Fried Goat Cheese Balls with Blueberry Compote

Name: Fried Goat Cheese Balls with Blueberry Compote
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Yield: 4 - 6 serving(s)
Ingredients: 1 lb. 4 oz. fresh goat cheese; 1/3 c. all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs, beaten; 1 1/2 c. panko breadcrumbs; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper; 1 1/2 c. fresh blueberries; 1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar; 1 tbsp. pure honey; 1 rosemary sprig, plus more for garnish; 4 c. canola oil; Flaky sea salt

These cheesy bites are a delightful summer party appetizer.

By Lindsay MaitlandPublished: Jun 21, 2026

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Fried cornmeal balls served with blueberry sauce.

Becky Luigart-Stayner

Yields:

4 - 6 serving(s)

Prep Time:

30 mins

Total Time:

1 hr 30 mins

If you like mozzarella sticks, meet its fancier, seasonally appropriate cousin. These goat cheese balls are rich and creamy on the inside and crisp and salty on the outside. And then there’s the blueberry compote, which is the perfect complementary dipping sauce. Serve this at your next spring get-together or summer cookout and watch them disappear right off the plate.

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Ingredients

1 lb. 4 oz. fresh goat cheese
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries
1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
1 Tbsp. pure honey
1 rosemary sprig, plus more for garnish
4 cups canola oil
Flaky sea salt

Directions

1. Step 1Line 2 small rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll goat cheese into 20 balls (about 2 tablespoons each), placing on one of the prepared baking sheets. Freeze 30 minutes.
2. Step 2Place flour in a shallow bowl, eggs in a second shallow bowl, and breadcrumbs in a third shallow bowl. Season all three with salt and pepper. Roll goat cheese in flour, then egg (letting excess drip off), then breadcrumbs, placing on the second prepared sheet as you go. Freeze 15 minutes.
3. Step 3Combine blueberries, vinegar, honey, rosemary, and 2 tablespoons water in a small pot. Season with salt and pepper. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring often, until most of the berries have burst and mixture is saucy, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and keep warm.
4. Step 4Heat oil in a medium pot over medium-high heat to 350°F with a deep-fry thermometer attached. Working in batches, fry breaded cheese balls, turning occasionally, until golden brown, 1 to 1 1/2 minutes. Transfer to paper towel–lined plate and sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Garnish blueberry sauce with rosemary and serve alongside.