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Crispy Baked Goat Cheese Balls with Honey Drizzle Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 73 reviews
  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 36 goat cheese balls
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Crispy Baked Goat Cheese Balls are a delicious and elegant appetizer featuring creamy goat cheese coated in a crunchy pecan-panko crust, baked to golden perfection. Enhanced with fragrant thyme and a hint of cayenne for subtle heat, these bite-sized treats are perfect drizzled with honey or served with a spicy honey-sriracha dip for an irresistible sweet and spicy contrast.

Ingredients

Goat Cheese Balls

  • 12 oz. cold goat cheese (about 3 logs of 4 oz. each)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ⅓ cup pecans, processed into coarse flour
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg

Optional Topping

  • 1-2 tablespoons honey

Optional Spicy Dip

  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • ½ tablespoon sriracha (or to taste)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 450ºF. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and set aside.
  2. Make Pecan Flour: Place the pecans in a food processor or coffee grinder and pulse until they form a coarse flour. Be careful not to over-process to avoid creating pecan butter.
  3. Mix Coating Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the pecan flour, chopped fresh thyme, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, cayenne, and salt. Mix well and set aside.
  4. Prepare Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk the egg until the whites and yolk are fully blended. Set aside.
  5. Shape Goat Cheese Balls: Cut each goat cheese log into 12 even pieces. Roll each piece between your hands to form smooth balls, yielding approximately 36 balls total.
  6. Coat Goat Cheese Balls: Dip each goat cheese ball into the egg wash, allowing excess egg to drip off. Immediately dredge it in the pecan-panko mixture, ensuring it is completely coated.
  7. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated goat cheese balls onto the prepared baking sheet. Repeat until all balls are coated.
  8. Spray and Bake: Lightly spray the tops of the balls with olive oil cooking spray. Bake at 450ºF for about 10 minutes, or until the coating is golden brown and crispy.
  9. Serve: Remove from the oven and drizzle with honey if desired. Optionally serve alongside the spicy honey-sriracha dip for extra flavor.

Notes

  • Ensure the goat cheese is cold before rolling; at room temperature it becomes too soft to shape properly.
  • Baking time may vary depending on your oven; start with 8 minutes and continue baking until golden brown for the best texture.
  • Goat cheese is high in calcium and vitamin A, while pecans add healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats to the dish.
  • Panko breadcrumbs are typically not gluten-free; use a gluten-free breadcrumb alternative if needed.

Find it online: https://emilysplate.com/crispy-baked-goat-cheese-balls-with-honey-drizzle-recipe/