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Fried Buffalo Goat Cheese Balls, simply the best…and so addicting. Soft, creamy goat cheese, rolled in Panko bread crumbs, and lightly pan-fried. Golden and crisp on the outside and extra soft and melty in the center. Drizzle each fried cheese ball with spicy homemade buffalo sauce for a truly delicious appetizer that’s perfect for game day and any other occasion in between.

overhead photo of Fried Buffalo Goat Cheese Balls with buffalo sauce in bowl

It’s been the longest time since I’ve shared a recipe that involves buffalo sauce. There was a time, a few years ago, when buffalo sauce was kind of “trendy”. It seemed as though everyone was sharing a new way to incorporate buffalo sauce into recipes. Even though the trend has mellowed a bit, I still love anything covered in spicy buffalo sauce. It’s kind of hard to beat. To this day, I’m pretty sure my dad’s favorite dish to eat would be these extra delicious spicy cauliflower bites. Or maybe the buffalo quinoa bites from the cookbook.

And my brother’s favorite? Definitely this cheesy buffalo chicken french bread…

It’s safe to say my family loves buffalo sauce. In fact, homemade buffalo chicken is kind of my “signature item”. It’s one of the first dinners I made for my family, and it’s one they still request every chance they get.

Anyway, when I was brainstorming recipes for the Super Bowl this year, I knew I had to make these fried buffalo goat cheese balls. Not going to lie, these took me a little time to perfect, but I’m so happy with how they finally turned out.

They’re DELICIOUS, addicting, and the perfect appetizer to serve this Sunday…or any other day really. What’s not to love about fried cheese balls covered in buffalo sauce, you know?

goat cheese before frying

Really, these are pretty simple.

Roll soft goat cheese into balls, coat them in Panko bread crumbs, pan fry the cheese in a little oil and drizzle with homemade buffalo sauce. Nothing crazy, but all things good.

The key is to roll the goat cheese into smaller balls, coat them, and then chill the cheese until firm. You can certainly fry the goat cheese right away and skip the chilling process. But I found the balls to cook a bit more evenly after they’ve chilled for a little in the fridge.

While the goat cheese is chilling, make the sauce. Now the sauce is truly everything. It’s the star, and you must make it right.

side angled photo of Fried Buffalo Goat Cheese Balls

The details…

Start with butter. Yes, butter. Melt it and mix it with some olive oil. My original buffalo sauce recipe was actually made using all butter, but over the years I’ve found the combination of butter and olive oil to be really nice, and a little less greasy.

Now, add seasoned salt. It’s usually a mix of smoky paprika, turmeric, onion powder, garlic, and salt. I use Lawry’s Seasoned Salt by McCormick, and no, this is not sponsored, I just like their seasoned salt.

Next, the hot sauce. I highly, highly recommend Frank’s Red Hot Sauce. Again, not sponsored, this is just the hot sauce I’ve used and loved for years and years. It’s the best when it comes to making a really good buffalo sauce. Trust me.

Then add a pinch of pepper, and that’s your buffalo sauce. Very simple. Very delicious.

As soon as the goat cheese is done frying, arrange the perfectly crisp balls onto a serving plate and drizzle with sauce. These are great room temperature, but I highly recommend serving them warm, if possible.

SO GOOD when hot and melty. Serve these for the Super Bowl, but make sure to keep them in mind for other occasions too. Because trust me, you’ll be the most loved hostess among friends and family.

overhead photo of Fried Buffalo Goat Cheese Balls with cheese oozying out

If you make these buffalo goat cheese balls be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to also tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!

