Description
These Baked Goat Cheese Balls are a delightful appetizer featuring creamy goat cheese coated in crispy panko breadcrumbs and baked to golden perfection. Served with a drizzle of hot honey and fresh herbs, they offer a perfect balance of tangy, crunchy, and sweet flavors for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 8 ounces goat cheese
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 – 3/4 cup Panko bread crumbs
- Salt & pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes
- Hot honey, for drizzling
- Fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the cheese balls: Divide the goat cheese into 16 equal pieces and gently shape each into a ball. Place the shaped balls in the freezer for about 20 minutes to firm up, making them easier to coat.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400ºF (200ºC) and line a small baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Set up coating stations: Using three separate bowls, place the flour in the first, the beaten egg in the second, and the Panko bread crumbs mixed with salt and pepper in the third. This will ensure an even, seasoned coating.
- Coat the cheese balls: Roll each chilled goat cheese ball first in the flour, then dip it into the beaten egg, and finally coat it thoroughly with the seasoned Panko bread crumbs. Make sure each ball is evenly coated on all sides.
- Bake the cheese balls: Arrange the coated balls on the prepared baking sheet. Optionally, spray them lightly with olive oil cooking spray to enhance crispiness. Bake at 400ºF for 12 minutes or until the exterior turns a beautiful golden brown.
- Serve with toppings: Once baked, remove the cheese balls from the oven and immediately drizzle with hot honey if desired. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving to add freshness and color.
Notes
- Freezing the goat cheese balls before coating helps them maintain their shape during baking.
- Adjust the amount of hot honey to suit your taste preference or omit for a less sweet option.
- For extra crispiness, consider applying a light spray of olive oil cooking spray before baking.
- These cheese balls pair wonderfully with a simple green salad or as part of a cocktail party platter.
- Panko breadcrumbs provide a lighter, crunchier coating than regular breadcrumbs.
