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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.
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?
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.
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.
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
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.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 pinch black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 log (10 ounce) goat cheese
- oil, for frying
- chopped green onions or chives, for serving
Buffalo Sauce
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- ½ cup Franks Red Hot Sauce
- 3/4 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1 pinch black pepper
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!
How would you do these in an air fryer?
Hey Robin,
So sorry I have not tested these in the air fryer, but I think they would work well! I hope you love the recipe:) Happy Holidays! xTieghan
Hi! Do you think these would be ok to serve at room temp?
Thanks!
Hey Sasha,
I prefer to serve these warm:) I hope you enjoy the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions. Happy Holidays! xTieghan
These were so delicious! It helps I’m a huge goat cheese fan. I did have some people who were not buffalo fans though, so i dressed some of the balls with the buffalo sauce and some simply with cracked pepper and honey. Delicious!
Delicious. I might reduce the amount of butter for the buffalo sauce and make less of it next time, but overall very yummy.
I used to make a different type of goat cheese ball recipe, which was equally as delicious, but frequently had the outside crust coming off in the fryer and having the goat cheese spill out in the fryer. They told us to refrigerate instead of freeze. So thank you for a much better method. Next time I make that recipe I will remember what I learned here to fry it properly.
Amazing! I am really glad this turned out so well for you!! xTieghan
I’d love to try this recipe but I want to make them bigger, like two tablespoons of goat cheese per ball. Would you suggest any changes to the cook time or heat?
Hi Valerie,
I haven’t tested this but I would just fry them for 2-3 minutes. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Made these babies for my hubby for the super bowl yesterday. He loved them, especially the sauce! They were super simple to make and even easier to eat! I also made the sweet and savory bacon cheese twists at my eight year old son’s request and they were delicious. Because it was just us and the kids there were leftovers but they disappeared around lunch today. This is my third recipe of yours in a week and I have been SO satisfied with them all! You are my new go to for meal planning ideas. Right on with ease to prepare and full flavor! Thanks for doing what you do and sharing!!
Aw I am so glad you and your husband loved this recipe so much! Thank you so much for trying it! I hope you continue to enjoy my recipes Jodi! xTieghan
Do you think you could fry in advance and then reheat in the oven? Thinking of bringing these to a party and not sure if I’d have the ability to fry on-site!
Hi Nicole! Yes, that works well. I reheat mine all the time. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you!! xTieghan
I made these last night and we couldn’t put them down!
Thank you so much Ashley! That is so amazing to hear! xTieghan
Would this work in the air fryer instead?
HI! I am not familiar with the air fryer so I really cannot say. I would imagine it would work well. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you and Happy New Year! xTieghan
I made these tonight for Christmas as an appetizer and they were a hit. Thank you!
Yes! That is so amazing! Thank you so much Stephanie! xTieghan
I made these for my boyfriend and I during the superbowl and oh dear… it was too much goat cheese and buffalo sauce for each of us even to eat only about 5 each. We had such terrible upset stomachs later. Not one our favorites… usually we love your appetizers but this one not so much.
Hi Katie! I am sorry to hear that! Please let me know if there is any questions I could help with! Otherwise, I hope you love other recipes of mine! xTieghan
I made these tonight and they are SO GOOD. I dipped them in my favorite store bought sriracha buffalo sauce and omggg!
Sounds so amazing Liz! Thank you so much! xTieghan
Amazing recipe! Made these for a super bowl party, recipe was perfect! Easy to follow and they turned out delicious! Everyone was raving about them (no exaggeration and no leftovers! :)) Also, I used gluten free flour (King Arthur) and gluten free panko, turned out beautifully (crunchy fried goodness is one thing I miss on a GF diet, so I was so happy these converted so well!
Hi Amber! I am so glad these turned out amazing for you and your guests! Thank you so much! xTieghan
I had trouble pooping for a few days but the GOAT (Tom Brady) and the Patriots won the Super Bowl so this recipe will definitely be a new tradition!
Thats great! I am so glad you like this recipe! xTieghan
I am not sure if my last post posted. So here I go again.
PHENOMENAL! Followed recipe as it is.
First batch was fine but needed more oil
and lower heat.
Second batch was perfect. Heat on 6-7
But with 4 tablespoons oil. Came out perfect!