Welcome to your new favorite appetizer obsession: Fried Goat Cheese with Tarragon + Honey! Imagine golden, crispy rounds of creamy goat cheese, perfumed with fresh tarragon and finished with a glossy drizzle of honey. This delightfully easy yet impressive dish hits all the right notes—crunchy, tangy, herby, and sweet. Whether you want a show-stopping party starter or an unforgettable salad topper, this Fried Goat Cheese with Tarragon + Honey is seriously something special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Fried Goat Cheese with Tarragon + Honey recipe keeps things simple but packs big, balanced flavor into every bite. Each ingredient is carefully chosen, so don’t skip any—you’ll appreciate their unique contributions to taste, color, and texture.
- Goat cheese (8 ounces, soft, log-style): Opt for a creamy, tangy goat cheese log—it’s easy to slice and delivers that signature flavor.
- Fresh tarragon (1 tablespoon, finely chopped): Brings a fresh, licorice-like aroma that makes each bite pop with brightness.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Forms the crucial first layer of coating that helps the panko stick.
- Large egg (1, beaten): Acts as the binder, ensuring a beautifully crisp crust.
- Panko breadcrumbs (3/4 cup): Japanese panko gives that irresistible crunch and lightness.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Seasons the coating for extra flavor with every mouthful.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A simple kick of spice to complement the cheese and herbs.
- Vegetable oil (for frying): Neutral and ideal for achieving a golden, even fry.
- Honey (2 tablespoons): A sweet drizzle at the end unites all the flavors beautifully.
- Extra tarragon leaves (for garnish, optional): A fragrant finishing touch that looks and tastes gorgeous.
How to Make Fried Goat Cheese with Tarragon + Honey
Step 1: Slice and Shape the Goat Cheese
Start by slicing your goat cheese log into 1/2-inch thick rounds. If the cheese is a little too soft and sticky (common with creamy goat cheese!), stick it in the freezer for about 10 to 15 minutes—just enough to firm up and make clean slicing a breeze. Once you have your rounds, give each one a gentle press to slightly flatten and tidy up the edges. This will help them fry up evenly and look extra polished on your platter.
Step 2: Add the Fresh Tarragon
Sprinkle your finely chopped fresh tarragon evenly over the tops of the goat cheese rounds. Gently press the herbs onto the cheese so they really stick—this infuses each bite with the tarragon’s bright, subtly sweet flavor. Don’t be shy; that herbaceous pop is what sets these apart!
Step 3: Set Up Your Breading Station
Time to prep your coating station! Grab three shallow bowls or plates: one for the flour, one for your beaten egg, and one for the panko breadcrumbs mixed with salt and pepper. This assembly line keeps things neat and guarantees an even, crunchy finish.
Step 4: Bread the Goat Cheese Rounds
Coat each cheese round first in flour (tap off any excess), then dip it into the egg until fully coated, and finally press it into the panko mixture. Make sure every bit of the surface is covered with those crispy crumbs. Place the coated rounds on a plate and pop them in the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes; this short chill helps the crust stay intact while frying and keeps everything gorgeously crisp.
Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection
Pour about 1/2 inch vegetable oil into a sturdy skillet and heat it over medium heat until it’s hot and shimmering. Add your chilled goat cheese rounds in batches—don’t overcrowd the pan! Fry for about 1 to 2 minutes per side, turning gently, until both sides are beautifully golden brown and crisp. Immediately transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain away any extra oil.
Step 6: Finish with Honey and Garnish
While the rounds are still warm, arrange them on your serving plate, then drizzle generously with honey. For a final luxurious touch, scatter extra fresh tarragon leaves over the top. The result is a fabulous plate of Fried Goat Cheese with Tarragon + Honey—ready for their show-stopping moment!
How to Serve Fried Goat Cheese with Tarragon + Honey
Garnishes
The finishing touches matter! Besides a glossy honey drizzle and extra tarragon, consider a few grinds of black pepper or even a pinch of flaky sea salt. A handful of microgreens or edible flowers instantly adds a restaurant-worthy flourish to your Fried Goat Cheese with Tarragon + Honey.
