Hot Honey Fried Goat Cheese with Cranberry Aioli
This Hot Honey Fried Goat Cheese with Cranberry Aioli is an easy, make-ahead holiday appetizer recipe that combines crispy fried goat cheese, sweet-spicy hot honey, and tangy cranberry aioli. Perfect for Christmas appetizers, festive party platters, and elegant holiday entertaining, this crowd-pleasing goat cheese appetizer is simple to prep and guaranteed to impress guests.
Ingredients you’ll need:
- goat cheese
- flour
- seasonings (paprika, garlic powder, herb seasoning)
- salt & black pepper
- parmesan
- breadcrumbs
- eggs
- olive oil
- honey
- hot sauce
- yogurt
- sour cream
- dijon mustard
- cranberry sauce
How to Prep Fried Goat Cheese Balls in Advance:
These are one of the easiest appetizers to prep in advance. You can prep the cranberry aioli to sit in the fridge up to 3 in advance, and the flavor will continue to develop overtime. The goat cheese can be battered and stored in the fridge (covered) up to 3 days in advance, as well. When ready to serve, simply fry them until golden brown and serve warm with the prepped cranberry aioli!
Cook with me!
Hot Honey Fried Goat Cheese with Cranberry Aioli
Ingredients
For the Fried Goat Cheese:
- 8-12 oz. Plain Goat Cheese
- 1/3 cup All Purpose Flour
- 1 tsp. EACH: Paprika Garlic Powder, Italian Herb Seasoning & Salt
- 2-3 large Eggs beaten
- 2 cups Fine Panko Breadcrumbs
- Optional ½ cup Grated Parmesan
- California Olive Ranch 100% California Extra Virgin Olive Oil for frying
- 1/3 cup Honey
- 1-2 tbsp. Hot Sauce
For the Cranberry Aioli:
- 1/3 cup Plain Greek Yogurt
- 1/3 cup Sour Cream or mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup Cranberry Sauce
- 1 tbsp. Dijon Mustard
- 1 tbsp. California Olive Ranch 100% California Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp. Honey
- Juice of 1 Lemon
- Salt & Black Pepper to taste
Instructions
To Make the Cranberry Aioli:
- Combine all ingredients together and whisk until smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Set aside.
To Make the Fried Goat Cheese:
- Roll 1-2 tablespoons of goat cheese in the palms of your hand to form a ball. Run your hands under cold water to help it form smoother. Place on a nonstick pan to freeze for 15 minutes.
- Set up your battering station with three bowls. In the first bowl, mix the flour and seasonings. In the second bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and (optional) grated parmesan.
- Dredge the firm goat cheese balls through the flour mixture then the beaten eggs to coat and then the breadcrumbs. Repeat dredging through the beaten eggs and breadcrumbs once more for a crunchier outside.
- Heat up 2-3 inches of olive oil in a saucepan over medium high heat until glistening, or 375F. Fry in small batches of 3-4 balls, rotating them with a slotted spoon frequently to prevent any burning.
- Once deeply golden, transfer with a slotted spoon to a paper towel lined plate to drain any excess oil. Repeat with remaining goat cheese balls.
- In a small bowl, combine the honey and hot sauce. Mix well. Drizzle over the goat cheese balls.
- Enjoy warm with the cranberry aioli!
I truly hope you all enjoy this treasured recipe that has nestled its way into our hearts here in the ABM kitchen! ’till next time… xxL
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” ~ Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
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These were a fun appetizer! I’ve been wanting to make them but don’t like frying like this but it was worth it. I used half of the panko and parmesan. Thanks so much h for the recipe:)