Patrick Oconnell
Goat cheese balls are a delicious snack, appetiser, or side dish that can be served in a variety of ways. They are a common addition to salads in France, but can also be served with carrot and celery sticks, hummus, or a Mediterranean quinoa salad. Goat cheese balls can be baked or fried and are often coated in breadcrumbs, nuts, or crackers and served with honey, sea salt, or a mango or marinara dipping sauce.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack |
| Temperature | Warm, Room Temperature |
| Texture | Crispy, Crunchy, Creamy, Soft, Melty |
| Flavour | Tangy, Tart, Spicy, Sweet |
| Colour | Golden |
| Serving Suggestions | Salads, Carrot and Celery Sticks with Hummus, Mediterranean Quinoa Salad, Chicken Zoodle Marinara, Marinara Sauce, Mango Dipping Sauce, Basil, Sea Salt, Honey, Spicy Sage Honey, Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs |
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What You'll Learn
Goat cheese balls as a salad topping
Goat cheese is a creamy, soft cheese made with goat's milk, and it is a versatile ingredient that can be added to many dishes. Goat cheese balls are a delicious and fun way to enjoy this cheese, and they make an excellent salad topping.
There are a few ways to make goat cheese balls, but a common method is to roll the cheese into balls, coat them in flour, dip them in whisked egg, and then roll them in a mixture of breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano. These coated cheese balls are then baked in the oven until golden brown and crispy on the outside, with a warm and creamy interior.
For a salad, you can place these baked goat cheese balls on a bed of fresh mixed greens, such as arugula, and drizzle with a dressing of your choice. You can also add other ingredients to the salad, such as cooked quinoa, red onion, strawberries, red peppers, blueberries, sunflower seeds, cucumbers, and basil. The warm, crispy cheese balls add a unique texture and flavour to the salad, making it a tasty and impressive dish.
Goat cheese balls can be made in advance and stored in the freezer, making them a convenient option for meal prep. They can also be served as an appetizer or alongside other dishes, such as soup.
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Goat cheese balls with marinara sauce
Goat cheese balls are a delicious treat, and serving them with marinara sauce is a great way to elevate this appetizer. The traditional way to serve goat cheese balls is with a mango dipping sauce, but the marinara sauce adds a savoury twist. The tanginess of the goat's cheese pairs well with the sweetness of the tomato-based sauce, and the creamy texture of the cheese is a nice contrast to the more liquid sauce.
To make this dish, you'll first need to make the goat cheese balls. This can be done by rolling the goat cheese into balls, coating them in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, and then frying them until golden brown. You can add spices to the breadcrumbs, such as smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and cayenne, for an extra kick of flavour.
Once your goat cheese balls are ready, it's time to prepare the marinara sauce. You can make your own sauce from scratch or use a store-bought option. Spread the sauce on a serving platter, and then place the goat cheese balls on top. Sprinkle some freshly chopped basil over the dish for a pop of colour and added freshness.
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Baked vs. fried goat cheese balls
Baked and fried goat cheese balls are delicious and easy-to-make appetizers. They are creamy, crunchy, tangy, and addictive. While fried goat cheese balls are more common in France, you can also bake them in the oven to skip the mess and oil. Here is a detailed comparison between the two:
Baked Goat Cheese Balls:
Baked goat cheese balls are a healthier alternative to their fried counterparts. They have a crispy, nutty coating and a warm, creamy interior. You can bake them until the crumbs are lightly golden and crisp, typically for about 7 to 10 minutes, depending on your oven. It is important to keep an eye on them to ensure the coating doesn't burn. After baking, let them cool for a minute or two, and then drizzle with honey.
Fried Goat Cheese Balls:
Fried goat cheese balls are a faster option, as they only take about 20 seconds to fry at 375-400°F (190-200°C). You can use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil. The key to frying goat cheese is to work with frozen cheese balls to prevent them from falling apart in the oil. You can coat the cheese balls with flour, egg, and breadcrumbs (panko) before freezing and then again before frying. Fried goat cheese balls are crispy, salty, and tangy, and they pair well with honey, especially infused honey like spicy sage honey.
Both baked and fried goat cheese balls can be served as appetizers and are sure to impress your guests. They can be served with a variety of dips and sides, such as marinara sauce, mango dipping sauce, or honey.
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Gluten-free goat cheese balls
To make gluten-free goat cheese balls, start by rolling the goat cheese into 20-24 balls, each about a tablespoon in size. Place the balls on a plate and freeze for 30-45 minutes to firm up. While the cheese is in the freezer, prepare your coating. You can use a simple gluten-free breadcrumb and cornstarch mixture, or add spices such as smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, and salt. You can also add cornstarch or tapioca flour to the egg mixture to help the breadcrumbs stick to the goat cheese.
Once the cheese is firm, remove it from the freezer and coat each ball lightly in the egg mixture, followed by the gluten-free breadcrumbs. Fry the balls in avocado oil over medium-high heat for 1-2 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Serve immediately with a mango or marinara dipping sauce, or a drizzle of honey.
If you prefer baked goat cheese balls, simply bake the coated cheese balls in the oven at 450ºF for around 10 minutes, or until golden brown. You can also add nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the coating for a crispy, nutty flavour. Baked goat cheese balls can be served as an appetizer or added to salads, and they pair well with honey, especially if spiced with garlic and sage.
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Goat cheese balls with nuts and honey
Goat cheese balls are a delicious snack, side dish, or appetizer. They can be baked or fried, and there are many ways to make them your own. A simple way to make them is to roll soft goat cheese into balls and coat them with honey, preserves, and nuts.
For a basic goat cheese ball with nuts and honey, you will need soft goat cheese, honey, and nuts such as pecans, pistachios, or almonds. You can also add dried fruit such as cranberries, apricot, or mango, and fresh herbs like mint or basil. Form the goat cheese into bite-sized balls, then roll them in the honey and chopped nuts mixture. You can also add spices like garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, or Italian seasoning to the cheese mixture.
If you want to coat your goat cheese balls in nuts and honey, you can skip the breadcrumbs, or use regular breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs, or crushed pretzels. You can also add a sweet and salty flavor by sprinkling flaky sea salt over the goat cheese balls.
For a gluten-free option, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs or pretzels. You can serve these goat cheese balls with toothpicks or pretzel sticks, or slice them and spread them on crackers or bread. They can also be paired with meat or eggs for a more filling meal.
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Frequently asked questions
Some side dishes that go well with goat cheese balls include salads, carrot and celery sticks with hummus, and Mediterranean quinoa salad.
Some dips that go well with goat cheese balls include marinara sauce, mango sauce, and honey.
Some spices and herbs that go well with goat cheese balls include basil, paprika, garlic powder, rosemary, thyme, parsley, and chives.
Some nuts that go well with goat cheese balls include pistachios, pecans, and walnuts.
Some coatings that go well with goat cheese balls include breadcrumbs, cornstarch, and crackers.
