Crispy Fried Goat Cheese with Tarragon and Honey Recipe

Fried Goat Cheese with Tarragon and Honey is a delightful blend of creamy, tangy cheese paired with sweet honey and fragrant tarragon. Imagine sinking your teeth into a crispy golden-brown exterior that gives way to a soft, luscious center – pure heaven!

This dish is perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in, evoking memories of sharing small plates with friends and family. Whether it’s an appetizer to impress your dinner guests or a simple indulgent treat at home, the anticipation of that first crispy bite never gets old.

Ingredients for Fried Goat Cheese with Tarragon and Honey

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Fried Goat Cheese with Tarragon and Honey:

12 oz. log goat cheese – Ensure it’s at room temperature for easier handling and rolling.
1 teaspoon dried tarragon – A fragrant herb that adds a robust flavor and aroma to the cheese.
1 tablespoon honey – This adds a touch of natural sweetness that perfectly complements the tangy goat cheese.
1/4 teaspoon sea salt – Enhances the flavors of the cheese and other ingredients.
Pinch black pepper – A hint of spice to balance the sweetness.
1 egg, plus splash of water – This helps bind the breadcrumbs to the cheese.
1/2 cup panko bread crumbs – For an irresistible crunchy texture.
1/2 cup all-purpose flour – Coating the cheese balls helps them fry to a lovely golden brown.
Salt and pepper as needed – For seasoning the breadcrumbs and flour as per taste.
Canola oil for frying – A neutral oil that works well for frying due to its high smoke point.
Optional garnishes: Red pepper flakes, chives, crushed pistachios – These add an extra flair and boost visual appeal when plating.

How to Make Fried Goat Cheese with Tarragon and Honey

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Fried Goat Cheese with Tarragon and Honey:

Step 1: Prepare the Goat Cheese Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the goat cheese, dried tarragon, honey, sea salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, ensuring the flavors are just right. Once you’ve tasted your mixture, roll it into small balls, about one ounce each, and set them aside while you prep the breading station.

Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station
Beat the egg and splash of water in a small bowl until combined. On a separate plate, pile the panko breadcrumbs, seasoning them with salt and pepper. On a third plate, add the flour, also seasoned with salt and pepper. This setup will make it easier to coat the cheese balls consistently.

Step 3: Coat the Cheese Balls
Roll each goat cheese ball in the flour, then dip it in the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, roll it in the panko breadcrumbs until fully coated. Place the coated cheese balls on a plate and continue until all are breaded.

Step 4: Chill for Optimal Frying
If you plan to fry the cheese balls immediately, pop them in the freezer for about 20 minutes. If you’re frying later, refrigerate them for at least one hour. This chilling step helps maintain their shape and prevents them from breaking apart in the oil.

Step 5: Heat the Oil
In a Dutch oven, heat enough canola oil to cover the bottom with about 3 inches of oil and bring it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a frying thermometer for accuracy; this ensures a perfect golden crust without a greasy mess.

Step 6: Fry the Cheese Balls
Carefully drop the chilled cheese balls into the hot oil, frying 4 to 5 at a time to avoid overcrowding. Cook them for about 2 to 3 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them, allowing excess oil to drain.

End your culinary adventure by drizzling some honey on top for that extra sweetness and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you’re feeling adventurous. Transfer the crispy balls onto serving plates and enjoy the delightful flavors of Fried Goat Cheese with Tarragon and Honey! Your guests won’t believe you made these at home; they’ll think you moonlight as a gourmet chef.

Perfecting Fried Goat Cheese with Tarragon and Honey Cooking Process

Start by mixing the goat cheese mixture first, allowing the flavors to meld. Next, set up your breading station before forming the cheese balls. This helps streamline the frying process for perfect golden bites every time.

Add Your Touch to Fried Goat Cheese with Tarragon and Honey

You can swap out the dried tarragon for fresh herbs like thyme or basil. Experiment with different sweeteners if honey isn’t your jam. For an extra crunch, sprinkle in some crushed nuts to the panko!

