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Pioneer Woman Goat Cheese Balls Recipe

Pioneer Woman Goat Cheese Balls Recipe


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4.7 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Goat Cheese Balls offer a delightful Mediterranean-inspired appetizer with creamy cheese rolled in fragrant herbs and crispy pine nuts. Guests will adore these elegant small bites that combine rich tangy flavors with delicate herbal notes for an irresistible starter perfect for entertaining.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 packages (4 ounces/113 grams each) goat cheese (chevre), chilled
  • 2 whole eggs
  • 2 cups (about 240 grams) pretzels, finely ground
  • ½ cup (60 grams) all-purpose flour

Liquid and Cooking Ingredients:

  • Olive oil, enough to fill the pan to ½ inch (1.27 centimeters) depth for frying

Serving and Garnish:

  • Marinara sauce, for dipping
  • Minced parsley, for garnishing

Instructions

  1. Transform pretzels into delicate crumbs using a food processor or blender, ensuring a uniformly fine texture. Distribute the crumbs into a shallow bowl. In a separate vessel, whisk eggs with 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) of water to create a smooth egg wash. Arrange flour in a third shallow container, establishing a streamlined breading workflow.
  2. Stabilize goat cheese by briefly chilling in the refrigerator for approximately 20 minutes if exceptionally soft. Carefully partition each cheese package into four substantial, uniform slices using a sharp knife.
  3. Initiate the breading process by gently coating each cheese slice in flour, meticulously removing excess. Submerge the floured slice into the egg wash, ensuring comprehensive coverage. Roll thoroughly in pretzel crumbs, creating a crisp, even exterior. Transfer prepared slices to a clean plate.
  4. Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, aiming for a temperature that allows 1/2 inch (1.3 centimeters) of oil depth without smoking. Gently introduce four cheese slices into the heated oil, monitoring for a golden-brown transformation. Cook for roughly 45 seconds, then delicately flip using a slotted spoon. Continue frying an additional 30-45 seconds until achieving a uniform, crispy exterior. Transfer fried morsels to a paper towel-lined plate for excess oil absorption. Repeat the process with remaining slices.
  5. Present the crispy goat cheese immediately, accompanied by marinara sauce for dipping. Enhance visual appeal and flavor by sprinkling freshly minced parsley as a vibrant garnish.

Notes

  • Chill goat cheese in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to make slicing smooth and prevent crumbling during preparation.
  • Crush pretzels into ultra-fine, uniform crumbs to ensure a perfectly crispy exterior when frying the cheese balls.
  • Monitor oil temperature carefully using a kitchen thermometer, adjusting heat to achieve golden-brown coating without burning the delicate cheese.
  • Fry cheese slices in small batches to maintain consistent oil temperature and allow easy turning for even cooking.
  • Serve immediately after frying to enjoy maximum crispiness, pairing with warm marinara sauce and sprinkled fresh parsley for a gourmet touch.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 470 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 750 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 16 g
  • Cholesterol: 210 mg