Crispy Fried Goat Cheese

Ingredients

For Basic Fried Goat Cheese:

• 8 oz goat cheese log, chilled
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup regular breadcrumbs
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Vegetable oil for frying (about 2 cups)

Optional Herb Coating:

• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped

Instructions

Preparing the Goat Cheese:

1. Chill the cheese thoroughly in the freezer for 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
2. Slice the goat cheese into 1/2-inch thick rounds using a sharp knife or dental floss for clean cuts.
3. Set up breading station in three shallow dishes:
   • Dish 1: Flour
   • Dish 2: Beaten eggs
   • Dish 3: Mixed panko and regular breadcrumbs with pepper and garlic powder (add herbs if using)

Breading Process:

1. Coat each cheese round first in flour, shaking off excess.
2. Dip in beaten eggs, letting excess drip off.
3. Roll in breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help coating adhere.
4. Double coat for extra crispiness: Repeat egg and breadcrumb steps for a thicker coating.
5. Chill coated rounds in refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to help coating set.

Frying:

1. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer.
2. Fry cheese rounds in small batches for 1-2 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
3. Remove immediately with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
4. Serve hot while cheese is still warm and creamy inside.

Serving Suggestions

Sweet Options:

• Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with chopped pistachios
• Serve with fig jam or apricot preserves
• Top with caramelized onions

Savory Options:

• Serve over mixed greens with balsamic vinaigrette
• Top with sun-dried tomatoes and basil
• Pair with roasted red pepper coulis
• Serve with marinara sauce for dipping

Wine Pairing:

• Sauvignon Blanc
• Pinot Grigio
• Light Pinot Noir

Alternative Cooking Methods

Pan-Fried Version:

• Heat 1/4 inch of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat
• Fry for 1-2 minutes per side until golden
• Uses less oil but requires more attention

Baked Version (Healthier):

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
• Spray breaded rounds with cooking oil
• Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden
• Less crispy but still delicious

Pro Tips:

• Keep goat cheese cold throughout the process to prevent melting during breading
• Don’t overcrowd the oil when frying
• Oil temperature is crucial – too hot and coating burns, too cool and it gets greasy
• Serve immediately for best texture contrast
• Can be prepared through breading step and refrigerated for up to 4 hours before frying

Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling time)
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Serves: 4-6 as appetizer