The Dreamiest Fried Goat Cheese with Tarragon & Honey Recipe

Crispy fried goat cheese reinvents ordinary appetizers into extraordinary culinary adventures.

Delicate, golden-brown exteriors give way to creamy, molten centers that dance with tangy richness.

Mediterranean-inspired techniques elevate this simple ingredient into a sophisticated small plate that surprises and delights.

Herbaceous tarragon adds a subtle, aromatic complexity to the warm cheese medallions.

Drizzled honey brings a luxurious sweetness that perfectly balances the sharp, creamy notes.

Each bite promises a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures that awakens the palate.

Elegant yet approachable, this appetizer signals your confidence in the kitchen.

Why Fried Goat Cheese with Tarragon & Honey Is a Fancy Yet Easy Appetizer

• Elevate Snacking: Transform ordinary goat cheese into a crispy, golden appetizer that turns simple ingredients into a gourmet experience.
• Flavor Explosion: Combine tangy goat cheese with sweet honey and aromatic tarragon, creating a perfect balance of creamy, herbal, and sugary notes that dance on your taste buds.
• Texture Triumph: Achieve a delightful contrast between the crunchy panko breadcrumb exterior and the soft, melting goat cheese interior, delivering a satisfying crunch with every bite.
• Stress-Free Cooking: Master a foolproof recipe that looks impressive but requires minimal culinary skills, making it ideal for home cooks wanting to wow guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Everything You Need for Fried Goat Cheese with Tarragon & Honey

Main Ingredients:

• Goat Cheese: Creamy base for the appetizer, soft and tangy with a rich texture.
• Tarragon: Delicate herb that adds a subtle anise-like flavor to the cheese mixture.
• Honey: Sweet component that balances the tanginess of the goat cheese.

• Panko Breadcrumbs: Light and crispy coating that provides a golden, crunchy exterior.
• All-Purpose Flour: Creates a dry base layer that helps the egg wash and breadcrumbs stick.
• Egg: Binding agent that helps the breadcrumbs adhere to the cheese balls.

• Canola Oil: Neutral oil perfect for deep frying at high temperatures.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Red Pepper Flakes, Chives, Crushed Pistachios: Optional garnishes for added texture and visual appeal.

How to Fry Goat Cheese Rounds That Are Crispy and Creamy

Step 1: Prepare Flavor-Packed Goat Cheese Mixture

• Goat cheese
• Chopped fresh tarragon
• Honey
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend ingredients thoroughly and taste, adjusting seasonings as needed.

Step 2: Shape Creamy Cheese Balls

Roll the cheese mixture into 12-14 small spheres, each approximately one ounce in size. Set aside on a clean plate.

Step 3: Create Coating Station

Prepare three separate dishes:

First dish: Flour seasoned with salt and pepper

Second dish: Beaten egg mixed with water

Third dish: Panko breadcrumbs seasoned with salt and pepper

Step 4: Coat Cheese Balls

• Roll in seasoned flour
• Dunk in egg wash
• Cover with breadcrumbs

Shake off excess coating and repeat for all cheese balls.

Step 5: Chill Coated Cheese

Place coated cheese balls in freezer for 20 minutes or refrigerate for 1 hour to help coating set.

Step 6: Heat Frying Oil

Pour canola oil into a Dutch oven, heating to 350°F.

Step 7: Fry Golden Cheese Balls

Gently lower 4-5 cheese balls into hot oil, frying until golden and crispy (2-3 minutes).

Step 8: Drain and Garnish

Remove fried cheese balls onto paper towels to absorb excess oil.

• Extra honey drizzle
• Red pepper flakes
• Chopped chives
• Crushed pistachios

Tips for Balancing Tarragon and Honey in This Dish

• Chill for Crispiness: Freeze the coated goat cheese balls for 20 minutes before frying to help them maintain their shape and create a crunchier exterior.
• Control Oil Temperature: Use a deep-fry thermometer to maintain the oil at exactly 350°F, ensuring even golden-brown coloring without burning.
• Create Perfect Coating: Gently press breadcrumbs onto the cheese balls to ensure a uniform, crispy layer that won't fall off during frying.
• Drain Excess Oil: Let the fried cheese balls rest on paper towels to absorb extra oil and keep them crisp and light.
• Serve Immediately: Enjoy these goat cheese balls hot and fresh for the best texture and most delicious flavor experience.

