I love these Crispy Goat Cheese Poppers with Honey for their delightful combination of creamy goat cheese encased in a golden, crispy shell, finished with a sweet drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of fresh chives. They're a perfect appetizer or snack that brings a touch of elegance to any gathering.
Why I Love This Recipe
I find this recipe irresistible because it balances rich, tangy goat cheese with the sweetness of honey and the crunch of panko breadcrumbs. It's quick to prepare and always impresses guests, making it a go-to for parties or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅔ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 (11 oz.) log soft goat cheese
For frying:
- 2 cups oil (grapeseed, canola, or vegetable oil)
For garnish:
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh chives
Directions
- In a medium bowl, I combine the flour and black pepper. In a separate bowl, I whisk the egg with salt and 2 tablespoons of water. I place the panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
- I roll the goat cheese into 24 balls, each about 1 tablespoon in size. Then, I coat each ball in the flour mixture, dip it into the egg wash, and roll it in panko breadcrumbs, ensuring an even coating. I freeze the coated balls for 20 minutes until firm.
- When ready to cook, I heat the oil in a deep saucepan over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C).
- I fry the goat cheese balls in batches for 1 to 2 minutes, or until they are golden and crisp. Using a slotted spoon, I transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- I arrange the poppers on a serving platter, drizzle them with honey, and sprinkle with minced chives. I serve them immediately.
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields 24 poppers, serving approximately 6 to 8 people as an appetizer. The total preparation and cooking time is about 45 minutes.
Variations
- Herb-Infused: I sometimes mix chopped fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the goat cheese for added flavor.
- Spicy Kick: For a bit of heat, I add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture or drizzle the finished poppers with hot honey.
- Nutty Crunch: I mix finely chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, into the panko breadcrumbs for a different texture and taste.
Storage/Reheating
I store any leftover poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy.
FAQs
How far in advance can I prepare these poppers?
I can roll the goat cheese into balls and refrigerate or freeze them up to 3 days ahead. However, I wait to coat them in panko breadcrumbs until just before frying to maintain their crispiness.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
While frying gives the best crispy texture, I can bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown.
What can I serve with these poppers?
I often serve them with a charcuterie board, alongside crackers, cured meats, and fresh fruits. They also make a great topping for salads.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
I prefer goat cheese for its tangy flavor, but I can experiment with other soft cheeses like feta or cream cheese, keeping in mind the texture and taste will vary.
Is there a substitute for panko breadcrumbs?
If I don't have panko, I use regular breadcrumbs, though they may result in a slightly less crispy texture.
Conclusion
These Crispy Goat Cheese Poppers with Honey are a delightful treat that combines creamy, tangy cheese with a sweet and crunchy exterior. They're versatile, easy to make, and always a hit at gatherings. I enjoy making them for their simplicity and the joy they bring to any occasion.
Crispy Goat Cheese Poppers with Honey
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 poppers (Serves 6–8)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy Goat Cheese Poppers with Honey are the perfect bite-sized appetizer—featuring creamy goat cheese coated in a golden, crunchy panko crust, then drizzled with sweet honey and topped with fresh chives. This easy and elegant dish balances savory and sweet, making it an irresistible snack for any party or cozy night in.
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons water
- ⅔ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 (11 oz.) log soft goat cheese
- For frying:
- 2 cups oil (grapeseed, canola, or vegetable oil)
- For garnish:
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh chives
Instructions
- Mix flour and pepper in one bowl. Whisk egg, salt, and water in another. Place panko in a third bowl.
- Roll goat cheese into 24 balls (1 tablespoon each). Coat in flour, egg wash, then panko. Freeze for 20 minutes.
- Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry cheese balls in batches for 1–2 minutes until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels.
- Serve immediately with honey drizzled on top and chives sprinkled over.
Notes
- Make ahead tip: Cheese balls can be formed and frozen up to 3 days in advance; coat and fry just before serving.
- Baking option: Bake at 400°F for 15–20 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Flavor variations: Add herbs to cheese, spice to flour, or nuts to breadcrumbs.
- Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat in oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to retain crispiness.
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