Description
These Crispy Fried Goat Cheese Rolls with Hot Chili Honey are a fast, restaurant-style appetizer. Crunchy on the outside and creamy inside, they are finished with a sweet and spicy honey drizzle that makes them perfect for parties, holiday boards, or an easy snack night.
Ingredients
- 1 goat cheese log (about 8 ounces)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme (plus more for garnish)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Oil, for shallow frying
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (or to taste)
- Optional: sesame seeds and pomegranate arils, for serving
Instructions
- Chill the Goat Cheese: Place the goat cheese log in the freezer for 10 minutes so it firms up and is easier to slice. Line a small tray with parchment paper.
- Shape the Rolls: Slice the chilled goat cheese into 10 to 12 even pieces. Roll each piece into a small log and place on the prepared tray. Return to the freezer while you set up the coating station.
- Set Up Breading Station: In one shallow bowl, stir together the flour, salt, and pepper. Whisk the eggs in a second bowl. In a third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and chopped thyme.
- Coat the Cheese: Working with one piece at a time, roll each goat cheese log in the flour, shaking off any extra. Dip into the beaten egg, then roll in the panko mixture, pressing gently so the crumbs stick. For an extra crispy shell, dip again in egg and a second time in panko. Place back on the tray.
- Fry the Rolls: Pour enough oil into a medium skillet to coat the bottom generously. Heat over medium to medium high until a breadcrumb sizzles on contact. Add the coated goat cheese rolls in a single layer and fry for 1 to 2 minutes per side, turning carefully, until golden brown and crisp. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
- Make the Hot Chili Honey: In a small bowl, stir together the honey and crushed red pepper flakes. For a stronger kick, add more flakes or a small splash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Serve: Arrange the warm goat cheese rolls on a serving plate. Drizzle generously with the hot chili honey and garnish with extra thyme, sesame seeds, and pomegranate arils, if using. Serve immediately while the centers are still soft and creamy.
Notes
Chilling the goat cheese before slicing helps it keep its shape while you coat and fry it. Double-coating in egg and panko gives an extra crunchy crust. For a lighter version, you can bake the breaded rolls at 400°F (200°C) for 10 to 12 minutes or air fry at 375°F (190°C) until golden. Adjust the heat level in the honey by adding more or fewer red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg