If you’re looking for a dish that brings together creamy, crispy, fresh, and sweet all in one bite, this Fried Goat Cheese with Tarragon and Honey Recipe is a total winner. The golden crust encases the luscious goat cheese center, while the tarragon adds an unexpectedly bright herbal note, and just a drizzle of honey brings everything together with a kiss of natural sweetness. It’s the kind of recipe that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to whip up, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Fried Goat Cheese with Tarragon and Honey Recipe plays a crucial role in building the ideal balance of flavors and textures. From the tangy goat cheese to the crunchy panko breadcrumbs and the fragrant tarragon, every element brings something essential to the table.
- 8 oz fresh goat cheese log: The star of the show, offering a tangy and creamy contrast to the crispy coating.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Helps the egg wash stick and creates a base layer for the breading.
- 2 large eggs, beaten: Acts as a glue to hold the breadcrumbs firmly on the cheese slices.
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs: Provides a light, airy crunch that’s much kinder than traditional breadcrumbs.
- 1 tbsp fresh tarragon, chopped (or 1 tsp dried tarragon): Adds a lovely herbal brightness that elevates the entire dish.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Balances the flavors and seasons the breading perfectly.
- 1/4 cup olive oil (for frying): Delivers a rich frying medium ensuring a golden, crispy crust without overpowering the flavors.
- 2 tbsp honey (for drizzling): Offers a sweet contrast that makes every bite irresistible.
- Fresh tarragon leaves, for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh herbal touch for presentation and aroma.
How to Make Fried Goat Cheese with Tarragon and Honey Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Goat Cheese
Start by slicing your fresh goat cheese log into rounds about half an inch thick. You’ll get roughly 8 slices from an 8 oz log. This thickness ensures the cheese won’t melt completely out of the coating while frying, maintaining that perfect creamy center you’re after. Place the slices on a plate and set them aside for the breading process.
Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station
Make this step easy by preparing three shallow bowls. One should hold the flour, which helps the egg adhere better; the second gets the beaten eggs, acting as the adhesive layer; and the third combines the panko breadcrumbs mixed with the chopped tarragon along with salt and pepper, infusing the coating with flavor. Having everything ready makes breading the cheese a smooth, methodical task.
Step 3: Bread the Goat Cheese Slices
Now for the fun part. Take each slice of goat cheese and dredge it lightly in the flour—this dry step is key for that crispy crust. Then dip it completely in the beaten eggs to coat thoroughly, followed by pressing both sides into the panko mixture. Be generous with the panko; the more even the coating, the better the crunch and taste. Repeat this for all slices, making sure each is well covered.
Step 4: Fry the Goat Cheese
Heat your olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering hot. Carefully add the breaded goat cheese slices without overcrowding the pan. Fry each side for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. Be gentle while flipping the slices, as the cheese tends to be delicate. The goal is to get that crispy outside while keeping the inside perfectly creamy.
Step 5: Drizzle with Honey and Garnish
Once fried, transfer the slices to a paper towel-lined plate to soak up any excess oil—this step keeps your bites crisp and not greasy. Then, drizzle the warm fried goat cheese liberally with honey, which melts slightly into the crispy crust and cheese beneath, creating a delightful sweet-savory contrast. Optional fresh tarragon leaves on top add a charming touch and emphasize the herbaceous notes in the dish.
How to Serve Fried Goat Cheese with Tarragon and Honey Recipe
Garnishes
For a simple yet elegant presentation, finish the dish with a few extra fresh tarragon leaves right before serving. The bright green leaves add a fresh color contrast and a mild anise-like fragrance that complements the honey and crispy cheese perfectly. You can also sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt to elevate the flavors even further.
Side Dishes
This fried goat cheese recipe pairs beautifully with light, fresh sides to balance its richness. Consider crisp mixed green salads dressed with a tangy vinaigrette or a bed of roasted vegetables. You can also use these fried cheese slices as a fantastic topping for warm grain bowls or alongside crusty artisan bread for a more rustic appetizer experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress your guests even more? Serve the fried goat cheese in mini tart shells with a drizzle of honey and a sprig of tarragon for elegant bite-sized treats. Alternatively, create a layered salad with the cheese on top, drizzled with honey and scattered herbs, offering visual appeal and a burst of flavor in every forkful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, place the fried goat cheese slices in an airtight container lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Store in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep in mind that the crust will soften over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh but still delicious when reheated properly.
