Fried goat cheese balls are a delicious appetizer that can be used at any event. They are so smooth and have a slight tartness to them, so these little gems promise to be a great part of the entertainment. Whether it’s a cozy dinner with friends, a seasonal party, or just a little laidback get-together, you can bring the goat cheese to elevate your table. Meanwhile, the best part is they are not only easy to make but also they can be used any way you want. Let us go through the step by step process of making this delectable dish.
Make Ahead Tips for Goat Cheese Balls Recipe
Below you will find 2-3 tips for assembling goat cheese balls recipe in advance:
Shape and Chill in Advance
They make it well in advance – up to 48 hours. Shape them and then lay on a parchment-lined tray, cover with plastic wrap and put in the fridge. This way, they can become a little more solid and so it is easier for the chocolate to coat them when you are ready.
Coat Just Before Serving
If you want to achieve the best texture, do so with nuts or bread crumbs that coat on top of the goat cheese balls for serving. Which makes sure the topping will remain crunchy and not breathe any moisture from the cheese.
Frozen Goat Cheese Balls
Feel free to make the cheese balls a couple of days earlier and freeze them for up to 1 month, in case you have leftover mix. Remove from the freezer and thaw in the fridge the night before, then add toppings right before serving.
Ingredients
- 8 oz goat cheese (softened)
- Honey (optional, provided as a sweetener)
- Handful of fresh herbs (parsley, thyme or chives) – very finely chopped
- 1/2 cup nuts (walnuts, almonds or pecans), well chopped
- Panko breadcrumbs, to create a crunchy outer (if you are frying) 1/2 cup
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Ghee or Coconut oil (for frying if allowed)
How to Make Goat Cheese Balls
But who knew, goat cheese balls recipe is simple and delicious creamy bites for all occasions. Sur goat cheese balls are made using the best Goat Cheese you can get your hands on and oftentimes mixed with some herbs and spices too — all rolled up into tiny bite sized morsels. You can have them as a raw tortilla, an application of many flavors and toppings or fry for crispy shelves. Here’s how to make them:
Step by Step Directions
Step 01: Mix the Basil Goat Cheese
Mix the softened goat cheese in a medium bowl with 1 tablespoon of honey for sweetness, as well salt and pepper. Stir in a tablespoon of fine chopped herbs, i.e. parsley, thyme or chive – whatever you have! Using a spoon, stir the mixture until everything is well blended.
Step 02: Shape the Cheese Balls
Spoon or use a small ice cream scoop to portion out goat cheese mixture. Roll each piece between your palms to make 1 inch size (round) balls. Chill the mixture for 15-20 minutes to reduce sticky cheese.
Step 03: Breaded Goat Cheese Balls
Shape balls and coat with finely chopped nuts, herbs or even panko breadcrumbs by pressing slightly so that coating adheres. You can use flavor combinations here like walnut and thyme or almond with rosemary.
Step 04: Shallow Fried Goat Cheese Balls for a Crunchy Outer Coat
To fry goat cheese balls until crispy, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium. Deep fry the cheese balls until golden brown on all sides. Flip gently with tongs. Drain on a paper towel while removing excess oil.
Step 05: Chill or Serve Immediately
After the cheese balls are formed and coated, they may be refrigerated up to 24 hours before serving. Which is what makes these perfect for making ahead. You can also fry them and then drizzle with a little currant honey or balsamic glaze for a special touch.
Perfect Goat Cheese Balls Recipe Notes:
- This goat cheese needs to be softened so you can easily mix it in.
- Place cheese balls in the fridge for 30+ minutes to cool and keep their shape.
- Use other coatings, such as crushed pistachios or sesame seeds — dried cranberries would give them a festive look.
Fried Goat Cheese Balls Calories
Here’s a calorie table for fried goat cheese balls, showing approximate calorie content based on common ingredients and cooking methods. The values can vary based on specific recipes and portion sizes.
Serving Size | Calories per Serving | Description |
1 Fried Goat Cheese Ball (approx. 1 inch) | 70-90 kcal | Typical fried goat cheese ball |
1 oz (28g) Goat Cheese (unfried) | 75-85 kcal | Base calorie count of goat cheese |
1 tablespoon Flour (for coating) | 30 kcal | Calories from flour used in coating |
1/4 cup Panko Breadcrumbs | 110 kcal | Calories from panko breadcrumbs used in coating |
1 tablespoon Olive Oil (for frying) | 120 kcal | Calories from olive oil used for frying (absorbed by the cheese ball) |
Nutrients Table Per Serving (1 Fried Goat Cheese Ball)
Nutrient | Per Serving (1 Fried Goat Cheese Ball) |
Calories | 80-100 |
Total Fat | 6-8 grams |
Saturated Fat | 3-4 grams |
Trans Fat | 0 grams |
Cholesterol | 20-25 mg |
Sodium | 100-150 mg |
Total Carbohydrates | 5-7 grams |
Dietary Fiber | 0.5-1 gram |
Sugars | 0.5-2 grams |
Protein | 4-6 grams |
Vitamin A | 5-8% of Daily Value |
Vitamin C | 2-4% of Daily Value |
Calcium | 8-10% of Daily Value |