This Fried Goat Cheese Ball recipe from The Whole Smiths is inspired by the Bravo TV show, Vanderpump Rules and it’s infamous SUR. A gluten-free dupe of the original is also available and is sure to be a hit with all the Bravoholics.
Fried goat cheese balls, a Vanderpump classic.
Are you even a true fan of Vanderpump Rules if you’ve never craved one of their infamous fried goat cheese balls? I think not. Time after time, episode after episode, I’ve wondered what these damn goat cheese balls could taste like. I mean, they’re fried and it’s cheese. What isn’t there to love? What about them can be so dang addicting that it kept Stassi coming back for them years after she had already left? And can I make these gluten-free fried goat cheese balls?
In full transparency, being gluten-free I’ve never been able to try the OG fried goat cheese balls from SUR. But friends who have can confirm that indeed, these are like the goat cheese balls served at Sur. In fact, one even said they were better. Please don’t tell Lisa that though. Or tell her, I don’t care.
Fried goat cheese balls for your Vanderpump reunion.
With the impending Vanderpump Rules reunion, Scandoval edition, looming, I decided it was time for us to have a proper goat cheese ball recipe to enjoy while we hear all about the timeline. When did this start? When did Schwartz really know? How long what this happening?? I got cracking.
In fact, I made a few different recipes to enjoy throughout the three part reunion. First we have the anchor, Sandoval, the Cocktail. It’s a lighter twist on a Long Island Iced Tea. A relic of the 70’s if you will, much like Sandoval himself. A Chicken + Waffle Cocktail to celebrate our “frenemy” Schwartz. And a pasta aptly nicknamed, It’s Not About the Pasta Pasta, a Gluten-Free Crispy Artichoke Carbonara.
All of these recipes can be made gluten-free. All of these recipes are crowd pleasers. And none of these recipes would cheat on your long-term boyfriend.
How to make fried goat cheese balls.
I wish I had know how easy it was to make these delicious, melty, balls of goodness in my own kitchen all these years. I’d have been making them for every reunion along the way. Not to mention, it’s a cost efficient way to feed a hungry crowd that loves classy food and trashy TV.
You’ll want to shape and roll about 2 teaspoons of goat cheese to form the perfect bite. While you can always roll smaller or larger goat cheese balls, I find that 2 teaspoons seems to be about just the right amount for a perfect and satisfying bite.
After you roll the goat cheese into balls, you’ll want to pop them into the freezer for about 30 to 45 minutes. This will firm the balls up (oh gawd) enough so that when you add them to the fryer they don’t start melting immediately and will help them retain their shape.
Once the balls have frozen, you’ll want to coat them lightly in a layer of corn starch or tapioca flour. Either will do the trick in helping the egg and subsequent breadcrumbs stick to the goat cheese. When you dip them into the egg, make sure to let the excess egg drip off. You’ll want just enough to make it sticky, not gummy.
After you’ve finished coating with the egg, you’ll want to dip them into some breadcrumbs, fry and you’re on your way to enjoy the best fried goat cheese balls.
How to make your fried goat cheese balls gluten-free.
It is so easy to swap these goat cheese balls into gluten-free goat cheese balls. All you will need to do is use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Fortunately they are easier and easier to find these days.
You can find a wide variety of gluten-free breadcrumbs on Amazon. While any will work, my favorite are from Aleia’s. The consistency and flavor most closely mimic traditional breadcrumbs.
Two ways to serve your fried goat cheese balls.
The traditional way that SUR serves its goat cheese balls is on top of a smattering of vegetables with a mango dipping sauce. I did away with the smattering of vegetables. If we’re serving these at home there’s really no need as it’s just for presentation and it’s clearly not enough vegetable to count as a serving. And if I’m being really honest, I just didn’t love it.
The traditional mango sauce is very easy to make in any blender. It’s simple and delicious.
After trying my first bite, I also loved the idea of serving these alongside a traditional marinara sauce and sprinkled with a bit basil so I presented it that way for you as well. The flavors pair so well together that its a nice option to have.
With that, I hope you enjoy these melty balls that the witches of WeHo can’t seem to get enough of.
Fried Goat Cheese Balls
Ingredients
- For the fried goat cheese balls:
- 10 ounces goat cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs gluten-free or regular
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ cup cornstarch tapioca starch works too
- 2 eggs beaten
- ¼ cup avocado oil for frying
- Honey to drizzle
- For the mango dipping sauce:
- 2 mangoes peeled and diced
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
- Heavy pinch of salt
- For the marinara:
- ½ cup marinara sauce
- 2 tablespoons chopped basil
Instructions
- Roll 2 teaspoons of the goat cheese into balls. Place them onto a plate or flat surface and place them into the freezer for 30 to 45 minutes to firm up.
- Add the breadcrumbs smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and cayenne to a bowl and stir to combine.
- Once firm, roll the goat cheese balls in the cornstarch. Then, dip the coated goat cheese into the egg and let any excess egg drip off.
- Roll the coated goat cheese ball into the breadcrumbs and coat them thoroughly.
- Add the avocado oil to a pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the goat cheese balls to the pan. Cook on each side until they are golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes on each side.
- Once browned, remove from pan and drain on a paper towel lined plate.
- To make the mango dipping sauce, add all of the ingredients to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Additional salt to taste if desired.
- To serve with the mango dipping sauce, smear some of the mango sauce onto a serving platter and place fried goat cheese balls on top. Drizzle with honey. Serve remaining mango dipping sauce on the side.
- To serve with marinara dipping sauce, smear some marinara sauce onto a serving platter and place the goat cheese balls on top. Sprinkle chopped basil over top and serve the remaining marinara on the side.
Notes
- To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Serve either with the traditional SUR mango dipping sauce or with marinara sauce and fresh chopped basil.
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