Fried Buffalo Goat Cheese Balls

Author: Tieghan Gerard
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 10 (18-20 balls)
Calories Per Serving: 307 kcal

Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

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Ingredients

Buffalo Sauce

Instructions

  • 1. Add the flour and a pinch of pepper to a medium bowl. Add the egg and 2 tablespoons water to a separate shallow bowl or pie plate. Add the Panko to another medium sized bowl.
    2. Roll the goat cheese into 20-24 balls (about 1 tablespoon each). Roll each goat cheese ball in the flour, then dip through the egg mix, and then dredge in the Panko mix. Place each ball on the prepared baking sheet as you work. Freeze 20 minutes or until firm.
    3. Meanwhile, make the buffalo sauce. Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl. If the butter firms up, warm the sauce in the microwave. 
    4. Heat 1-2 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the goat cheese balls in batches, 1 to 2 minutes or until golden and crisp on all sides. Remove and drain on a paper towel lined baking sheet.
    5. Arrange the balls on a serving plate and drizzle with buffalo sauce. Sprinkle with chives or green onions. Serve and enjoy! 
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Comments

  1. These are PERFECTION!!! I did put more like 3 tablespoons of olive oil in the pan for frying. And also adjusted the second batch to cook on 6 on my stove. Versus the 8 I did the first batch on. Unreal. Will be a staple in our household going forward. THANK YOU!!!

    Reply

  2. 5 stars
    Hi Tieghan, I have recently discovered your blog and recipes. Yesterday I made the fried goat cheese balls and they were super crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Super melty deliciousness !! They disappeared very quickly! Keep up the good work and I look forward to trying more of your recipes!

    Reply

    1. HI! I have not tested these in the air fryer, so I am not sure. I would think it would work just fine. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan

      Reply

    2. Hi Charlotte, I like to use olive oil since I am not deep frying these. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan

      Reply

  5. Do you think you could make these ahead of time and leave in the freezer or fridge until ready to fry? I’m thinking just the day beforehand or something…..not sure how the extended time in the freezer or fridge would impact them.

    Reply

    1. HI! You can make ahead and keep in the fridge until ready to fry! That works really well. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan

      Reply

  7. Hi!! Can’t wait to make these! I saw this recipe from a few years back (done a little differently of course). Is there a reason why you’re omitting the blue cheese this time?

    Reply

    1. Hey Melissa! The blue cheese causes the balls to melt out and makes them harder to handle. It’s delicious, just a little bit tricker to work with. Feel free to add a couple tablespoons of crumbled blue cheese if you would like. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan

      Reply

  8. 5 stars
    I was a little jealous that my husband attended a special release party of GOAT beer (go, Tom Brady!) at the Sam Adam’s brewery this afternoon on his way to work and I missed out on what he said was a beer I would have loved. But then I came across this recipe in my inbox and recalled that I had a 4oz log of herb goat cheese in fridge and decided to make this recipe right away. I loved how the crispy coating balanced out the smoothness of the warmed cheese. The buffalo sauce added a bit of heat to this otherwise frosty New England evening. Looks like I got my GOAT cheese fix after all!!

    Reply

  9. I enjoy goat cheese, but my family…not so much, hehe. Are there any other cheeses that would substitute well with this recipe? How would mozzarellas work? Or even Brie?

    Reply

    1. HI! You can use the mini mozzarella balls. Those work great! Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan

      Reply

  10. Wow, these look delicious! Will definitely make these for Sunday’s Super Bowl! Can’t go wrong with fried cheese and buffalo sauce!

    Reply

  11. 5 stars
    Absolutely scrumptious!! I adore cheese, and goat cheese is probably one of my favorite. How can you go wrong with coating these delicious little balls with panko crumbs and frying them? Wow, amazing. I love how simple your buffalo sauce is. What a great idea for the Super Bowl. Thanks for the post.

    Reply

  12. 5 stars
    These look delicious! I also fry goat cheese balls and top them with some strawberry jalapeno jelly. They are so good!

    Reply

  14. This looks amazing! Would it work to bake them? I’m afraid of mess/burns/etc. and don’t deep fry. Thanks for all your deliciousness!

    Reply

    1. Hey Lori! The cheesy gets a little too melty when baking, so it’s not something I recommend. If you want to bake, just make sure to freeze the balls for at least and hour then bake at 400 for 15 minutes. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan

      Reply

  15. 5 stars
    Tieghan, you’ve out done yourself. Per usual I’m awake at 0430 with my 6’4″ husband Princeton, a United States Airman. However, today he’s looking over my shoulder at the photos whilst I’m opening your latest email and he’s already made a shopping list of ingredients, to pick up at the Commissary on his way home.

    Reply