Crispy Fried Goat Cheese Recipe

This Crispy Fried Goat Cheese is a game-changer for your appetizer repertoire! Imagine biting through a golden, crunchy exterior to reach the warm, creamy center of herb-infused goat cheese with subtle notes of honey. Ready in under an hour, these delectable medallions will elevate any dinner party or casual gathering with minimal effort and maximum flavor impact.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Impressive Yet Simple: Creates a restaurant-quality appetizer with basic ingredients and straightforward techniques.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep these medallions hours or even days ahead, then fry just before serving for a stress-free entertaining option.
• Versatile: Works beautifully as a salad topper, appetizer, or even alongside a cheese board – these golden rounds elevate anything they accompany.
• Textural Delight: The contrast between the crispy exterior and the creamy interior creates a truly satisfying eating experience that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Goat Cheese: The star of the show, providing that distinctive tangy creaminess that pairs beautifully with the crispy coating.
• Fresh Herbs: Rosemary and thyme add aromatic complexity and bring a sophisticated flavor profile to the cheese.
• Honey: Balances the tanginess of the goat cheese with a touch of sweetness that caramelizes slightly when fried.
• Flour: Creates the first layer of the coating, helping the egg wash adhere and forming the foundation of our crispy exterior.
• Egg and Milk: The essential binding agents that help the breadcrumbs stick to the cheese medallions.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs are lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs, creating that perfect golden crunch.
• Garlic Powder: Adds depth to the coating without the risk of burning that fresh garlic would have.
• Oil: Choose avocado oil for its higher smoke point, perfect for achieving that golden exterior without burning.

Variations

Want to customize your fried goat cheese? Try these creative spins:

• Mediterranean Style: Mix in sun-dried tomatoes and basil instead of rosemary and thyme for a Mediterranean twist.
• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture or the breadcrumb coating for a kick of heat.
• Nutty Crunch: Add finely chopped pistachios or walnuts to the breadcrumb mixture for extra texture and flavor.
• Sweet and Savory: Drizzle with hot honey or fig jam when serving for an elevated sweet-meets-savory experience.

How to Make Fried Goat Cheese

Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine the softened goat cheese with finely chopped fresh rosemary, thyme, and honey. Mix thoroughly with a fork until all herbs are evenly distributed throughout the cheese.

Step 2: Form and Chill the Log

Place the herbed cheese mixture on a piece of wax or parchment paper and shape it into a log. Freeze for 20-30 minutes or refrigerate for at least 2 hours until firm enough to slice cleanly.

Step 3: Slice the Cheese

Once properly chilled, use a sharp knife to cut the goat cheese log into 8 even medallions. If the cheese starts to soften while working, return it to the freezer for a few minutes.

Step 4: Set Up the Coating Station

Prepare three separate shallow bowls: In the first, combine flour, salt, and pepper; in the second, whisk together egg and milk; in the third, mix Panko breadcrumbs with garlic powder.

Step 5: Coat the Cheese

Dredge each medallion first in the flour mixture (tapping off excess), then dip in the egg wash, and finally coat thoroughly in the Panko mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere.

Step 6: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat 1-2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add 4 medallions and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and repeat with remaining oil and cheese slices.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Temperature Matters: Make sure the goat cheese is thoroughly chilled before slicing and coating. This prevents it from melting too quickly during frying.
• Oil Check: Test if your oil is hot enough by dropping in a few breadcrumbs – they should sizzle immediately but not burn.
• Gentle Handling: Use a thin spatula to carefully flip the cheese medallions to keep the coating intact.
• Work in Batches: Don’t overcrowd the pan, which would lower the oil temperature and result in soggy cheese coins.
• Double Coating: For an extra crispy exterior, you can double-dip the medallions in egg and breadcrumbs after the first coating.

How to Serve

These golden rounds of goodness are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving:

As an Appetizer:

Arrange on a platter with a drizzle of additional honey and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Serve alongside a small dish of fig jam or balsamic glaze for dipping.

Salad Topper:

Place warm medallions atop a bed of arugula or mixed greens with sliced apples, toasted walnuts, and a light vinaigrette for a restaurant-worthy salad.

Elegant Pairing:

Serve alongside fresh fruit, nuts, and artisanal crackers as part of a sophisticated cheese board. The contrast of temperatures and textures makes for a memorable tasting experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any uneaten fried goat cheese medallions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. The coating may soften slightly but will crisp back up when reheated properly.

Freezing

For longer storage, flash-freeze the cooked medallions on a baking sheet for a few hours until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. These will keep for 3-6 months in the freezer without losing quality.

Prepping Ahead

You can prepare the medallions up to the coating stage and refrigerate them unfried for up to 48 hours. This makes them perfect for entertaining – just fry them up right before guests arrive for that fresh-made taste and texture.

Reheating

To restore crispiness, either heat medallions in a skillet over medium-low heat with a lid (this helps melt the center while crisping the exterior) or place them on a baking sheet in a 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese for this recipe?
While goat cheese creates that perfect creamy interior, you could experiment with other soft cheeses like brie or camembert. Just be aware that different cheeses melt at different rates, so you may need to adjust your frying time accordingly. Firmer cheeses like halloumi can be fried but won’t need the breadcrumb coating.

My goat cheese is too soft to work with. What should I do?
If your goat cheese feels too soft even after refrigeration, pop it in the freezer for 15-20 minutes. The colder temperature will make it easier to slice and handle while coating. Remember that properly chilled cheese is key to successful frying.

Can I bake these instead of frying?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 425°F, place the coated medallions on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and lightly spray or brush with oil. Bake for about 8-10 minutes, or until golden and just starting to melt. You’ll get a slightly different texture, but they’ll still be delicious.

Why did my goat cheese melt too quickly during frying?
This typically happens when either the cheese wasn’t chilled enough before frying or the oil was too hot. Make sure your cheese is thoroughly chilled and maintain a medium heat for your oil. Also, work quickly once the medallions hit the pan – they only need about a minute per side.

Final Thoughts

This Fried Goat Cheese recipe transforms a simple ingredient into something truly special with minimal effort. The combination of herbs, honey, and that irresistible crispy coating creates bite-sized morsels of joy that will impress anyone lucky enough to try them. Whether served as an elegant appetizer or used to elevate a simple salad, these golden medallions prove that sometimes the simplest recipes deliver the most impressive results. Give them a try the next time you want to add a touch of culinary magic to your table!

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