Crispy Goat Cheese Bites

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 3 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Welcome to a delightful little treat that packs a punch of flavor and texture: Crispy Goat Cheese Bites. These are not just your average cheese snacks; they're a perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and crunchy goodness. Perfect for entertaining or as a sophisticated snack, they're sure to impress.

Ingredients for Crispy Goat Cheese Bites

Goat cheese is the star of this dish, providing a creamy and tangy contrast to the crispy coating. Gluten-free panko breadcrumbs add that essential crunch while keeping it celiac-friendly. Rice flour helps the coating adhere to the cheese, ensuring an even fry. Eggs act as the binding agent, holding everything together. A touch of salt and black pepper enhances all flavors, while dried thyme and garlic powder add aromatic depth. Finally, Parmesan cheese gives an extra savory kick to the coating.

Tips & Tricks

  • Freeze the goat cheese longer if you want a firmer center.
  • Ensure your oil is hot enough to prevent the cheese from soaking it up.
  • If you’re not gluten-free, regular panko works just as well.

Serving Suggestions

These crispy bites pair wonderfully with a fresh arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette. For a more decadent spread, offer alongside fig jam or a spicy honey drizzle. They also make a great addition to a cheese board with assorted nuts and fruits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare these in advance?
Yes, you can freeze the breaded cheese rounds and fry them just before serving.
Can I bake instead of fry?
Sure! Bake at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What if I don’t have rice flour?
Cornstarch can be a good substitute to help the coating adhere.

Crispy Goat Cheese Bites Recipe Walkthrough

Start by slicing your goat cheese into 1-inch rounds. To make sure they hold their shape during frying, pop them in the freezer for about 20 minutes. While they chill, set up your breading station with three bowls. In the first bowl, mix the rice flour, salt, and black pepper. In the second, beat the eggs. Finally, combine the gluten-free panko, Parmesan, thyme, and garlic powder in the third bowl.

Once the cheese is firm, dip each round into the flour mix, then into the eggs, and finally coat them with the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to ensure the coating sticks. Heat some vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat until it shimmers—this means it's ready for frying.

Carefully place the cheese rounds in the hot oil in small batches, frying them for about 1-2 minutes per side. You'll want them golden and crispy. As each batch finishes, remove them with a slotted spoon and let them drain on paper towels. This will help keep them from getting greasy.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Gluten-free, yet satisfyingly crispy.
  • Elevates any appetizer spread with minimal effort.
  • Quick to prepare, making it ideal for impromptu gatherings.
  • The blend of herbs and cheese creates a rich, flavorful profile.
  • Freezing the cheese ensures it doesn't melt away when frying.

Ingredients

8 oz goat cheese
1 cup gluten-free panko breadcrumbs
2 large eggs
1/2 cup rice flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetable oil for frying

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Slice the goat cheese into 1-inch rounds and freeze for 20 minutes.
2. Prepare a breading station with three bowls: one with rice flour, salt, and pepper; another with beaten eggs; and the third with a mix of gluten-free panko, Parmesan cheese, thyme, and garlic powder.
3. Dip each cheese round in the flour, then the egg, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
5. Fry goat cheese rounds in batches for 1-2 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.
6. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

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