Oct 16, 2023, Updated Nov 27, 2023
Goat Cheese Fritters: Why You’ll Love Them
These baked goat cheese fritters are like a classy mozza stick. Warm and gooey goat cheese with herbs belies a crispy panko topping.
They’re baked, not fried. (I sound like an old-school Lays commercial.) I used a couple good tricks to make baked goat cheese just as scrumptious as fried goat cheese giving you all the deliciousness without the grease. Crispy on the outside, soft inside. The fluffy Japanese Panko breadcrumbs create an extra-crisp coating, making these fritters irresistibly crunchy on the outside. Super easy. Goat cheese doesn’t melt and run in the same way that cream cheese or mozzarella does, making this an easy recipe that’s very forgiving.
Choose your favourite dip to serve with them them. I like this dip for mozzarella sticks. Warm tomato sauce would be delicious, too, or something snootier like an olive tapenade.
Here’s What You Need
Goat Cheese Fritter Ingredients
Let’s kick things off with the ingredients you’ll need for this simple yet tasty recipe. For the Cheese:
Goat Cheese Log: This is the star of the dish, providing the creamy, tangy base. Fresh Rosemary and Thyme: Optional, but these herbs add aromatic depth to the goat cheese.
For the Coating:
All-purpose Flour and Coarse Salt: They help the other coatings stick while adding a slight saltiness. Egg and Water: A simple egg wash mixture acts as the “glue” between the flour and the breadcrumb layers. Panko Crumbs: For that irresistible crunch. Panko has a lighter texture than other breadcrumbs, which makes an extra-crisp coating. Melted Butter: Adds richness and helps the fritters get that golden brown color to make baked goat cheese just as scrumptious as fried goat cheese.
Ingredient Variations and Substitutions
Want to mix it up a bit? Here are some simple tweaks to make this recipe your own.
Different Flavors: Swap rosemary and thyme for minced chives, oregano, basil or parsley, or omit the herbs altogether. A little garlic powder and/or black pepper would also be nice. Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour. Goat Cheese Balls: Instead of making disk shapes by slicing the log of goat cheese, you can form the goat cheese into balls using lightly dampened hands.
Grab these Tools
Get your kitchen ready. Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe.
Small Bowl: For mixing the goat cheese and herbs. Three Shallow Dishes: For the flour, egg, and breadcrumb mixtures. Parchment Paper: To line your plate and baking sheet. Baking Sheet: A basic pan where your fritters will bake to perfection.
How to Make Baked Herbed Goat Cheese Fritters: An Easy Guide
Combine the tangy goodness of goat cheese with aromatic herbs and a crispy panko coating. Bake to perfection for a simple yet indulgent appetizer.
How to Prepare the Goat Cheese Discs
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. Also, line a plate with parchment paper. In a small bowl, stir together the goat cheese, rosemary, and thyme. Roll and flatten the mixture into discs about 1/2-inch thick. Place them on the parchment-lined plate. Freeze for 10 minutes to firm them up.
How to Coat the Fritters
No messy batter to work with, just a simple coating.
Set up three separate bowls. One for flour and salt, another to whisk egg with water, and the last one for panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter. Take each goat cheese disc and coat it in flour, then egg, and finally the breadcrumb mixture. Put them back on the plate and freeze for another 30 minutes.
How to Bake the Goat Cheese Fritters
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the frozen fritters on it. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 8 minutes. You’re aiming for a golden-brown, crispy outside and a gooey, warm inside.
Deep Fried Goat Cheese Fritters Variation
Fried Variation: For a traditional fried approach, heat 2″ oil in a skillet to 350°F and fry the prepared goat cheese fritters for about 2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Work in small batches over medium heat. Drain on paper towels.
Air Fryer Goat Cheese Fritters Variation
Air Fryer Variation: To air fry, preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Spray the goat cheese fritters with cooking spray and cook in a single layer (you may have to work in batches) for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re crispy and golden.
How to Know When the Goat Cheese Fritters Are Done
You don’t want to cut into a fritter only to find it’s not ready. So, how do you know when they’re done? Here’s how:
Temperature Check: Use a kitchen thermometer. The internal temperature should reach at least 145°F. This ensures the middle is gooey perfection and not still cold. Visual Cues: Look for a golden-brown exterior. The coating should be crispy, not soggy. Touch Test: Gently press the fritter. It should give a little and be softened in the middle.
If your fritters meet these criteria, they’re ready to be devoured.
