If you’re searching for an appetizer that’s as dazzling to look at as it is crave-worthy, Fried Goat Cheese with Tarragon + Honey is a show-stopping favorite you’ll want to share at every gathering. Tangy goat cheese melds with aromatic tarragon and gets a crispy coat, then is crowned with golden honey—a combination that’s sophisticated yet totally approachable. Each bite delivers a balance of flavors and textures, making this the sort of dish friends will request on repeat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every part of this Fried Goat Cheese with Tarragon + Honey recipe plays a starring role: the goat cheese’s creaminess, fragrant tarragon, and a light yet crunchy panko coating. With a handful of pantry staples and a little fresh herb magic, you’ll turn out bites that are equal parts rustic and refined.
- Goat Cheese (8 ounces, log-style): Choose a log for easy mixing and forming; its tangy richness is the heart of this dish.
- Fresh Tarragon (1 tablespoon, finely chopped): Brings a gentle aniseed note for a truly elegant flavor boost.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds subtle warmth that plays perfectly with the cheese and honey.
- All-Purpose Flour (1/2 cup): Helps create an even base coat so the panko sticks beautifully.
- Egg (1, beaten): Acts as the “glue” for getting that ultra-crisp panko layer to adhere.
- Panko Breadcrumbs (1 cup): Japanese-style flakes that make every bite satisfyingly crunchy.
- Vegetable Oil (for frying): Pick a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like canola or sunflower, for perfect crisping.
- Honey (2 tablespoons): Drizzled over the top for a luscious contrast to the salty, herby cheese.
- Extra Tarragon Leaves (for garnish, optional): For a pop of green and a final hint of herbal freshness.
How to Make Fried Goat Cheese with Tarragon + Honey
Step 1: Mix the Cheese and Herbs
Start by combining the goat cheese, finely chopped fresh tarragon, and black pepper in a small bowl. Use a fork or your hands to gently blend everything together until it’s well-marbled with tiny flecks of green. This quick step infuses the entire cheese with fresh, aromatic flavor and ensures every bite of Fried Goat Cheese with Tarragon + Honey is as lively as the last.
Step 2: Shape and Chill
Scoop out small amounts of the cheese mixture and decide if you want elegant discs or playful little balls—both work beautifully! Shape the mixture to about half an inch thick for discs, or roll into walnut-sized balls. Place them on a parchment-lined tray and pop into the freezer for 15–20 minutes, just until they firm up. This chilling time helps the cheese hold its shape while being breaded and fried.
Step 3: Bread the Goat Cheese
Set up a classic breading station with three shallow bowls: flour in the first, the beaten egg in the second, and panko in the third. Roll each piece of goat cheese carefully in the flour (tap off excess), then dip fully in egg, and finally coat with panko, pressing gently so the crumbs adhere all over. This triple-layered process is what creates the irresistible crunch Fried Goat Cheese with Tarragon + Honey is known for!
Step 4: Fry Until Golden
Pour about 1 inch of vegetable oil into a sturdy skillet and heat over medium until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Fry the breaded goat cheese pieces in batches, giving them space, for 1 to 2 minutes per side, turning as needed to achieve an even, deep golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and finish crisping.
Step 5: Drizzle Honey and Garnish
While the cheese is still warm, generously drizzle each piece with fragrant honey, letting it ooze into every crevice. Sprinkle a few fresh tarragon leaves on top for garnish if you’d like that extra flourish. Serve the Fried Goat Cheese with Tarragon + Honey immediately so diners experience that magical combination of hot, creamy interior and sweet, crispy coating.
How to Serve Fried Goat Cheese with Tarragon + Honey
Garnishes
For a visually stunning plate, a final flourish of extra fresh tarragon leaves or a dusting of cracked black pepper makes your Fried Goat Cheese with Tarragon + Honey look restaurant-worthy. You can even scatter a few edible flowers or microgreens to really make the platter pop at a dinner party.
Side Dishes
These little golden morsels adore the company of vibrant salads. Think peppery arugula, juicy pear slices, or a simple tomato salad dressed lightly with olive oil and lemon. The tangy, creamy cheese paired with something fresh and crisp is irresistibly good. Crostini or thin multigrain crackers also make perfect partners!
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Fried Goat Cheese with Tarragon + Honey into a showpiece by stacking the rounds atop lightly dressed greens, or skewering the balls on bamboo picks for elegant cocktail party bites. For a casual afternoon, tuck them into a picnic basket with seasonal fruit and rustic bread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra pieces (lucky you!), store the cooled, cooked Fried Goat Cheese with Tarragon + Honey in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep for 2–3 days, though the outer crunch is best on the first day.
Freezing
These adapt well to freezing before frying: simply bread them, then arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag, and you’ll have a stash of ready-to-fry appetizers for up to one month—just fry straight from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the cook time.
Reheating
To re-crisp, warm leftovers in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 minutes; avoid microwaving, since it can make the crust soggy. The oven revives that drop-dead gorgeous texture, making your Fried Goat Cheese with Tarragon + Honey taste freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use dried tarragon instead of fresh?
Fresh tarragon delivers a brightness and aroma that dried just can’t match. However, if dried is all you have, use about one-third the amount and add a squeeze of lemon for freshness.
Is there a substitute for goat cheese?
While the tang of goat cheese is distinctive, creamy feta or even cream cheese can work in a pinch. The texture and flavor will change, but the result is still delicious!
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely—just swap in a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. The technique for making Fried Goat Cheese with Tarragon + Honey stays exactly the same.
What oil is best for frying?
Neutral, high-smoke-point oils like canola, sunflower, or grapeseed are ideal. They don’t compete with the delicate flavors and ensure a crisp, golden crust.
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes! You can shape and bread the goat cheese pieces several hours or even a day in advance. Just keep them chilled on a tray, tightly covered, and fry when you’re ready to wow your guests.
Final Thoughts
There’s something about Fried Goat Cheese with Tarragon + Honey that never fails to bring people together—each piece is a little burst of joy on the plate. Whether it’s for a lively dinner party or a cozy night in, I hope you give this recipe a try and let it become the highlight of your next gathering. You may just find yourself making extra, “just in case”!
Print
Fried Goat Cheese with Tarragon + Honey Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 pieces 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the crispy, golden perfection of Fried Goat Cheese with a hint of aromatic tarragon and a drizzle of honey. These delectable morsels are a delightful appetizer for any occasion, offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Goat Cheese Mixture:
- 8 ounces goat cheese (log-style)
- 1 tablespoon fresh tarragon, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Breading:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Additional:
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Extra tarragon leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Goat Cheese: Mix goat cheese, tarragon, and black pepper. Shape into balls or discs and freeze.
- Breading Station: Set up flour, beaten egg, and panko in separate bowls. Coat cheese in flour, egg, and panko.
- Fry: Heat oil, fry cheese until golden brown, and drain on paper towels.
- Finish: Drizzle with honey, garnish with tarragon, and serve.
Notes
- Enhance with lemon zest for added flavor.
- Pairs well with arugula salad or crostini.
- Prepare ahead and fry just before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 15 minutes chilling)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
