The Best Fried Goat Cheese Balls (Vanderpump Rules)
These Fried Goat Cheese Balls are the perfect recipe for the holiday season or just a night in with the whole family! Creamy goat cheese is fried until golden brown and is given an extra crunch with the addition of panko breadcrumbs. My goat cheese ball recipe is fast and easy to make. You only need a few simple ingredients from the grocery store to wow your guests at your next holiday party this year. Follow along for step-by-step instructions and tips on how to make my warm goat cheese balls yourself!
First made popular by the Bravo tv show Vanderpump Rules, these creamy goat cheese balls are the perfect bite for any get-together. They are a great appetizer (and an awesome party appetizer) that you can whip up fairly quickly.
I love the tangy goat cheese in this recipe. It’s creamy and delicious, and contrasts really well with the crunchy bread crumb mixture, that is deep-fried in vegetable oil for a perfect golden crust. You can use plain goat cheese or a herbed log of goat cheese for this easy recipe. Plus, these would be perfect with a drizzle of honey on top!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- They’re restaurant-quality. This goat cheese recipe is easy to make but is fancy enough to be served at a restaurant! My crispy fried goat cheese balls are inspired by Sur Lounge from Vanderpump rules.
- Perfectly crunchy texture. Hot, melty cheese on the inside, and crispy on the outside.. this delicious appetizer is perfectly balanced! The soft goat cheese is fried to crispy perfection!
Ingredients
- Goat Cheese – The star of the dish, goat cheese provides a creamy, tangy center that contrasts with the crispy coating. You’ll want to look for fresh, high-quality goat cheese that’s soft and spreadable. For a richer flavor, you can choose a goat cheese with a bit of aging.
- Panko Breadcrumbs – These breadcrumbs give the goat cheese balls their signature crunch. Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and flakier than regular breadcrumbs, making them perfect for achieving a crispy coating.
- Traditional Breadcrumbs – I also like to use traditional breadcrumbs to add a different texture. They provide a more even coating and a slightly denser crust. Using a combination of panko and traditional breadcrumbs gives the goat cheese balls a nice crunchy but light outer shell.
- All-Purpose Flour – Flour helps the egg mixture adhere to the goat cheese balls. Lightly coat the cheese balls in flour to avoid clumping.
- Eggs – The eggs bind the flour and breadcrumbs to the goat cheese balls, ensuring a well-adhered coating. Whisk the eggs thoroughly with milk to create a smooth, uniform mixture.
- Choose free-range or organic eggs for the best flavor and quality. And don’t forget to check the carton for cracks and freshness dates.
- Milk – Milk is combined with the beaten egg to create a lighter, more cohesive coating mixture. You can totally skip the milk, if you want!
- Garlic Powder – I love adding garlic powder to the boating to give the goat cheese balls a bit more flavor! Use sparingly, as too much can overpower the delicate flavor of the goat cheese.
- Dried Thyme – Thyme adds an earthy flavor to the breading, complementing the goat cheese. Look for high-quality dried thyme with a vibrant color and strong scent. Store in a cool, dark place to maintain freshness.
- Salt – Never skip out on salt! It balances the tanginess of the goat cheese. Use a fine sea salt or kosher salt for even distribution. You can also use flaky sea salt to top the balls!
- Black Pepper – Just like salt, I never skip pepper! It adds a hint of spice and heat to the breading mixture! Buy whole peppercorns and grind them as needed. Choose high-quality peppercorns with a robust smell!
- Vegetable Oil – My FAVORITE frying oil! Essential for frying, vegetable oil ensures the goat cheese balls are cooked evenly and achieve a crispy texture.You’ll want to maintain the oil at a steady temperature to avoid greasy or undercooked balls.
Substitutions and Additions
- Herbed Goat Cheese – Instead of plain goat cheese, use herbed goat cheese (e.g., goat cheese rolled in herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives). This will infuse the goat cheese balls with an extra layer of flavor and make them even more aromatic and delicious.
- Chopped Nuts – Add finely chopped nuts (e.g., pecans, walnuts, or almonds) to the breadcrumb mixture. This will give the goat cheese balls an extra crunch!
- Lemon Zest – Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the breadcrumb mixture. A little bit of lemon zest will add a bright, zesty flavor that complements the tanginess of the goat cheese and makes the dish even more delicious!
Step by Step Instructions
Prepare the Goat Cheese Balls: Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of goat cheese and roll it into a ball. Repeat with the remaining goat cheese.
Place the goat cheese balls on a plate and freeze for about 20 minutes to firm up.
Set Up Breading Station:In one bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. In a second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. In a third bowl, combine the panko and traditional breadcrumbs.