Storing Fried Goat Cheese to Keep It Crisp

• Refrigeration: Carefully place leftover fried goat cheese balls in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating in Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange cheese balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Warm for 8-10 minutes until crispy and heated through, turning halfway to ensure even heating.
• Crisp Restoration: For best results, refresh the crispy exterior by baking directly on an oven rack for 5-7 minutes, which helps maintain the original crunchy texture.

What to Pair with Fried Goat Cheese and Honey

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complement the tangy goat cheese, cutting through the richness while enhancing the herb and honey notes.
• Match with Fresh Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the fried cheese's decadence, adding a refreshing contrast to the crispy, warm appetizer.
• Serve with Sparkling Cocktail: A light prosecco or sparkling rosé provides effervescence that cleanses the palate between bites, highlighting the cheese's creamy texture and herbal undertones.
• Complement with Charcuterie: Add some prosciutto or salami to create a Mediterranean-style spread that supports the goat cheese's bold flavors and provides additional protein variety.

Flavor Variations for Goat Cheese Appetizers

• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Replace tarragon with a blend of fresh rosemary, thyme, and oregano for a robust Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwestern Style: Mix in finely chopped jalapeños and cilantro into the goat cheese, then coat with cornmeal instead of panko for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Truffle Elegance Edition: Incorporate a small amount of truffle oil into the goat cheese mixture and finish with grated parmesan in the breadcrumb coating for a luxurious gourmet version.
• Smoky Paprika Crunch: Add smoked paprika to the breadcrumb mixture and mix some crushed smoked almonds into the goat cheese for a deep, complex flavor with extra crunch.

Fried Goat Cheese with Tarragon & Honey Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy fried goat cheese medallions dance with aromatic tarragon and golden honey, creating a luxurious French-inspired appetizer. Mediterranean flavors merge in this elegant small plate that delivers rich textures and complex taste sensations you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) goat cheese log (3x 4-ounce logs), at room temperature
• 1 egg
• ½ cup panko bread crumbs
• ½ cup all-purpose flour

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 1 teaspoon dried tarragon
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt
• Pinch of black pepper
• Salt and pepper, as needed

Liquid and Garnish Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon honey (plus more for garnish)
• Splash of water
• Canola oil for frying
• Optional garnishes: red pepper flakes, chives, crushed pistachios

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Instructions

1. Blend softened goat cheese with finely chopped tarragon, honey, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl, ensuring a smooth and well-seasoned mixture.
2. Gently form the cheese mixture into uniform spheres, creating approximately 12-14 round portions.
3. Whisk an egg with a small amount of water in a shallow container to create a light egg wash.
4. Prepare two separate plates: one with seasoned flour and another with panko breadcrumbs mixed with salt and pepper.
5. Develop a systematic coating process by first rolling each cheese ball in flour, ensuring complete coverage, then dipping into the egg wash, and finally coating thoroughly with seasoned breadcrumbs.
6. Place the breaded cheese spheres in the freezer for 20 minutes to firm up and help maintain their shape during frying.
7. Heat canola oil in a deep, heavy-bottomed pot to precisely 350°F, maintaining a consistent temperature for optimal frying.
8. Carefully lower the chilled cheese balls into the hot oil, working in small batches to prevent overcrowding and ensure even browning.
9. Fry until the exterior turns a rich golden brown and develops a crispy, delicate crust, approximately 2-3 minutes.
10. Transfer the fried goat cheese to a paper towel-lined surface to absorb excess oil.
11. Enhance the presentation by drizzling with additional honey and garnishing with optional red pepper flakes, chopped chives, or crushed pistachios.

Notes

• Prep cheese mixture ahead of time to develop richer, more complex flavors by allowing herbs and honey to meld together.
• Freezing coated cheese balls ensures a crispy exterior and prevents cheese from melting too quickly during frying.
• Use fresh, high-quality goat cheese for the best texture and tangy flavor profile.
• Maintain consistent oil temperature around 350°F to achieve perfectly golden, evenly crisp exterior without greasy results.
• Create a clean dipping station with separate plates for flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs to ensure smooth, mess-free coating process.
• Serve immediately after frying for maximum crunchiness and warmest, most enjoyable texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 85mg