Frederic Melton
Goat cheese balls are bite-sized appetizers that are crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. They are made by rolling goat cheese into balls, coating them in flour, dipping them in beaten egg, and then rolling them in breadcrumbs before frying. The traditional way to serve them is with a mango dipping sauce, but they can also be served with honey, marinara sauce, or Thai sweet chili sauce. Goat cheese balls gained popularity after being featured on the show Vanderpump Rules, where they were served at the restaurant SUR. They are now served at several of Lisa Vanderpump's restaurants and the recipe has been shared online for people to make at home.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Origin | SUR, one of Lisa Vanderpump's West Hollywood restaurants |
| Recipe | Cut a log of goat cheese into even-sized pieces and roll them into balls. |
| Dip each ball in flour, then in beaten egg, and then through the breadcrumbs. | |
| Freeze them for 20 minutes, until super firm. | |
| Fry the goat cheese balls in batches for 1 to 2 minutes or until golden and crisp on all sides. | |
| Serving | Serve with julienned carrots and cucumber tossed in mango sauce, or with crostini and prosciutto. |
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What You'll Learn
Goat cheese ball ingredients
Goat cheese balls are a beloved appetizer, made famous by their appearance on the show Vanderpump Rules. They are a simple yet addictive dish, combining the creamy and tangy flavour of goat cheese with a crunchy texture. The basic ingredients for goat cheese balls are goat cheese, flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs.
To make the goat cheese balls, you will need to start with an 8-ounce log of goat cheese, which should be cut into even-sized pieces and rolled into small, round balls. The number of balls you get will depend on the size you make them, but typically an 8-ounce log will yield around 10-15 balls. It is recommended to wear disposable kitchen gloves during this process to keep the balls neat.
Once you have your goat cheese balls, you will need to coat them with flour, beaten eggs, and finally, breadcrumbs. Some recipes suggest double-dipping the balls in the egg and breadcrumb mixture to ensure a thorough coating and prevent the cheese from seeping out during frying. The breadcrumbs can be regular or gluten-free, depending on your preference or dietary requirements.
After coating, the goat cheese balls need to be chilled. They can be refrigerated for 12 hours or frozen for at least 20-30 minutes. This step is crucial to prevent the cheese from melting and seeping out during frying.
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Frying goat cheese balls
Once the goat cheese balls are formed, it is important to chill them. They can be chilled in the fridge for 12 hours or in the freezer for at least 20 minutes to an hour. Chilling helps to prevent the cheese from melting too quickly and ensures the balls hold their shape during frying.
When the goat cheese balls are chilled, it's time to prepare the coating. Set up a breading station with three small bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. Roll each goat cheese ball in the flour, then dip it into the egg, and finally, coat it with the breadcrumbs. Return the coated balls to the baking sheet and repeat the process for the remaining balls. For an extra crunchy crust, double-dip the balls in the egg and breadcrumbs.
The next step is frying. Heat a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or vegetable oil, in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. The oil should be about 1.5 to 2 inches deep, and the ideal temperature is between 350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Be cautious as the oil can catch fire if it gets too hot. Once the oil is hot, carefully add a few goat cheese balls to the pan, working in batches. Fry the balls for about 3 to 4 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they are golden brown on all sides. Use a slotted spoon or skimmer to remove the fried cheese balls from the oil, and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
Finally, season the fried goat cheese balls with salt, and optionally, drizzle them with honey, lemon juice, or a mango dipping sauce. Serve them immediately while they are warm and crispy.
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Dipping sauces
Goat cheese balls are usually served with a variety of dipping sauces. The most popular option is a mango sauce, which can be made with ingredients like sour cream, mayonnaise, Greek yoghurt, or blended mango chunks. This sauce can be spiced up with the addition of chilli, or served with a side of julienned vegetables.
Another popular option is a honey dip, which can be spiced with sage, or mixed with hot sauce. A drizzle of honey can also be used as a topping, along with a sprinkle of pistachios, salt, or chopped basil.
Goat cheese balls can also be served with a traditional marinara sauce, or a side of crostini and prosciutto.
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Serving suggestions
Goat cheese balls are a beloved appetizer, made famous by their appearance on the show Vanderpump Rules. They are crispy on the outside and soft and creamy on the inside, making them a perfect bite. While they are delicious on their own, there are many ways to serve and present them.
One of the most popular ways to serve goat cheese balls is with a dipping sauce. The traditional sauce is a tangy mango sauce, which can be served on the side or as a base for the cheese balls to sit on. You can also try other sweet dipping sauces like honey, spicy sage honey, or raspberry pepper jelly. If you want something more savoury, try marinara sauce, white balsamic, poppyseed dressing, or pesto.
Goat cheese balls can also be served as part of a larger dish. They can be a great addition to a salad, especially one with strawberries, roasted beets, or arugula. They can also be served with prosciutto and crostini. For a heartier meal, try them with julienned carrots and cucumber, or with a charcuterie board with jams and honey for topping.
If you have any leftover goat cheese balls, they can be used as a sandwich topping or smashed onto a piece of bread.
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Freezing goat cheese balls
Goat cheese balls are a popular appetizer, often served in restaurants and made at home. They are made by cutting a log of goat cheese into even-sized pieces and rolling them into balls. The balls are then coated in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs and fried until golden brown. They can be served with a variety of sauces, such as mango sauce, marinara sauce, or honey.
To freeze goat cheese balls, first coat them with breadcrumbs and then place them in a sealable plastic bag or an airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to one or two months, depending on the recipe. When you are ready to cook the frozen goat cheese balls, simply follow the recipe instructions for frying or baking. If using an air fryer, you may need to add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
It is also possible to freeze leftover goat cheese balls after they have been cooked. Place the leftovers in an airtight freezer-safe storage container and freeze for up to two months. To reheat, let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator, and then gently warm them in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Frequently asked questions
Goat cheese balls are an appetizer or side dish made from goat cheese that has been rolled into balls, coated in flour, dipped in egg, and rolled in breadcrumbs before being fried. They are often served with a mango dipping sauce, honey, or marinara sauce.
Goat cheese balls rose to fame after being featured on the Bravo TV show "Vanderpump Rules." They originated at Sur, one of Lisa Vanderpump's West Hollywood restaurants, and are now served at several of her other restaurants.
To make goat cheese balls, cut a log of goat cheese into evenly-sized pieces and roll them into balls. Coat the balls in flour, dip them in beaten egg, and then roll them in breadcrumbs. Freeze the coated cheese balls for at least 20 minutes to an hour before frying them in hot oil until golden brown. Serve with your desired dipping sauce.
