating.

Crispy Goat Cheese Poppers with Honey Recipe

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4.7 from 69 reviews

Crispy Goat Cheese Poppers with Honey are delightful bite-sized appetizers featuring creamy goat cheese balls coated in a crispy panko breadcrumb crust and fried to golden perfection. Drizzled with sweet honey and garnished with fresh chives, these poppers offer a perfect balance of tangy, savory, and sweet flavors—ideal for entertaining or a sophisticated snack.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 24 poppers 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Coating and Filling

• 1/3 cup all purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 (11 oz) log soft goat cheese

For Frying

• 2 cups oil (grapeseed, canola, or vegetable oil)

For Garnish

• 1 Tbsp honey
• 2 Tbsp minced fresh chives

Instructions

1. Prepare Coatings: In a medium bowl, combine the all purpose flour and black pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, kosher salt, and 2 tablespoons of water until fully blended. In another bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs. These separate bowls will be used for dredging the goat cheese balls.
2. Form Goat Cheese Balls: Roll the soft goat cheese into 24 small balls, each about 1 tablespoon in size. Carefully coat each ball by first rolling it in the flour mixture, then dipping it into the egg wash, and finally coating it with panko breadcrumbs, ensuring an even layer for optimal crispiness.
3. Freeze to Firm Up: Arrange the coated goat cheese balls on a tray and place them in the freezer for 20 minutes or until they become firm. This step helps the balls hold their shape during frying.
4. Heat Oil: Set a deep saucepan or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat and pour in the grapeseed, canola, or vegetable oil. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C), using a thermometer to maintain an accurate temperature for frying.
5. Fry the Poppers: Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, carefully drop the goat cheese balls into the hot oil. Fry each batch for 1 to 2 minutes or until they turn a beautiful golden brown and crisp on the outside. Use a slotted spoon to remove the poppers and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
6. Serve and Garnish: Arrange the crispy goat cheese poppers on a serving platter. Drizzle the tops with honey and sprinkle with the minced fresh chives. Serve immediately while warm and crispy for the best flavor and texture experience.

Notes

• Freezing the cheese balls before frying is essential to keep their shape and prevent melting too quickly.
• Maintaining oil temperature at 350°F ensures even cooking with a crisp outside and a creamy interior.
• Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point such as grapeseed, canola, or vegetable oil for frying.
• These poppers are best enjoyed fresh and warm to preserve their crunch and creamy texture.
• Honey adds a subtle sweetness that complements the tangy goat cheese beautifully.

Keywords: Goat cheese poppers, crispy goat cheese balls, fried goat cheese appetizer, honey drizzle goat cheese, panko goat cheese bites