Description
This French-inspired appetizer features crispy fried goat cheese rounds drizzled with a fragrant tarragon-infused honey. The goat cheese is chilled, breaded in panko for extra crunch, and fried to golden perfection, making it a delightful combination of creamy and crispy textures. Served warm with an optional sprinkle of flaky sea salt, it’s a perfect starter or snack that balances sweet, herbal, and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Cheese and Breading
- 8 ounces goat cheese (log style)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg (beaten)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying
Tarragon Honey Sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon fresh tarragon (finely chopped)
- Pinch of salt
- Optional flaky sea salt for garnish
Instructions
- Chill the Goat Cheese: Slice the goat cheese into ½-inch thick rounds and place them in the freezer for 15 minutes to firm up, which helps prevent melting during frying.
- Prepare Tarragon Honey: In a small bowl, mix honey, finely chopped fresh tarragon, and a pinch of salt. Set this fragrant sauce aside for drizzling later.
- Set Up Breading Station: Arrange three shallow bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten egg, and one with panko breadcrumbs, creating an efficient breading assembly line.
- Bread the Cheese Rounds: Dip each goat cheese slice first into the flour, coating evenly, then into the beaten egg, and finally press into the panko breadcrumbs to thoroughly cover. Place breaded rounds on a plate and chill again for 10 minutes to help the coating adhere.
- Heat Oil for Frying: Pour about ½ inch of vegetable oil into a skillet and heat over medium until shimmering, signaling it’s ready for frying.
- Fry the Cheese: Carefully fry the goat cheese rounds for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and crispy. Using a slotted spoon, transfer them to paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve and Garnish: Drizzle the warm fried goat cheese with the prepared tarragon honey and sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use a soft, fresh goat cheese log and ensure the slices are well chilled before frying to prevent the cheese from melting too quickly.
- The tarragon honey sauce can be prepared in advance and stored refrigerated for up to a week.
- For a tasty variation, serve the fried goat cheese over a bed of fresh arugula to add a peppery bite and balance the richness.