Kamil Perry
Fried goat cheese is a versatile dish that can be served as a salad topping, a side dish, or an appetizer. It is made by coating slices or balls of goat cheese in a breading mixture and frying them in oil until golden brown. The breading mixture typically includes flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs, with optional additions like herbs or pretzel crumbs. The cheese is often chilled or frozen before slicing and frying to achieve the perfect texture and shape. Fried goat cheese offers a unique combination of crispy, creamy, and tangy flavors, making it a popular choice for those seeking a fancy appetizer or a delicious salad addition.
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What You'll Learn
How to make fried goat cheese
Frying goat cheese is a simple process that can add a touch of elegance to your meal. The key to success is choosing the right type of goat cheese and heating the oil to the perfect temperature. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make fried goat cheese:
Ingredients:
- Goat cheese log (10 ounces or 2 smaller logs)
- All-purpose flour
- Egg
- Water
- Breadcrumbs (regular or panko)
- Salt and pepper
- Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, corn, sunflower, avocado, peanut, or olive oil)
- Optional: Fresh herbs, za'atar, honey, or marinara sauce for dipping
Instructions:
- Prepare the goat cheese: Start by chilling the goat cheese log in the freezer for about 15 minutes to make it easier to slice. You can also freeze the slices for a few hours to firm them up before frying, but this step is optional. Choose a firm goat cheese log that holds its shape when sliced. Cut the goat cheese into 1/2-inch thick slices or 1-ounce sections. You can use a sharp knife or a length of strong thread to neatly slice through the soft cheese. Squeeze the slices together to form tightly packed rounds.
- Set up a dredging station: Prepare three separate bowls for the flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. In a shallow bowl, whisk the egg with a tablespoon of water. Spread the breadcrumbs on a large plate. If desired, season the flour and breadcrumbs with salt and pepper to taste.
- Dredge the goat cheese: Coat each goat cheese slice first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring it is well-coated. Finally, roll the cheese in the breadcrumbs, pressing them lightly to adhere. For an extra crispy texture, double-coat the cheese by repeating the process.
- Fry the goat cheese: Heat a cast-iron skillet or a small frying pan to medium-high heat. Add enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan, about 1/4 inch deep. Test the oil temperature by dropping a pinch of flour into it; if it sizzles, the oil is ready. Place the goat cheese rounds in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for a couple of minutes on each side until golden brown. Use tongs to hold the cheese on its sides to ensure even browning.
- Serve: Fried goat cheese is best enjoyed warm, straight out of the pan. It can be served as an appetizer with a side of marinara sauce for dipping or drizzled with honey. It also makes a delicious topping for salads, adding a crispy texture and tangy flavor. Store any leftover fried goat cheese in an airtight container and reheat in a skillet or air fryer.
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Serving suggestions
Fried goat cheese is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions:
Salads
Fried goat cheese is a popular addition to salads, providing a warm, crispy, and tangy contrast to fresh greens. Simply place a few fried goat cheese rounds or balls on top of your favourite salad, such as a roasted cauliflower salad with arugula and sweet potatoes, or a spinach salad with warm bacon dressing. You can also try it with a strawberry salad dressing or as a replacement for croutons in a bowl of tomato soup.
Appetizers and Snacks
Fried goat cheese also makes an excellent appetizer or snack. Serve it plain with crackers or a simple side of marinara sauce for dipping. For a fancier option, drizzle the fried goat cheese with honey or another favourite topping.
Main Dishes
Fried goat cheese can also be incorporated into main dishes. Try adding it to your favourite pasta recipe, pairing it with a glass of red wine. You can also serve it on a burger or as part of a charcuterie and cheese board.
Storage and Reheating
Fried goat cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, use a skillet or air fryer to crisp it up again.
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Choosing the right oil
Frying goat cheese is easy, but there are a few things to keep in mind when selecting an oil to fry with. Firstly, you'll want to choose an oil with a high smoke point, as the oil needs to be hot to achieve the desired crispy texture. Oils with a low smoke point will start to smoke and burn at high temperatures, which can affect the taste of your dish. Canola, corn, sunflower, avocado, peanut, and vegetable oil are all good choices with high smoke points. Olive oil is also a popular choice for frying goat cheese, but it has a relatively low smoke point, so it should be heated gently and monitored carefully to prevent it from smoking.