Side Dishes
This appetizer pairs beautifully with peppery arugula salads, crusty baguette slices, or a platter of fresh fruit. The creamy, crispy, sweet-savory notes mean you can get creative with sides—try roasted nuts, fig jam, or even ultra-thin pear slices. With Fried Goat Cheese with Tarragon + Honey, any side that adds contrasting texture or a little acidity is a winner.
Creative Ways to Present
Present these gems atop crostini for the ultimate canape, or stack a couple on a salad for a memorable starter. Thread them onto skewers for bite-size party snacks, or nestle alongside fruit preserves for a cheese board twist. However you serve Fried Goat Cheese with Tarragon + Honey, prepare for rave reviews!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have any leftovers, place cooled fried goat cheese rounds in a single layer in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Avoid stacking them directly on top of each other to prevent the crispy coating from getting soggy.
Freezing
Want to make a batch of Fried Goat Cheese with Tarragon + Honey in advance? After breading (but before frying), arrange the rounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag; they’ll keep for up to 1 month. Fry straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the cook time.
Reheating
For maximum crispiness, reheat fried rounds in a 350°F (175°C) oven or air fryer for about 6 to 8 minutes, flipping once. Microwaving works in a pinch but won’t give you that signature crunch. Drizzle with honey again right before serving for the freshest flavor.
FAQs
Can I use dried tarragon instead of fresh?
Fresh tarragon really shines in this recipe, offering bright, aromatic notes. If you only have dried, use half the amount (since dried is more concentrated) and sprinkle it sparingly. The flavor will be a bit more subtle, but Fried Goat Cheese with Tarragon + Honey will still taste wonderful.
What’s the best way to slice soft goat cheese cleanly?
Freezing the goat cheese log for 10-15 minutes firms it up and allows for smooth, even cuts without smushing. Use a sharp, thin-bladed knife, wiping it between slices for the neatest results!
Is there a gluten-free version of this dish?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for almond flour and choose gluten-free panko or breadcrumbs. Every other part of Fried Goat Cheese with Tarragon + Honey remains the same—no one will guess it’s gluten-free!
Can I make these in advance for a party?
Definitely. You can bread the goat cheese rounds and refrigerate them, uncooked, for up to a day in advance. Fry just before your guests arrive, then finish with the honey and tarragon for a fresh, crowd-pleasing appetizer.
What oil is best for frying?
Opt for a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil. This ensures your Fried Goat Cheese with Tarragon + Honey fries up golden and crisp without any extra flavors.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend Fried Goat Cheese with Tarragon + Honey enough—it’s the kind of appetizer that makes any meal feel like an occasion. Give it a try and watch it disappear in minutes. Trust me, after one bite, you’ll be dreaming up all sorts of occasions just to make (and share) it again!
Print
Fried Goat Cheese with Tarragon + Honey Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the crispy, savory delight of Fried Goat Cheese with Tarragon and a drizzle of sweet honey. These golden-brown cheese rounds are bursting with herb-infused flavor, making them a perfect appetizer or snack for any occasion.
Ingredients
Goat Cheese Rounds:
- 8 ounces goat cheese (soft, log-style)
- 1 tablespoon fresh tarragon (finely chopped)
Breading:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg (beaten)
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Additional:
- vegetable oil for frying
- 2 tablespoons honey
- extra tarragon leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Slice and Prepare: Cut the goat cheese into rounds, sprinkle tarragon, and reshape.
- Breading Station: Coat rounds in flour, egg, and panko. Chill.
- Fry: Fry rounds until golden and crispy.
- Serve: Drizzle with honey, garnish, and enjoy!
Notes
- Serve warm over salad, crostini, or preserves.
- For a gluten-free option, use almond flour and GF breadcrumbs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1–2 cheese rounds
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 240 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