Make Ahead and Storage
Quick tips for those looking to prep in advance or save some for later.
Freezing: You can prepare the goat cheese discs and coat them as directed, then freeze them on a parchment-lined plate before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time. Refrigerating: Once baked, these fritters can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through. Room Temperature: If serving within a few hours, it’s okay to leave the fritters out at room temperature. However, they’re best when fresh and hot.
How to Serve this Baked Herbed Goat Cheese Fritters Recipe
Serving ideas to make the most out of this tasty appetizer.
Dips: Pair these fritters with a variety of dips to suit all tastes. Think lemon yogurt sauce, ranch dressing, warm tomato sauce, or an olive tapenade for more adventurous palettes.
Presentation: Serve on a platter with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for color. Lemon wedges on the side add a fresh touch. A drizzle of honey is also delicious. Side Dish: These fritters make a great side dish to a main course like lemon pepper honey chicken or grilled flank steak. They can also be served as part of a tapas-style meal with other small dishes. Main Dish: They also make a delicious addition to a main-course lunch salad, like couscous salad with lemon dressing , watermelon goat cheese salad with mint or strawberry spinach salad with goat cheese and almonds.
Common Mistakes When Making Goat Cheese Fritters
Here are the most frequent mix-ups to avoid when making Baked Herbed Goat Cheese Fritters:
Skipping the Freezing Step: Freezing the goat cheese discs helps them hold their shape while baking. Don’t skip this or you’ll end up with melted blobs. Overmixing the Goat Cheese and Herbs: Mix just until the herbs are evenly distributed. Overmixing can make the cheese too soft. Overcrowding the Baking Sheet: Give each fritter enough space. If they’re too close, they might not crisp up properly.
Just skimming through? Here are some quick answers to the commonly-asked questions: Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?Yes, you can use dried herbs instead of fresh, but you’ll need less. Dried herbs are more potent, so around 1/4 tsp of each should suffice. Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?Yes, for a gluten-free option, you can use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and gluten-free all-purpose flour. Can I make these fritters ahead of time?Absolutely, you can prepare and freeze the fritters. Just remember to bake them a bit longer when you’re ready to serve. What’s the best dipping sauce for these fritters?For dipping, you have options. Ranch, warm marinara, or olive tapenade would all be great choices. It’s up to you. How should I store any leftover fritters?Leftover fritters can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. To re-crisp them, reheat in a 350°F oven. What foods pair well with goat cheese?Goat cheese pairs well with a variety of foods. Fruits like strawberries, nuts like almonds, and herbs like basil are all good options. What types of wine work well with goat cheese?For wine pairing, light and crisp wines like Sauvignon Blanc are a good fit. If you prefer reds, Pinot Noir also works well. What happens when you heat goat cheese?When you heat goat cheese, it softens but won’t become as runny as cream cheese or mozzarella.
Final Notes, Pro Tips + Science-Based Secrets
Unlock the full potential of your baked goat cheese fritters with these key takeaways:
Fluffy Panko: Opt for Japanese Panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crispier texture. Butter Matters: A little melted butter in the panko mixture adds fat and helps with browning, making your baked fritters taste more like they’re fried. Oven Position: Bake on the middle rack for even heat distribution. Check Internal Temp: Use a digital thermometer to ensure the fritters have reached an internal temperature of 145°F; this ensures the cheese is hot and gooey inside. Quick Serve: Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor, as the cheese is gooey and the coating is at its crispiest.
Don’t bread your fingers.
To bread the goat cheese fritters, you need three bowls: one with flour, one with egg, and one with the breadcrumbs. The egg gives the breadcrumbs something to hold onto and the flour gives the egg something to hold onto. The trick to keeping your hands clean is using one hand to dip in the egg and the other to dip in the dry ingredients. Otherwise, you’ll have monster fingers, heavily coated in breadcrumbs, by the time you’re finished. I’ve been breading things for over a decade and this is still tricky for my feeble brain to manage. Godspeed, friends. Keep paper towel nearby anyway.
Put your freezer to work.
A quick trip to the icebox keeps the cheese from melting before the coating gets crispy in the oven. Let them firm up completely before baking. Use Cold Cheese: Start with chilled goat cheese; it’s easier to shape and holds its form better during the coating process. Freeze Twice: Freezing the discs before and after coating ensures they hold their shape while baking.
Other Delicious Appetizers to Try
Planning a party? Put these super popular nibbles on your list of recipes to try next:
Other Appetizers to Try
Feel free to explore these options and find your next favorite appetizer!