Bread the Goat Cheese Balls: Roll each goat cheese ball in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
Roll it in the breadcrumb mixture until well-coated. Then, dip back into the egg and into the breadcrumbs one more time for a perfectly crunchy crust!
Chill the goat cheese balls for 15 minutes.
Fry the Goat Cheese Balls: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot like a dutch oven or castiron skillet to 350°Fahrenheit (175°Celsius).
Fry the goat cheese balls in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes.
Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried goat cheese balls to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Serve: Arrange the fried goat cheese balls on a serving platter. Drizzle with honey if desired, and garnish with fresh herbs. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Tips and Notes
- Chill the Goat Cheese Balls – After shaping the goat cheese balls, freeze them for at least 20 minutes. This will firm them up, making them easier to bread and ensuring they hold their shape during frying.
- Maintain Oil Temperature – Use a kitchen thermometer to keep the oil at a steady 350°Fahrenheit (175°Celsius). If the oil is too hot, the exterior will brown too quickly and the inside won’t heat through. If it’s too cool, the balls will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
- Avoid Overcrowding – Fry the goat cheese balls in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature, resulting in uneven frying and greasy cheese balls.
- Drain Excess Oil – After frying, place the warm goat cheese balls on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. This helps keep them crispy and light.
- Season Immediately – Season the fried goat cheese balls with a pinch of salt as soon as they come out of the oil. This allows the salt to adhere better and enhances the overall flavor.
- Serve Hot – Serve the fried goat cheese balls immediately after frying. They are best enjoyed hot and crispy, with the creamy cheese still warm and soft inside.
Serving Suggestions
- Wine Pairing – Serve your fried goat cheese balls with a crisp, chilled Sauvignon Blanc. The wine’s bright acidity and citrus notes perfectly complement the tanginess of the goat cheese and cut through the richness of the fried coating.
- Cocktail Party Appetizers – Serve the coated cheese balls with other appetizers like marinated olives, cured meats, prosciutto-wrapped melon, Sicilian arancini, baked clams casino and a selection of crackers or garlic crostini. These would be delicious with my pesto bruschetta, too! Or, serve some fresh tomato and onion salad to balance the richness of the goat cheese.
- As a Salad Topper – Make a fresh salad with mixed greens, arugula, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and thinly sliced red onions. Lightly toss with a lemon vinaigrette (olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper). Place a few warm goat cheese balls on top of the salad just before serving. The warm, crispy cheese balls add a yummy contrast to the crisp, fresh vegetables. I have a recipe for a warm goat cheese salad like this, too!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storage
- Refrigeration: Cool completely, store in an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Cool, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Store for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
- Refrigerated: Bake at 350° Fahrenheit (175° Celsius) for 10-12 minutes or air fry at 350° Fahrenheit (175° Celsius) for 5-7 minutes.
- Frozen: Bake at 350° Fahrenheit (175° Celsius) for 15-18 minutes or air fry at 350° Fahrenheit (175° Celsius) for 8-10 minutes.
Did you try this recipe? I’d love to see it! Tag @seasonedandsalted on Instagram and leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review below!
The Best Fried Goat Cheese Balls (Vanderpump Rules)
Equipment
- parchment paper
- Baking Sheet
- Shallow Bowls (3)
- whisk
- Slotted Spoon
- large skillet
- Thermometer (optional)
- Paper towels
Ingredients
- 8 oz goat cheese chilled
- 1/2 cup traditional breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg beaten
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Fresh herbs or honey for garnish optional
Instructions
Prepare the Goat Cheese Balls:
- Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of goat cheese and roll it into a ball. Repeat with the remaining goat cheese.
- Place the goat cheese balls on a plate and freeze for about 20 minutes to firm up.
Set Up Breading Station:
- In one bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
- In a second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
- In a third bowl, combine the panko and traditional breadcrumbs.
Bread the Goat Cheese Balls:
- Roll each goat cheese ball in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Roll it in the breadcrumb mixture until well-coated. Then, dip back into the egg and into the breadcrumbs one more time for a perfectly crunchy crust!
- Chill the goat cheese balls for 15 minutes.
Fry the Goat Cheese Balls:
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot like a dutch oven or cast iron skillet to 350°Fahrenheit(175°Celsius).
- Fry the goat cheese balls in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried goat cheese balls to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Serve:
- Arrange the fried goat cheese balls on a serving platter.
- Drizzle with honey if desired, and garnish with fresh herbs.
- Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Made these for girls night and holy heck they are fabulous! I feel like I’m at Sur- I just need my Pinot Grigio!
So creamy and crunchy!