Description
Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, these baked goat cheese balls are a delightful appetizer perfect for any occasion. Coated in a crunchy Panko and herb crust, they bake to golden perfection and can be drizzled with spicy hot honey for a sweet and savory finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Goat Cheese Balls
- 8 ounces goat cheese
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup Panko bread crumbs
- Salt & pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes
- Hot honey for drizzling
- Fresh herbs (such as thyme or parsley), chopped
Instructions
- Divide and Shape Goat Cheese: Divide the goat cheese into 16 equal pieces. Gently roll each piece into a ball shape. Place the balls on a tray and freeze for about 20 minutes to help them firm up for coating.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400ºF (200ºC) and line a small baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make clean-up easier.
- Prepare Coating Stations: Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with the beaten egg, and one with Panko bread crumbs mixed with salt and pepper. This will help with an even coating process.
- Coat the Cheese Balls: Roll each chilled goat cheese ball first in flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the beaten egg, ensuring it’s fully coated. Finally, roll the ball in the seasoned Panko bread crumbs to cover it evenly. Repeat for all the balls.
- Bake: Place the coated goat cheese balls onto the prepared baking sheet. For an extra crispy texture, lightly spray the balls with olive oil cooking spray. Bake in the preheated oven for about 12 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Optional Finish: Once baked, drizzle the warm goat cheese balls with hot honey to add a spicy-sweet contrast. Garnish with freshly chopped herbs like thyme or parsley before serving to enhance freshness and flavor.
Notes
- Freezing the goat cheese balls before coating helps them maintain their shape during baking.
- Panko breadcrumbs provide extra crunch compared to regular bread crumbs.
- You can substitute hot honey with regular honey or serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
- These can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving.
- Use fresh herbs like thyme, basil, or parsley for garnish to add a pop of color and flavor.