Another factor to consider is the flavour of the oil. Some oils, like extra virgin olive oil, have a strong flavour that can enhance the taste of the dish. If you're using a recipe that calls for a coating of spices or herbs, a milder oil like vegetable or canola oil may be preferable so that the flavours of the coating shine through. However, if you're simply frying goat cheese slices or balls, a more flavourful oil can add a nice touch.
It's also important to use enough oil to properly coat the cheese. When frying, the cheese should be completely submerged in the oil. This will ensure even cooking and browning. If you're using a recipe that calls for shallow frying, you may need to flip the cheese halfway through cooking to ensure both sides are evenly browned.
Finally, it's crucial to heat the oil properly before adding the cheese. Adding cheese to oil that isn't hot enough will result in greasy, undercooked cheese. A pinch of flour dropped into the oil should sizzle when the oil is ready. You can also test the temperature with a thermometer; the oil should be around 350-375°F (180-190°C) for best results.
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The best goat cheese for frying
Frying goat cheese is a simple and tasty way to elevate a variety of dishes, from salads to pasta bowls. The key to achieving the perfect fried goat cheese is to start with the right type of cheese and to follow some simple preparation tips.
When selecting goat cheese for frying, opt for a firm, log-shaped variety. A firm cheese will hold its shape better during the frying process, resulting in a neater final product. Soft goat cheese can also be used, but it tends to be more challenging to slice neatly and may crumble or fall apart. If you are using soft goat cheese, chilling it in the freezer for 15-20 minutes before slicing can help to firm it up and make the process easier.
The type of goat cheese you choose will depend on your preferred flavour profile and texture. Fresh goat cheese, often sold in vacuum-wrapped logs or tubs, is a soft and tangy option that has not been aged. Aged goat cheeses tend to have a stronger flavour and a firmer texture, making them easier to slice and fry.
Once you have selected your goat cheese, you can follow these simple steps to fry it:
- Slice the cheese into discs or sticks, roughly 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch thick.
- Set up a dredging station with three shallow bowls: one with flour (plain or seasoned with salt and pepper), one with beaten egg and water, and one with breadcrumbs (regular or panko).
- Coat each slice of cheese first in the flour, then the egg mixture, and finally the breadcrumbs.
- Fry the breaded cheese slices in a skillet with hot oil, such as olive oil or vegetable oil, until golden brown and crispy.
- Enjoy your fried goat cheese as an appetizer, salad topper, or addition to your favourite pasta dish!
With these tips and tricks, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious fried goat cheese at home.
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How to slice goat cheese
Slicing goat cheese can be a little tricky as it tends to crumble and fall apart. To get consistent, thin slices off a goat cheese log, follow these steps:
Firstly, it is important to ensure that the goat cheese log is well-chilled or slightly frozen. This will make it easier to slice through the soft cheese without it crumbling. Place the log in the freezer for about 15 minutes to achieve the desired firmness.
Next, remove the cheese from the freezer and place it on a cutting board. Using a strong thread, dental floss, or a cheese wire, slice the log into 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick discs. If you are slicing the cheese for a recipe that requires uniform slices, it is recommended to use a cheese harp or a cheese planer, which will give you thin and precise cuts. You can also use a sharp knife, but be sure to wipe it with a damp towel between cuts to prevent the cheese from sticking.
If you are preparing a cheese platter, it is recommended to cut the goat cheese into thin triangular portions from the center down through the height of the cheese. This will create visually appealing slices and ensure that each serving includes a variety of flavours and textures, from the softest, creamiest centre to the more pronounced flavour at the rind. Remember to take the cheese out of the fridge about an hour before serving to allow it to come to room temperature and enhance its aromas.
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Frequently asked questions
Fried goat cheese is a versatile dish that can be served as a salad topping, a side dish, or an appetizer. It can also be served with a simple side of marinara sauce for dipping.
It is recommended to use a firm goat cheese, as it will better hold its shape. A plain goat cheese log is a good option, but you can also use a flavoured goat cheese, such as herbed, honey, or goat cheese with other herbs.
To make fried goat cheese, you will need goat cheese, flour, egg, breadcrumbs, and oil for frying. First, slice the chilled goat cheese into thick slices or balls, then dredge them in flour, dip them in a mixture of egg and water, and finally coat them with breadcrumbs. Fry the goat cheese in batches in a skillet or air fryer until golden brown.
