Description
Crunchy goat cheese bites dance with Mediterranean charm, offering a delightful blend of crisp exterior and creamy center. Herby dip brings zesty freshness, making these appetizers perfect for sharing with friends who crave bold, irresistible flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) goat cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) panko breadcrumbs
Coating and Seasoning:
- 1/4 cup (30 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking and Serving:
- Oil for frying
- Cooking spray (for air fryer)
- Optional: honey
- Optional: balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Chill the goat cheese by forming compact spheres approximately one inch in diameter, then place them in the freezer for 15 minutes to enhance structural integrity.
- Organize three separate shallow containers: the first filled with flour, the second containing whisked egg, and the third combining panko breadcrumbs with garlic powder, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Methodically transform each chilled cheese sphere by first dusting with flour, subsequently immersing in egg wash, and finally encasing thoroughly in seasoned breadcrumb mixture, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
- Select cooking method: For deep frying, heat oil to 350°F and submerge breaded cheese balls, rotating periodically until achieving a golden-brown exterior (approximately 1-2 minutes). Alternatively, air fry at 375°F for 7-9 minutes, midway rotating the basket and lightly misting with cooking spray.
- Transfer crispy cheese bites to a paper towel for excess oil absorption, then elegantly present while warm, accompanied by optional honey drizzle, balsamic reduction, or preferred complementary dipping sauce.
Notes
- Cheese Selection Matters: Choose a firm, cold goat cheese that holds its shape well during breading and frying to prevent melting too quickly.
- Freezing Prevents Crumbling: Chilling the cheese balls before breading helps them maintain structural integrity and creates a crispy, even coating.
- Breading Technique Tip: Press the breadcrumb mixture gently but firmly onto each cheese ball to ensure a thick, consistent crust that won’t fall off during cooking.
- Flexible Cooking Methods: Air frying offers a healthier alternative to deep-frying, reducing oil content while maintaining a crispy exterior.
- Dietary Adaptations: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version, or try almond flour for a lower-carb option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 50mg