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Fried Goat Cheese with Tarragon Honey Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.2 from 75 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: French-Inspired
  • Diet: Vegetarian

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.