BAKED GOAT CHEESE BALLS

Today we’re making walnut panko baked goat cheese balls! These honey drizzled crispy goat cheese bites are baked instead of fried and make a fabulous appetizer and salad topper. I’m totally crushing on all things goat cheese right now.

It’s one of my favorite cheeses this time of year since I can roll it into logs topped with cranberries, walnuts, and pecans, stuff it into mushrooms drizzled with balsamic glaze, pipe it into tomatoes, and so. much. more. This creamy, dreamy, cheese is crazy flavorful and ideal for the appetizer-palooza that’s about to ensue.

Baked Goat Cheese Balls
Course  : Appetizer

Cuisine  : American 

Prep Time : 15 minutes 

Cook Time : 8 minutes

Total Time  : 23 minutes

Servings    : 16 servings

Calories     : 94 KCAL

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup walnuts
• 3/4 cup Italian panko breadcrumbs (panko with Italian blend seasoning mixed in)
• 2 eggs
• 2 (8 oz) goat cheese logs
• honey for drizzling
• spray olive oil as needed

Instructions

• Cut goat cheese logs into 8-12 portions each (16-24 total) and roll into balls.
• Finely chop and crush your walnuts until it resembles a coarse flour. You can do this with a rolling pin or wine bottle and a plastic bag or use a food processor to mince 'em up.
• Combine walnuts with panko in a medium bowl and set aside.
• Crack eggs into a medium bowl and whisk well.
• Working one at a time, dip the goat cheese balls into the whisked egg then into the panko bowl. Roll/sprinkle until coated on all sides.
• Place panko goat cheese balls spaced on a parchment paper lined baking sheet or plate and freeze for 30 minutes.
• When you're ready to bake, preheat oven to 465 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the goat cheese balls on top of the parchment and spray with olive oil. This will help them get crispy and golden.
• Place on the center rack and bake for 8 minutes. Depending on your oven's efficiency, check the balls at the 6-minute mark and keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
• Once fresh from the oven use a spatula to transfer to a plate or cutting board to cool. Leaving them on the hot baking sheet can make them melt. You can also try to lift the entire sheet of parchment and place on top of a cooling rack. They’ll slide around a bit when lifted, but with care the whole tray can be transferred crazy quick this way!
• Allow to cool slightly, then drizzle with honey before serving. Enjoy as part of a tasty appetizer spread or with your favorite salad!

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