Freezing
Freezing fried goat cheese isn’t ideal as the texture of the cheese changes and the coating may become soggy upon thawing. If you want to prepare in advance, it’s better to freeze the breaded cheese slices before frying. Simply freeze them on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready, fry directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the cooking time.
Reheating
To enjoy your leftovers with the crispiness intact, reheat gently in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the coating soggy and the texture less pleasant. This method revives the crunch and keeps the cheese warm and gooey inside.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese for this recipe?
While goat cheese is the star here for its creamy and tangy profile, you can experiment with other soft cheeses like feta or ricotta salata. Just be mindful that firmer cheeses may not melt the same way and softer varieties might fall apart during frying.
What if I don’t have fresh tarragon?
Dried tarragon works fine as a substitute—just use about one-third of the fresh amount as dried herbs are more concentrated. You can also try other herbs with a mild licorice note like fennel fronds or anise seeds, but the unique flavor of tarragon is what truly makes this recipe shine.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
This recipe is already vegetarian since it uses no meat or animal-derived rennet if you choose vegetarian-friendly goat cheese. Just double-check the cheese label to be sure your goat cheese is suitable.
Can I bake the goat cheese instead of frying?
Baking is possible and will yield a different texture—less crispy but still delicious. Coat the cheese slices the same way and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes until golden. The honey drizzle afterward remains essential to mimic that sweet contrast.
How do I prevent the goat cheese from melting too much during frying?
Ensuring your slices are at least 1/2 inch thick helps maintain a creamy center without the cheese melting out completely. Also, keep your oil at medium heat; if it’s too hot, the coating browns too fast while the cheese inside overheats and leaks out.
Final Thoughts
This Fried Goat Cheese with Tarragon and Honey Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite indulgent treats, combining textures and flavors that are simply irresistible. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer to wow guests or making a cozy snack for yourself, this recipe offers shine-worthy sophistication with wonderfully simple ingredients. Don’t wait to try it—you’ll be so glad you did!
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Fried Goat Cheese with Tarragon and Honey Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: French
Description
This recipe features crispy fried goat cheese rounds infused with fresh tarragon and drizzled with sweet honey. Perfect as an elegant appetizer, snack, or salad topper, the creamy goat cheese contrasts beautifully with the crunchy panko coating and aromatic herbs, complemented by the natural sweetness of honey.
Ingredients
Cheese
- 8 oz fresh goat cheese log
Breading
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp fresh tarragon, chopped (or 1 tsp dried tarragon)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Frying & Garnish
- 1/4 cup olive oil (for frying)
- 2 tbsp honey (for drizzling)
- Fresh tarragon leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Goat Cheese: Slice the goat cheese log into 1/2-inch thick rounds, yielding about 8 slices. Arrange the slices on a plate and set aside.
- Set Up Breading Station: Place the flour in one shallow bowl. Beat the eggs in a second shallow bowl. In a third shallow bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with chopped fresh tarragon, salt, and pepper.
- Bread the Goat Cheese: Lightly coat each goat cheese slice in flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally press evenly into the panko mixture to coat both sides thoroughly. Repeat for all slices.
- Fry the Goat Cheese: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When hot, carefully place the breaded goat cheese slices into the skillet. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy, handling gently to keep the cheese intact.
- Drizzle with Honey: Transfer the fried goat cheese to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Drizzle with honey and garnish with fresh tarragon leaves if desired.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately as a delightful appetizer, snack, or as a flavorful addition to salads.
Notes
- Use fresh goat cheese for the best texture and flavor.
- Be gentle when frying and flipping to prevent the cheese from breaking.
- The honey drizzle adds a lovely sweet contrast to the savory fried cheese.
- Fresh tarragon enhances the herbaceous flavor but dried can be substituted if needed.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the crispy texture.
