Fried Goat Cheese

By Kirsten Maxwell March 28, 2023 31 mins read 105 Views

A crispy, creamy and tangy appetizer that is perfect for entertaining large groups is Fried goat Cheese with a savory Za'atar and breadcrumb crumb crust. Don't forget to add more! These golden morsels can be used to top any favorite salad, or to replace the croutons in a bowl of tomato soup.

Photo credit to Andrea Gralow

Fried goat cheese is a winner. It's just like fried Feta, crispy, creamy and tangy. This cheese has all the best textures and flavors. While you could eat it all and still be satisfied, why not indulge in a little more? This recipe for fried goat cheese takes it to the next level with a zesty, earthy, and savory za'atar topping.

Za'atar, pronounced zaahtar, is one of my favorite seasonings. It is a combination of herbs such as wild thyme, oregano, and sesame seeds. This gives it a unique twist to the classic fried goat cheese that we love.

I'm sure your family has never tried this type of za'atar recipe! It's sure to please everyone. You can serve it with store-bought pita chips or homemade. For a more indulgent weeknight meal, top it with a simple tomato salad and / or soup.

Where can I buy Za'atar

Za'atar is a common spice blend in the Mediterranean and Middle East. Many families make it at home. My mother-in-law used to give me jars! A good za’atar can be a great culinary experience. Knowing the basics of how to use it and what it is is is very helpful.

It is not difficult to find the savory spice mix in specialty grocery shops or spice shops. The quality of za'atar is subject to variation.

Look for za'atar that is mostly green when shopping. Also, read the label carefully. Quality za'atar is identified by sumac and wild thyme (or even hyssop). A lower quality blend will have a higher percentage of fillers such as wheat flour and grains, or citric acid.

Because za'atar holds so many family memories, I am very particular about it. That is why we have my favorite za’atar in our shop. It tastes most like the one I remember from Egypt in my childhood.

Recipes for Fried Goat Cheese with Za’atar

With just a few ingredients, this fried goat cheese recipe delivers a lot of flavor. Za'atar may not be a staple in your pantry, but it is a great alternative. This fried goat cheese recipe will change that.

Goat cheese Get a long-legged goat cheese. It is easier to cut into disc shapes.
Egg The egg coats the goat cheese and acts as a glue to make the bread crumbs and flour stick.
All-purpose flour: This flour is ideal for frying because of its moderate protein content.
Breadcrumbs Use unseasoned bread crumbs to let the za'atar do the talking.
Za’atar: This Mediterranean spice mix has no equal! It can be found in select grocery stores, Middle Eastern market markets, and our shop.
Extra-virgin olive oil:I use mild, light oil to fry the goat cheese. The California Arbequina is excellent.

How to Make Fried Goat Cheese

Fried cheese is a great option when you need a fancy appetizer that takes very little effort. Simply slice, fry, season, and batter!

Chill the cheese. Freeze a 10-ounce goat cheese log for 15 minutes.
Get ready to drench: Break one egg into a small bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of water. Add 1/4 cup all-purpose flour to another bowl. Add 1/4 cup breadcrumbs to a third bowl. Spread 1/4 cup of za’atar on a large plate.
Cut the cheese. Take the cheese out of the freezer. It is best to take it out of the package and place it on a cutting board. Slice into 1/2 -inch discs.
Dip the cheese in egg mixture.Coat the goat disc one at a time with the egg mixture, followed by the flour and then the breadcrumbs. Take out any crumbs. If you run out, replenish the flour and breadcrumbs.
Fry: Heat 1/4 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil in a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the goat cheese disks. To ensure they crisp up, make sure you don't crowd the pan. Cook one side until golden brown. Flip the pan and fry the other side for about 30 seconds. To drain, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. I know that people have heard mixed messages regarding olive oil frying, but it is perfectly acceptable. If you're interested in learning more, I wrote an article about cooking with olive oils.
Mix the za’atar with the cheese. Once the cheese has melted, place it on the plate with the za’atar. To coat each disc, roll it in the za’atar. Give them a shake to loosen any excess.
Serve: Transfer the mixture to a plate and serve immediately.

Tips to Frying Goat Cheese

This simple recipe makes it easy to make goat cheese. These are my tips for making it easy.

Choose a firm goat cheeseGive it a good squeeze while you're there. You'll be able to hold your shape better if the log is firm.
It is important that the oil is not smoking but hot enough. It may seem difficult, but it is worth it. If the oil is too cold, the cheese will absorb it and not become as crisp. A pinch of flour can be used to test the oil's temperature. If the oil begins to sizzle when it is dropped into hot oil, that's a sign it is ready.
Allow the cheese to rest. The temperature of the oil will drop if it is too full. You can fry the cheese in small batches if you have a small skillet.
While the cheese is still warm, coat it with za'atar. The cheese will stick better to the crust, and the heat will release any flavorful oils that have been extracted from the spices.

How to Serve Fried Goat Cheese

For a quick appetizer, serve with pita chips. Creamy fried goat cheese with savory za’atar crust and something sweet, such as Greek honey or ripe grape figs, will delight all your senses. These can be added to any mezze platter.

