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Crispy Herbed Goat Cheese

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Turn creamy goat cheese into crispy, golden medallions with this simple recipe. Mixed with fresh herbs and honey, coated in panko breadcrumbs, then pan-fried until perfectly crispy. Serve hot as an appetizer or add to salads for an elegant touch.

Clare Greco
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 16:10:34 GMT
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A plate of golden-brown, breaded potato patties garnished with parsley, with one patty showing a fluffy interior. Pin it
A plate of golden-brown, breaded potato patties garnished with parsley, with one patty showing a fluffy interior. | recipesbyclare.com

Fried Goat Cheese is a gourmet delight that combines creamy goat cheese with fresh herbs, a touch of honey, and a crispy Panko breadcrumb crust. Lightly pan-seared to golden perfection, these medallions are versatile enough to serve as a salad topping, a party appetizer, or even a vegetarian main course.

Why You'll Love Fried Goat Cheese

This Fried Goat Cheese recipe elevates the already delicious goat cheese with added flavors of honey, rosemary, and thyme. It offers a delightful contrast of creamy and crispy textures, making it a perfect addition to salads, charcuterie boards, or even enjoyed on its own as a snack. Easy to prepare, it's an impressive dish for any occasion.

Essential Ingredients For Success

  • Base Components:
    • Fresh goat cheese log: 8 oz (227g) at 40°F (4°C)
    • Raw honey: 2 tablespoons (30ml) at 70°F (21°C)
    • Fresh rosemary: 1 tablespoon (3g) finely minced
    • Fresh thyme: 1 tablespoon (3g) leaves only
  • Coating Elements:
    • All-purpose flour: ½ cup (60g) at 70°F (21°C)
    • Large eggs: 2 (100g) at 65°F (18°C)
    • Whole milk: 2 tablespoons (30ml) at 65°F (18°C)
    • Panko breadcrumbs: 1 cup (90g) fresh and crisp
    • Garlic powder: ½ teaspoon (1.5g)
    • Fine sea salt: 1 teaspoon (6g)
    • Black pepper: ¼ teaspoon (0.5g) freshly ground
  • Frying Medium:
    • Avocado oil: 2 cups (480ml) for frying
    • Smoke point above 400°F (204°C)
    • No previous use

Step By Step Instructions

Environment Preparation
Set room temperature to 68-72°F (20-22°C) with humidity below 60%. Prepare three shallow dishes for coating station. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cheese Mixture Development
Combine goat cheese, honey, and minced herbs until uniform. Mixture should be smooth with even herb distribution. Temperature should not exceed 45°F (7°C).
Initial Shaping
Form mixture into 2-inch diameter log. Wrap in parchment paper. Freeze at 0°F (-18°C) for exactly 25 minutes until firm but still sliceable.
Coating Station Setup
1. Bowl 1: Season flour with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper.
2. Bowl 2: Whisk eggs with milk until completely blended.
3. Bowl 3: Mix Panko with garlic powder and remaining salt.
Medallion Formation
Slice chilled cheese log into ½-inch thick rounds using unflavored dental floss or a sharp knife. Each medallion should weigh approximately 1 oz (28g).
Coating Application
Dredge each medallion in sequence:
1. Flour mixture - complete coverage.
2. Egg wash - let excess drip for 5 seconds.
3. Panko - press gently to adhere.
Place on lined sheet. Chill coated medallions at 40°F (4°C) for 15 minutes.
Frying Protocol
Heat oil to exactly 350°F (177°C). Maintain temperature between 345-355°F (174-179°C). Fry 3-4 medallions at a time for 90 seconds per side until golden brown (Pantone 7509 C).
Finishing Process
Drain on paper towels for 30 seconds. Serve while internal temperature is 130-140°F (54-60°C) for optimal cheese pull and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Fried Goat Cheese medallions atop a salad, as part of a charcuterie board, or with crackers and toast. Drizzle with honey or hot honey for a sweet and savory balance. They also make a fantastic addition to burgers or sandwiches for an extra layer of flavor.

Tips for Success

Choose a high-quality goat cheese for the best flavor and texture. Use fresh herbs for maximum aroma, and chill the cheese thoroughly before slicing to ensure clean cuts. Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, ensuring each medallion cooks evenly.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover fried goat cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. To reheat, either warm in a skillet over medium-low heat or bake in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-10 minutes to restore their crispy texture.

A stack of crispy, golden-brown breaded cheese patties, with one partially bitten to reveal the gooey cheese inside, garnished with chopped parsley on a gray plate. Pin it
A stack of crispy, golden-brown breaded cheese patties, with one partially bitten to reveal the gooey cheese inside, garnished with chopped parsley on a gray plate. | recipesbyclare.com

Flavor Variations

Experiment with different flavors by substituting honey with maple syrup or using fresh sage or basil instead of rosemary and thyme. Add a pinch of garlic or chili flakes to the breadcrumbs for an extra kick. Customize the recipe to suit your personal tastes or the theme of your meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prepare these goat cheese medallions ahead of time?

Yes, you can bread the medallions up to 48 hours ahead and keep them in the fridge. Just fry them right before serving for the best crunch.

→ Why did my goat cheese melt during frying?

The cheese needs to be very cold before frying. Freeze for 30 minutes or chill for 2 hours first, and make sure your oil is hot enough when frying.

→ Can I use different herbs in this recipe?

Yes, try basil, oregano, or chives. Just keep the total amount of herbs the same to maintain the right texture and flavor balance.

→ What's the best way to reheat leftover fried goat cheese?

Heat them in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, or in a 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes until warm and crispy again.

→ Can I air fry these instead of pan frying?

Yes, spray with oil and air fry at 375°F for about 4-5 minutes until golden. Watch closely as they cook quickly.

Fried Goat Cheese

Golden-brown goat cheese medallions with fresh herbs and honey, coated in crispy breadcrumbs. Perfect as a salad topping or party appetizer.

Prep Time
45 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes

Category: Tasty Bites

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (8)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 9 oz goat cheese log, softened.
02 ½ teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped.
03 ½ teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped.
04 1 tablespoon honey.
05 ⅓ cup flour (gluten-free or regular).
06 ¼ teaspoon salt.
07 ⅛ teaspoon black pepper.
08 1 egg.
09 1 tablespoon milk.
10 ⅔ cup Panko breadcrumbs.
11 ½ teaspoon garlic powder.
12 2-3 tablespoons avocado or olive oil.

Instructions

Step 01

Mix goat cheese, herbs, and honey in a bowl.

Step 02

Roll cheese mixture into a log using wax paper.

Step 03

Freeze for 30 minutes or chill 2 hours until firm.

Step 04

Cut hardened cheese log into 8 medallions.

Step 05

Set up three bowls: Bowl 1: Mix flour, salt, and pepper. Bowl 2: Whisk egg and milk. Bowl 3: Mix Panko and garlic powder.

Step 06

Coat each medallion: flour first, then egg wash, then breadcrumbs.

Step 07

Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat.

Step 08

Cook 4 medallions at a time, 1-2 minutes per side until golden.

Step 09

Drain on paper towels. Serve hot with extra honey and herbs.

Notes

  1. Keep cheese very cold before frying to prevent melting.
  2. Use avocado oil for best results as it has a higher smoke point.
  3. Can be prepped 48 hours ahead and stored unfried in fridge.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet.
  • Paper towels.
  • Wax paper.
  • Sharp knife.
  • 3 shallow bowls.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (goat cheese).
  • Wheat (if using regular flour and breadcrumbs).
  • Eggs.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 180
  • Total Fat: 12 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 8 g
  • Protein: 10 g