Storing & Reheating Fried Goat Cheese with Tarragon and Honey

Store leftover fried cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in an oven to restore their crispiness rather than using a microwave, which can make them soggy.

It’s incredibly rewarding to serve these crispy delights at a gathering; I’ve seen friends fight over the last piece, all while I just smile and grab another for myself.

FAQs About Fried Goat Cheese with Tarragon and Honey

What is Fried Goat Cheese with Tarragon and Honey?

Fried Goat Cheese with Tarragon and Honey is a delightful appetizer that combines the creamy texture of goat cheese with the earthy flavor of tarragon, all balanced by the sweetness of honey. The cheese is shaped into small balls, breaded, and fried until golden and crispy. This dish is perfect for gatherings or as a special treat at home, bringing a touch of elegance to your table with minimal effort.

How do I make Fried Goat Cheese with Tarragon and Honey?

To make Fried Goat Cheese with Tarragon and Honey, start by mixing room temperature goat cheese with dried tarragon and honey. Form the mixture into small balls and coat them in flour, egg, and panko breadcrumbs. Once breaded, the cheese balls can be fried until crispy and golden. They are best served warm, drizzled with extra honey and garnished with red pepper flakes or chopped chives.

Can I use different herbs for Fried Goat Cheese?

Absolutely! While tarragon adds a unique flavor to the Fried Goat Cheese, you can easily experiment with fresh herbs such as thyme, basil, or even dill. Each herb will bring a distinct taste, allowing you to customize the dish according to your preferences. Don’t hesitate to mix and match or try seasonal herbs for a fresh twist.

What should I serve with Fried Goat Cheese with Tarragon and Honey?

Fried Goat Cheese with Tarragon and Honey pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it alongside a fresh salad, drizzled with balsamic glaze for a contrast of flavors. Alternatively, it works wonderfully as part of a cheese board with nuts, fruits, and crackers. These bites can also be enjoyed on their own, perfect for snacking during a cozy night in or while entertaining guests.

Conclusion for Fried Goat Cheese with Tarragon and Honey

Fried Goat Cheese with Tarragon and Honey is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a visual delight at your dining table. With its crispy exterior and creamy filling, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. Remember that you can customize it using various herbs or serve it alongside different sides to suit your taste. Enjoy making this easy and sophisticated appetizer for your next gathering.

Fried Goat Cheese with Tarragon and Honey

Enjoy this Fried Goat Cheese with Tarragon and Honey, a delightful appetizer that's crispy outside and creamy inside, perfect for gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Chilling Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Appetizers

Cuisine: French

Calories: 150

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

Cheese Mixture

• 12 oz log goat cheese room temperature
• 1 teaspoon dried tarragon
• 1 tablespoon honey plus more for garnish
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• pinch black pepper

Breading

• 1 large egg plus splash of water
• 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• salt as needed
• black pepper as needed

Frying

• canola oil for frying

Optional Garnishes

• red pepper flakes
• chives
• crushed pistachios

Equipment

• Dutch oven
• Mixing Bowls
• Plates for breading station

Method

 

Preparation

1. Mix together the goat cheese, tarragon, honey, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Roll into 12-14 balls (about an ounce each) and set aside until needed.
2. Beat the egg and water in a small bowl.
3. Add the breadcrumbs to a plate and season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Add the flour to a separate plate and season with salt and pepper.
4. Create a dipping station with the flour first, egg second, then breadcrumbs.
5. Roll the goat cheese balls in flour, dip in the egg, then roll in breadcrumbs. Shake off any excess breadcrumbs.

Frying

1. If frying immediately, set in the freezer for 20 minutes. If frying later, set in the fridge for a minimum of 1 hour.
2. When ready to fry, add enough canola oil to cover the surface of a Dutch oven by 3 inches. Heat to 350 degrees.
3. Fry the goat cheese balls 4-5 at a time until golden and crispy.
4. To garnish, drizzle with honey and a pinch of red pepper flakes (optional).

Nutrition

Serving: 1ballCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 5gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 60mgSugar: 2gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 70mgIron: 1mg

Notes

These crispy bites are perfect for sharing and can be customized with different herbs or nuts for added flavor and texture.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!