These are great for making vegetarian meals more hearty and satisfying. You can make a simple salad more special by adding fried goat cheese or tomato soup to it. It also tastes great with my Roasted Cauliflower Soup or Healthy Potato Soup.

Other Delicious Cheesy Appetizer Recipes

Sigara Boregi (Turkish Cheese Rolls)
Baked Brie and Fig Jam
Fried Feta (Feta Saganaki), with Honey and Sesame
Easy Stuffed Dates

Explore all Mediterranean recipes

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Fried Goat Cheese

This simple, tangy goat cheese appetizer can be coated in breadcrumbs, then lightly fried in olive oils until crisp, creamy, and warm. It's then topped with za'atar, a Mediterranean-inspired crust.

Course Appetizer, Side, Snack

Diet Vegetarian

Prep time 20 HTML5_ minutes

Cook Time 1 Minute

Servings

Calories 172.4 kcal

Author Suzy Kardsheh

Ingredients

10 ounce log goat cheese
1 egg
1/4 cup all purpose flour, plus more if needed
1/4 cup breadcrumbs, plus more if needed
1/4 tablespoons za'atar
Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Instructions

The cheese should be frozen briefly. Freeze it for at least 15 minutes. This will make it easy to slice and keep it in its original shape when it is fried.
Make a dredging station. Crack the egg in a small bowl. Mix in 1 tablespoon of water. Whisk until well combined. Place the whisked eggs in two additional shallow bowls. Add the flour to one bowl. Then, add the breadcrumbs to the second bowl. Place the za'atar on a side-by-side plate.
Cut the cheese: Take the cheese out of the freezer and cut it into pieces. Slice into 1/2 -inch discs.
Dip the cheese in the egg mixture one at a time, then coat it with the flour and finally with the breadcrumbs. Take out any excess crumbs. As you dredge the discs, place them on a large cutting board. If you run out of flour or breadcrumbs, replenish them.
Fry: Heat olive oil in large nonstick skillet on medium heat. Once the oil has melted, add the goat cheese discs to the skillet, being careful not to crowd it. Cook one side until golden brown. Flip the pan and cook for another 30 seconds. To absorb any oil, remove from heat.
Serve the cheese with the za’atar. To coat each disc, roll it in the za’atar. Give them a shake to loosen any excess.
Transfer to a plate and serve immediately.

Video

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Notes

You can fry goat cheese in small batches if you have a smaller pan. This will make it crispy and delicious!
It's better to have two hands when dredging. One hand can coat the eggs with the egg and the other the flour. Then switch to the breadcrumbs and flour.
To browse high-quality Mediterranean ingredients such as olive oils, honey and jams, visit the shop

Nutrition

Carbohydrates: 7.4g

The first appearance of Fried Goat Cheese was on The Mediterranean Dish.

By: Suzy Karadsheh
Title: Fried Goat Cheese
Sourced From: www.themediterraneandish.com/fried-goat-cheese/
Published Date: Tue, 28 Mar 2023 13:40:00 +0000

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get started with the Mediterranean Diet?

Get started on the Mediterranean diet by stocking up your kitchen with fresh fruits and veggies. This could include preparing various vegetables and proteins every week that can be used in recipes throughout the following days. Quinoa, oat groats, and millet can be substituted for refined grains. Healthy fats such as olive and sesame should also be included in meal prep to add flavor and nutrition to dishes. Seasonings like garlic, oregano (oregano), basil, and even turmeric can be great additions and help reduce salt and sugar.

Is oatmeal OK on a Mediterranean diet?

Yes, oatmeal will be allowed in the Mediterranean Diet. Oats, whole grains, can provide a good source dietary fiber as well as minerals like iron and magnesium. They can be served with blueberries as well as nuts, seeds and savory dishes like eggs or cheese. Oatmeal can also be used to make healthy breakfasts. Oatmeal can be added to smoothies, used as a topping in protein bars or simply eaten plain with almond butter and various toppings like cinnamon, gojiberries and chia seed. Many people consider oats compatible with Mediterranean diets because they are popular in many countries.

What are the main food items in a Mediterranean-style diet?

Mediterranean food includes fruits, vegetables and whole grains as well as legumes, nuts and healthy fats like olive oil and olives. It is better to eat fresh ingredients than processed foods. Use herbs to enhance your meals. Physical activity should also be included in daily routine to reap the full benefits of this diet. This diet can be made more enjoyable by sharing mindful eating techniques with friends and family when sharing meals.

What should I consume in a Mediterranean-style diet for one day?

A Mediterranean diet focuses on healthy fats and protein and lots of fresh fruit, vegetables, whole grains. A healthy Mediterranean diet should include about seven to 10 servings of fruits and vegetables daily and two to four 3-ounce servings of lean protein such as fish or chicken. It is also recommended to consume moderate amounts of healthy fats like olive oils and nuts. You should aim to consume at least three servings each day of whole grains such as quinoa and barley or oats in order to maintain a healthy diet.

