Easy fried goat cheese offers a wonderful combination of creamy, tangy interior and a crispy exterior making it a versatile and irresistible addition to salads, appetizers or a standalone snack.

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Easy Cheesy Fried Goat Cheese

I love goat cheese and I loved fried food so coating some cheese in breadcrumbs and frying them came naturally to me. I love these fried goat cheese bites on top of salads, as an appetizer, or with a dipping sauce – especially a spicy dipping sauce!

Fried goat cheese is truly a culinary delight with such strong contrasting textures. The tangy flavor of the goat cheese is beautifully enhanced when fried which creates a contrast to the golden crunchy exterior. When served in a green salad the crisp greens add a peppery refreshing bite, I prefer to use a sweet or acidic vinaigrette with fried cheese bites. Anyway, you like it – yum!

How to Make Fried Goat Cheese

First assemble the following ingredients:

• Goat cheese (4 ounce) – Opt for a firm, aged variety of goat cheese for frying as it holds its shape well under heat and offers a creamy, tangy flavor that contrasts beautifully with a crispy coating.
• Panko bread crumbs (½ cup) – Panko bread crumbs are larger and lighter than traditional bread crumbs, providing a crispier and airier texture that enhances the outer crust of fried foods.
• Everything Bagel Seasoning (1 teaspoon) – Adding everything bagel seasoning to your breading mix infuses the fried goat cheese with a delightful blend of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, onion flakes, garlic flakes, and sea salt, boosting its flavor profile.
• Sea salt (½ tsp) – A pinch of sea salt enhances the natural flavors of the goat cheese and the breading, elevating the overall taste of the dish.
• Black pepper (½ tsp) – Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle heat and spiciness that complements the tangy notes of the goat cheese, balancing the flavors in the dish.
• Egg (1) – The egg acts as a binding agent in the breading process, helping the flour and panko adhere to the goat cheese slices for a consistent and even coating.
• Water (1 tbsp) – Mixing a little water into the egg helps create a thinner, more workable wash for breading, ensuring a lighter coating that doesn’t overpower the delicate taste of the goat cheese.
• Flour (? cup) – Flour is the first step in the breading process, dusting the goat cheese with a light coating that helps the subsequent layers of egg wash and panko crumbs stick better, ensuring a crisp finish.

Use this Method

Prep Cheese and Coatings. Slice a 4-ounce log of goat cheese into 8 disks. Add a teaspoon or two of Everything But The Bagel Seasoning to the bread crumbs and toss to combine. Whisk the egg together with a tablespoon of water to make an egg wash in a shallow bowl. Add the flour to a clean plate.

Assemble. Start by pressing the goat cheese into the flour. Next, dunk the cheese in the egg wash mixture, flipping to coat. Then, press the goat cheese in the panko bread crumbs.

Fry and Enjoy. Heat olive oil in a shallow pan over medium heat. Fry the goat cheese in the pan flipping every 15-30 seconds until golden brown. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate and serve immediately for the most delicious results. Enjoy!

Tips and Tricks for Making Easy Fried Goat Cheese

Choose the Right Cheese: Opt for a firm goat cheese that can hold its shape during frying. Cheeses labeled as “aged” or “semi-firm” are usually a good choice.

Chill the Cheese: Before slicing and frying, chill the goat cheese in the refrigerator or briefly in the freezer. This makes it easier to handle and helps maintain its shape during frying.

Slice Carefully: Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to cut the goat cheese into rounds. This prevents the cheese from crumbling.

Double Dip for Extra Crunch: For a thicker, crunchier crust, double dip the cheese rounds in the egg and breadcrumbs before frying.

Control the Oil Temperature: Heat the oil to the right temperature, typically between 350°F and 375°F. If the oil is too hot, the cheese will burn; if it’s too cool, the cheese will absorb too much oil and become greasy.

Use Sufficient Oil: Deep frying or shallow frying both work well, but make sure there is enough oil to cover at least half the thickness of the cheese rounds. This ensures even cooking and browning.

Fry in Batches: Don’t overcrowd the pan as this can lower the oil temperature too much and lead to uneven cooking. Fry in small batches to keep the oil hot.

Drain Excess Oil: After frying, transfer the goat cheese rounds to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. This helps keep them crispy.

Serve Immediately: Fried goat cheese is best enjoyed warm, straight from the frying pan, when it’s at its crispiest and the cheese inside is delightfully gooey.

Experiment with Dipping Sauces: Serve fried goat cheese with a variety of dipping sauces, such as honey, marinara, or a balsamic reduction, to complement its flavors and add an extra layer of taste.

FAQs

What to Enjoy with Fried Goat Cheese

Honey: Drizzling honey over fried goat cheese enhances its natural tanginess with a touch of sweetness, creating a perfect balance of flavors.

Fresh Salad: Pairing fried goat cheese with a fresh green salad, such as arugula or spinach, adds a crunchy texture and a peppery flavor that complements the creamy cheese.

Fruit Chutney: A fruit chutney, like fig or apricot, provides a sweet and slightly tangy contrast to the rich, savory taste of the cheese, making each bite complex and satisfying.

Toasted Baguette: Served on slices of toasted baguette, fried goat cheese becomes a substantial appetizer or snack, with the crispy bread offering a sturdy base for the soft cheese.

Roasted Vegetables: Pairing with roasted vegetables like beets or squash can highlight the goat cheese’s creamy texture and deep-fried crust, adding a delightful earthiness to the meal.

Red Wine: A glass of red wine, especially a lighter variety like Pinot Noir, complements the robust flavors of the fried goat cheese, cutting through the richness with its acidity.

Balsamic Reduction: A drizzle of balsamic reduction adds a sweet and tangy flavor that enhances the goat cheese, making it even more delectable.

Crisp White Wine: A crisp, acidic white wine like Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with fried goat cheese, as it cleanses the palate and contrasts the creamy texture.

Nuts: Adding nuts such as walnuts or almonds provides a crunchy texture that contrasts well with the softness of the cheese, and their earthy flavors enhance its richness.

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Baked Ranch Brussels Sprouts

Garlic Chinese Style Green Beans

Cheeseburger Stuffing

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