The cheese comes out golden and crisp on the outside, but soft and creamy when you bite in. The honey adds a sweet touch, and the herbs make it smell so fresh.
I first made this when I wanted a little snack that felt special but was still simple. It was gone in minutes, and everyone kept dipping and reaching for more.
If you want something crunchy, creamy, and just a little fancy, this fried goat cheese with honey and herbs is perfect. Let’s get started.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Restaurant Quality: Crispy outside, creamy inside with gourmet flavors
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples plus fresh herbs for amazing taste
- Quick and Easy: Ready in 30 minutes with basic cooking skills
- Perfect for Parties: Makes beautiful appetizers that wow guests
- Versatile Serving: Great on salads, with crackers, or as a side dish
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Prep Time & Cook Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: This recipe makes 8 fried goat cheese rounds—enough for 4-6 people as an appetizer. Want more? Double the recipe easily.
Difficulty: Easy enough for beginners but impressive for experienced cooks too.
Required Kitchen Tools
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Three shallow bowls for breading station
- Wire cooling rack
- Paper towels
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients for Fried Goat Cheese Honey Herbs
Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful dish (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):
- Goat Cheese: Use a log of soft goat cheese that slices easily
- Fresh Herbs: Rosemary and thyme add earthy, aromatic flavors
- Honey: Pure honey brings sweetness that pairs perfectly with tangy goat cheese
- All-Purpose Flour: Creates the first coating layer
- Eggs and Milk: Help the breadcrumbs stick to the cheese
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Make the crispiest coating
- Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, and garlic powder enhance all flavors
- Oils: Avocado oil for frying, olive oil for drizzling
Variations for Fried Goat Cheese
- Add Nuts: Mix chopped walnuts or pecans into breadcrumbs for extra crunch
- Try Different Herbs: Use sage, oregano, or fresh basil instead
- Sweet Version: Add lemon zest to breadcrumbs and serve with fruit
- Spicy Kick: Mix red pepper flakes into the flour coating
- Herb Oil: Make herb-infused olive oil for drizzling
How to Make Fried Goat Cheese Honey Herbs Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Goat Cheese
Slice the goat cheese log into 8 thick rounds, about half an inch each. Place on a plate and chill in the fridge while you set up everything else.
2. Set Up Breading Station
Set up three shallow bowls. First bowl gets flour mixed with salt and pepper. Second bowl gets beaten egg mixed with milk. Third bowl gets panko breadcrumbs mixed with minced herbs and garlic powder.
3. Bread the Cheese
Take each cold goat cheese round and coat it first in seasoned flour, then dip in egg mixture, and finally press into herbed breadcrumbs. Make sure each piece is well coated.
4. Fry the Cheese
Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When oil is hot, carefully add breaded cheese rounds. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
5. Drain and Serve
Transfer fried cheese to a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. Drizzle with honey and olive oil while still warm.
How to Serve Fried Goat Cheese Honey Herbs
This elegant appetizer works in many ways:
- On Salads: Place warm rounds over mixed greens with balsamic dressing
- With Crackers: Serve alongside water crackers and fresh fruit
- As Appetizer: Present on a platter with honey for extra drizzling
- With Wine: Pairs beautifully with white wine or light red wine
- Over Vegetables: Place on roasted beets or grilled vegetables
Storing Fried Goat Cheese
- Before Frying: Breaded rounds can be made 2 hours ahead and kept in the fridge
- After Frying: Best eaten right away, but leftovers keep 1-2 days in the fridge
- Reheating: Warm gently in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to keep crispy
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Keep goat cheese cold before breading to prevent melting during frying
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying
- Use medium heat to avoid burning the coating before cheese warms through
- Pat cheese dry before breading if it seems wet
- Serve immediately for the best texture contrast
Nutrition
| Nutrient | Per Serving (2 rounds) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 |
| Protein | 12g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Carbs | 8g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 4g |
| Sodium | 320mg |
Fried Goat Cheese Honey Herbs
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 cheese rounds (serves 4-6) 1x
- Category: Appetizers
Ingredients
- 8 oz goat cheese log, sliced into 8 rounds
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, minced
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup avocado oil for frying
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Prep Cheese: Slice goat cheese into 8 thick rounds. Chill in refrigerator.
- Set Up Station: Place flour, salt, and pepper in first bowl. Beat egg with milk in second bowl. Mix panko, herbs, and garlic powder in third bowl.
- Bread Cheese: Coat each cold cheese round in flour, then egg mixture, then herbed breadcrumbs. Press gently to help coating stick.
- Heat Oil: Warm avocado oil in large skillet over medium heat.
- Fry: Cook breaded cheese rounds 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
- Serve: Transfer to wire rack, drizzle with honey and olive oil while warm.
Fried Goat Cheese Honey Herbs FAQs
Yes, but thaw it completely first and pat dry before slicing.
Regular breadcrumbs work, but panko gives the crispiest texture.
Yes, bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
Drop a breadcrumb in – it should sizzle right away but not burn.
Conclusion
This Fried Goat Cheese Honey Herbs recipe brings together creamy cheese, fragrant herbs, and sweet honey in perfect harmony. The contrast of the crispy coating with the warm, melted center makes every bite special. Whether you’re hosting friends or treating yourself, these golden rounds deliver restaurant-quality flavor at home.