Also, it is important to limit foods that are unhealthy when consumed frequently. These include all processed foods and added sugars, unhealthy fats as well as white bread, starches and sweetened drinks such sodas or juices. It is important to avoid dairy, and to consume reduced-fat milk when possible. It is important to limit fish consumption to no more than three times per semaine due to possible mercury contamination.

It can be helpful to plan your meals to ensure that you get the best out of your Mediterranean diet. Pay particular attention to the ingredients in selected dishes. This will help you to reap the health and heart benefits associated with the Mediterranean diet.

A Mediterranean diet is a great way to enjoy a healthy and delicious lifestyle. To ensure your healthiest meals, you should choose high-quality proteins, such as wild-caught seafood, grass-fed beef, and organic eggs. Incorporate heart-healthy fats like nuts, avocados and extra virgin Olive oil. Include plenty of fresh and/or freeze fruits and vegetables, whole grains like quinoa and barley in your meals, as well as whole grains such oats, quinoa and barley. Limit unhealthy fats, added sugars, processed foods, starches and red meat.

Are Bananas allowed in the Mediterranean diet

Yes, bananas are allowed in the Mediterranean diet. Bananas provide healthy and low-calorie nutrition. They are rich in vitamin B6, potassium, and dietary fiber. As a healthy side dish, it can be incorporated into meals by adding sliced or mashed bananas to porridge, smoothies, salads, or even sweet potatoes. To add protein, it can be served as a snack along with nut butters such as almond and peanut. For those following the Mediterranean diet, bananas can be paired with healthy fats like nuts or seeds to aid digestion and promote fullness.

What foods are prohibited on the Mediterranean diet?

Certain food groups are not included in a Mediterranean diet. To maintain the health benefits of this diet, certain foods should not be consumed. These foods can be eaten occasionally, but they can have a negative impact on the health benefits of Mediterranean-style eating.

A Mediterranean diet does not include whole-grain bread or starches such as white bread, sugary cereals, or other processed baked goods. These items are rapidly absorbed as sugars into your system and can cause weight increase over time. These products are not as rich in vitamins and minerals than whole grain alternatives like quinoa, millet, or barley.

Other sugars also fall within this category. You should limit your intake of sweetened drinks, including soda, teas with added sugars, juices, and other sugary beverages. They won't support weight loss or healthy nutritional profiles.

In Mediterranean-style meals, it is important to exclude red meats from any meal plans. Red meats as well as processed meats are high in saturated fats. This raises the risk of heart disease and other metabolic syndrome-related illnesses. Nitrates found in processed lunchmeat can raise cancer risks because they are linked to cell damage responses and may be harmful to cells. Dairy products should also not be consumed regularly as some cheese contains considerable amounts of saturated fats too - except for feta which is low in saturated fat content - otherwise, stick only to skimmed milk or yogurt products when considering dairy options because these will generally be lower in total fat intake than heavy cream or creme fraiche alternatives that contain higher doses of calories in their ingredients listing.

According to nutrition experts, fish should not be eaten more than three times per week.

Statistics

Aim to get 20 to 35 percent of your total daily caloric intake from fat, and for saturated fats to represent less than 10 percent of your total caloric intake, advises the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (everydayhealth.com)
In one study, the healthiest eaters at age 50 had a nearly 90% lower risk of dementia than those with the least healthy diets. (heart.org)
The research suggested that the diet reduced the risk of cardiovascular issues, including stroke, heart attack, and death, by about 30 percent compared with the control group. (medicalnewstoday.com)
1g sugar Benefits Rich in heart-healthy polyunsaturated fats, these nuts may also favourably impact your gut microbiome (and thus improve digestive health) and lower LDL cholesterol, according to a small study that included 18 healthy adults. (everydayhealth.com)

External Links

How To

How does the Mediterranean diet support brain health and decrease cognitive decline?

The Mediterranean diet is a pattern of eating rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and healthy fats while low in red meat and added sugar. The Mediterranean diet has many health benefits, including better brain health. Research has found that following the Mediterranean Diet can reduce the risk of dementia and slow age-related cognitive decline. It can also be used to treat mood disorders and protect against oxidative damage caused by aging.

Many aspects of the Mediterranean diet are good for brain health and can help to prevent cognitive decline. Consuming large amounts antioxidant-rich food items like fruits and veggies, which are rich in vitamins and minerals, has the greatest benefit. Additionally, monounsaturated fat from sources like olive oil contributes to maintaining adequate omega-3 levels in the body--a critical component in optimal brain functioning. Limiting processed carbohydrates can also help improve mental clarity. It stabilizes blood glucose levels throughout the day, and reduces inflammation related to chronic diseases like Alzheimer's and stroke.

Following a balanced Mediterranean diet plan that includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables; lean proteins like fish or poultry; whole grains; ample healthy fats from olive oil; occasional red wine, plus moderate dairy intakes like yogurt or cheese will help maintain adequate nutrition levels over time to reduce cognitive decline. Regular physical activity at a moderate intensity will help increase serotonin production which in turn supports mental well-being. These tips combined can help increase your chances of maintaining a good mental and physical health throughout life.