Fried Buffalo Goat Cheese Balls.
If you’re looking to impress your guests or simply indulge in a snack that’s both delicious and easy to make, look no further than these Fried Buffalo Goat Cheese Balls. Creamy goat cheese, spicy Buffalo sauce, and a crispy exterior make these bites a perfect appetizer for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or just craving something cheesy and savory, these little balls of goodness will have everyone coming back for more.
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
These Fried Buffalo Goat Cheese Balls are a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The creamy goat cheese is perfectly complemented by the spicy heat of the Buffalo sauce, while the crispy Panko coating adds an irresistible crunch. Plus, they are easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time for convenience. Serve them with a sprinkle of fresh green onions or chives for a pop of color and flavor.
Ingredient Rundown
To make these scrumptious bites, you’ll need a few simple ingredients:
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour – This helps to create a base for the coating and allows the egg to adhere better.
- 1 pinch black pepper – Just a touch to season the flour.
- 1 1/2 cups Panko breadcrumbs – For that extra crunch that traditional breadcrumbs just can’t match.
- 1 large egg, beaten – This will help bind everything together.
- 1 log (10 ounces) goat cheese – The star of the show! Choose a good-quality goat cheese for the best flavor.
- Oil, for frying – A neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil works best for frying.
- Chopped green onions or chives, for serving – These add a fresh touch to your presentation.
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, melted – For brushing and adding richness.
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil – This will mix with the Buffalo sauce for a flavorful dip.
- 1 cup Frank’s Red Hot Sauce – The classic choice for Buffalo flavor.
- 3/4 teaspoon seasoned salt – Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- 1 pinch black pepper – A bit more seasoning for the sauce.
Recommended Tools
To make the process smoother, gather these tools:
- Mixing bowls – For combining your ingredients.
- Frying pan or deep fryer – To achieve that perfect golden brown color.
- Slotted spoon – Helps to remove the cheese balls from the oil without excess grease.
- Paper towels – For draining the excess oil after frying.
- Whisk – To beat the egg and mix the sauces together.
Fried Buffalo Goat Cheese Balls. Made Stepwise
Step 1: Prepare the Goat Cheese
Start by cutting the goat cheese log into small, bite-sized pieces. Approximately 1-inch balls work perfectly. Place them on a tray lined with parchment paper and freeze for about 30 minutes. This step will help the cheese hold its shape while frying.
Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station
In one bowl, mix the all-purpose flour and a pinch of black pepper. In a second bowl, beat the large egg. In a third bowl, place the Panko breadcrumbs. This setup will make it easy to coat the cheese balls.
Step 3: Bread the Cheese Balls
Once the cheese balls are slightly firm, take each one and coat it first in the flour mixture, then dip it into the beaten egg, and finally roll it in the Panko breadcrumbs, ensuring they are fully coated. Place the breaded cheese balls back on the parchment-lined tray.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
In a frying pan, heat about 2 inches of oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil by dropping a breadcrumb into it; if it sizzles, it’s ready.
Step 5: Fry the Cheese Balls
Carefully add a few cheese balls to the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Step 6: Prepare the Buffalo Sauce
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, extra virgin olive oil, Frank’s Red Hot Sauce, seasoned salt, and another pinch of black pepper. Stir until well combined.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once all the cheese balls are fried, toss them gently in the Buffalo sauce or serve it on the side for dipping. Garnish with chopped green onions or chives for a refreshing finish.
Allergy-Friendly Swaps
If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, consider these swaps:
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of traditional flour and Panko.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute the goat cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative, though the texture may vary.
- Egg-Free: Use a flax egg or aquafaba as a binding agent in place of the beaten egg.
Little Things that Matter
When making Fried Buffalo Goat Cheese Balls, a few small details can take your appetizer to the next level:
- Freezing the cheese balls is crucial; it prevents them from melting too quickly while frying.
- Using Panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs adds an extra level of crunch that is simply irresistible.
- Experiment with different hot sauces if you want to tweak the heat level; you can find a variety that suits your taste perfectly.
- For an extra touch, consider adding a sprinkle of garlic powder to the breadcrumbs for added flavor.
Freezer-Friendly Notes
These Fried Buffalo Goat Cheese Balls can be made ahead of time and frozen. After breading, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, fry them directly from the freezer without thawing, adding a minute or two to the cooking time.
Handy Q&A
Can I bake these instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake them! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the breaded cheese balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown, flipping halfway through. They won’t be as crispy as fried, but they will still be delicious!
What can I serve with these cheese balls?
These cheese balls pair wonderfully with a variety of dips, such as ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or even a simple yogurt dip. They also go well with a fresh salad or as part of a charcuterie board.
How do I store leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to regain their crispiness.
Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely! While goat cheese adds a unique flavor, you can substitute it with other soft cheeses like cream cheese or mozzarella. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change.
That’s a Wrap
These Fried Buffalo Goat Cheese Balls are sure to become a favorite in your household. They’re easy to prepare, full of flavor, and perfect for sharing (or not!). Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, this recipe is a winner. Enjoy every cheesy, spicy bite!
Fried Buffalo Goat Cheese Balls.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Prepare the Goat Cheese. Cut the goat cheese log into 1-inch balls and freeze for 30 minutes.
- Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station. Mix flour and black pepper in one bowl, beat the egg in another, and place Panko in a third bowl.
- Step 3: Bread the Cheese Balls. Coat each cheese ball in flour, dip in egg, and roll in Panko before placing them back on a tray.
- Step 4: Heat the Oil. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F.
- Step 5: Fry the Cheese Balls. Fry cheese balls in hot oil for 2-3 minutes until golden brown, then drain on paper towels.
- Step 6: Prepare the Buffalo Sauce. Mix melted butter, olive oil, hot sauce, seasoned salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Step 7: Serve and Enjoy. Toss fried cheese balls in Buffalo sauce or serve it on the side, garnished with green onions.
Notes
- Freezing the cheese balls ensures they hold their shape while frying.
- Using Panko breadcrumbs gives an extra crunch.
- Experiment with different hot sauces for varying heat levels.
