Description
This Fried Goat Cheese recipe features creamy goat cheese discs breaded and fried to golden perfection, then coated with flavorful za’atar. Quick to prepare and perfect as an appetizer or snack, these crispy yet tender cheese bites offer a delightful Middle Eastern twist with the earthy za’atar spice blend.
Ingredients
Cheese
- 10 ounce log goat cheese
Dredging Station
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (plus more if needed)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (plus more if needed)
Coating
- 1/4 cup za’atar
- Extra virgin olive oil, about 2 tablespoons for frying
Instructions
- Freeze the cheese: Freeze the goat cheese log for 15 minutes to make it easier to slice and help it hold its shape during frying.
- Prepare a dredging station: Crack the egg into a shallow bowl, add 1 tablespoon of water, and whisk together. Place bowls with flour and breadcrumbs nearby for coating. Set a plate with za’atar aside for final coating.
- Slice the cheese: Remove the cheese from the freezer and packaging, then slice it into 1/2-inch thick discs.
- Dredge the cheese: Dip each goat cheese disc first into the egg mixture, then coat with flour, followed by breadcrumbs. Shake off excess coating and lay them on a large cutting board or tray. Replenish the flour and breadcrumbs as needed.
- Fry: Heat about 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the cheese discs in the pan without overcrowding. Fry for about 30 seconds until golden brown on one side, then flip and fry the other side similarly. Remove and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Coat with za’atar: While the cheese is still hot, roll each fried disc in the za’atar spice on the plate, shaking off any excess.
- Serve: Arrange the za’atar-coated fried goat cheese discs on a serving plate and serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Freezing the cheese slightly is key to maintaining shape during frying.
- Use a nonstick skillet and medium-high heat for even, quick frying.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when frying to ensure proper browning.
- The za’atar coating adds a delicious herbal and tangy flavor that complements the creamy goat cheese.
- Serve immediately for optimal crispness; leftovers may lose crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
