Description
These Fried Goat Cheese Balls with Spicy Honey are crispy on the outside, creamy in the center, and drizzled with a sweet-spicy kick. A perfect gluten-free appetizer that’s elegant yet easy to make for parties or special gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Goat Cheese Balls:
- 1 (11 oz) log of fresh goat cheese
- 1/3 cup tapioca flour
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup gluten-free panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Avocado oil (or oil of choice) for frying
- For the Spicy Honey:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Cut the goat cheese log into 1-inch pieces and roll into small balls. Place on a tray and freeze for 20–30 minutes until firm.
- In one bowl, place tapioca flour. In another, whisk the egg. In a third, combine gluten-free panko breadcrumbs with paprika.
- Dredge each cheese ball in tapioca flour, dip in egg, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture. For extra crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating.
- Heat about 2 inches of avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Fry goat cheese balls in batches for 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and drain on a paper towel–lined plate.
- In a small saucepan, warm honey with red pepper flakes and cayenne over low heat for 2–3 minutes. Stir and let steep for extra flavor, then strain if desired.
- Drizzle warm spicy honey over fried goat cheese balls before serving.
Notes
- Freezing the goat cheese before frying helps it hold shape.
- Serve immediately for the best crispy texture.
- You can make the spicy honey ahead of time and store in a sealed jar.
- Adjust cayenne and pepper flakes to control the heat level.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 cheese balls with honey
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: fried goat cheese balls, spicy honey appetizer, gluten free party snack, crispy cheese bites