I love how these crispy goat cheese poppers combine a creamy, tangy center with a golden, crunchy shell. Drizzled with sweet honey and sprinkled with fresh chives, they make for an irresistible appetizer or a delightful addition to salads and charcuterie boards.
Why I Love This Recipe
I find these poppers to be the perfect blend of textures and flavors. The creamy goat cheese contrasts beautifully with the crispy panko coating, and the honey drizzle adds just the right touch of sweetness. They’re quick to prepare and always impress guests, making them a go-to for gatherings or a cozy night in.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2/3 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, 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 roll each ball in the flour mixture, dip it into the egg mixture, and coat it with panko breadcrumbs, ensuring an even coating. I freeze the coated balls for 20 minutes, or until firm.
- When I’m ready to cook, I heat the oil in a deep saucepan over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- I fry the goat cheese balls in batches for 1 to 2 minutes, or until they’re golden and crisp. Using a slotted spoon, I transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- I arrange the poppers on a platter, drizzle them with honey, and sprinkle with minced chives. I serve them immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Yield: 24 poppers
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Herbed Goat Cheese: I sometimes use goat cheese infused with herbs for added flavor.
- Spicy Kick: For a bit of heat, I add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.
- Different Drizzles: Instead of honey, I occasionally drizzle balsamic glaze or hot honey for a different twist.
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 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy.
FAQs
Can I prepare these poppers ahead of time?
Yes, I often prepare the goat cheese balls and freeze them after coating. When I’m ready to serve, I fry them directly from the freezer, adding an extra minute to the frying time.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
While frying gives the best crispiness, I have baked them at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through. They turn out less crispy but still delicious.
What can I serve with these poppers?
I like to serve them with a side of mixed greens, on a charcuterie board, or alongside fresh fruits and nuts for a balanced appetizer spread.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Goat cheese has a unique tangy flavor, but I’ve also tried this recipe with cream cheese or feta for a different taste profile.
How do I prevent the cheese from oozing out during frying?
Freezing the coated cheese balls before frying helps them hold their shape and prevents the cheese from leaking out.
Conclusion
These crispy goat cheese poppers with honey are a delightful treat that I love to make for various occasions. Their combination of creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors, along with a satisfying crunch, makes them a favorite among my guests. Whether I’m hosting a party or enjoying a quiet evening, these poppers never fail to impress.
Print
Crispy Goat Cheese Poppers with Honey
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 poppers
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Crispy Goat Cheese Poppers with Honey are the ultimate appetizer—golden and crunchy on the outside with a creamy, tangy center. Drizzled with sweet honey and garnished with fresh chives, they make a perfect bite-sized treat for parties, charcuterie boards, or elegant salads. Try this quick and easy goat cheese appetizer that’s sure to impress!
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2/3 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
- In a bowl, combine flour and black pepper. In another bowl, whisk egg, salt, and 2 tablespoons water. Place panko in a third bowl.
- Roll goat cheese into 24 tablespoon-sized balls. Coat each in flour, dip in egg mixture, then coat in panko. Freeze for 20 minutes.
- Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep saucepan.
- Fry poppers in batches for 1–2 minutes until golden. Transfer to paper towels to drain.
- Drizzle with honey, sprinkle with chives, and serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use herbed goat cheese or add cayenne pepper to the flour.
- Hot honey or balsamic glaze can be used instead of plain honey.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat at 350°F for 5–7 minutes.
- Freeze before frying for best shape retention.
