FRIED GOAT CHEESE BALLS
This fried goat cheese balls recipe is super simple. Mix pecans and dried cherries in with goat cheese, and roll them into bite-sized balls. Then quickly deep fry them (it’s a lot easier than it seems, trust me!) and they’re ready to go. If you have some sort of deep fryer, you can use that. But all you really need is a deep saucepan (deep enough that the hot oil won’t splatter everywhere).
How to Make Goat Cheese Balls:
Place flour in a bowl, then mix egg & water in another bowl, and mix breadcrumbs & sea salt in a third bowl
Roll the goat cheese into 24 1 tablespoon sized balls, mixing dried cherry and pecans into each goat cheese ball
Let them set in the refrigerator for about 1 hour, until firm
Roll each ball into the flour, then the egg, and finally the breadcrumbs
Heat oil to 350°F in a deep saucepan
Set 2 or 3 balls into the oil at a time & fry for about 30 seconds (coating should be crispy and fully browned)
Use slotted spoon to remove the fried goat cheese balls and let them cool/dry on a paper towel or cooling rack
These are really great as an appetizer and taste even better with a dip or dressing of some sort. They also make a great salad topper for something a little extra special. See the recipe card for full instructions!
INGREDIENTS :
2 ounces 3 small packages good quality goat cheese
1/3 cup flour
Egg white from one egg
1/2 tablespoon sea salt
1 cup panko bread crumbs
2 cups canola oil
1/2 cup dried tart cherries
1/2 cup chopped pecans
Pomegranate balsamic vinegar optional
INSTRUCTIONS :
Place flour in a small bowl. Combine egg and 2 tablespoons water in another small bowl. Place panko and 1/2 teaspoon sea salt in another bowl. Set aside.
Roll goat cheese into 24 1 tablespoon-sized balls. As your rolling, add some cherries and pecans to each ball.
Place in the fridge for about an hour or the freezer for 20 minutes to make sure they are firm and sturdy.
Coat each goat cheese ball in the flour mixture. Dip in the egg and make sure that all of the outer surface is covered. Then coat with the panko mixture. Don't skimp on the panko!
Heat oil to 350° in a deep saucepan over medium-high heat. It will not boil. Since this one my first time frying food, I wasn't sure! A deep sauce pan is important so that the hot oil doesn't splatter.
Working in batches, add 2 or three goat cheese balls to the oil and allow them to fry for about 30 seconds, or until the entire coating is crispy and browned. Take out of the oil using a slotted spoon and place on a cookie rack or paper towel to dry.
Serve warm topped with a drizzle of pomegranate balsamic vinegar if desired! Enjoy!
