Keto Fried Goat Cheese 🧀

For all the cheese fans out there, we have a treat for you - our Keto Fried Goat Cheese! These low-carb snacks are wrapped in spiced prosciutto and herbs. What's more, we've created a unique, keto-friendly Serrano Gouda pesto to go with them. This creamy, slightly spicy pesto is full of cheesy flavors that will wow your taste buds. Prepare for a blast of flavors with these cheese-filled goodies!

 

 

 

This Keto Fried Goat Cheese Poppers recipe is sponsored by Moon Cheese; thank you for supporting the brands that make delicious Cast Iron Keto recipes EPIC.

 

Preparation and cooking overview

Get ready to make these fried goat cheese balls in just 40 minutes! Start by creating the goat cheese balls by wrapping them in spicy prosciutto and frying until they're golden. Then, quickly mix up a tasty Serrano Gouda pesto to serve alongside the poppers. It's a speedy, simple recipe that guarantees a delicious result!

Chef's note

Personalize the taste of your keto goat cheese balls by experimenting with different herbs in your cheese mixture - try adding dill or chives for a distinct flavor. Want a zestier kick? Simply add more Serrano pepper to your pesto. This recipe encourages you to adapt to your taste preferences to make each bite enjoyable. 

Prep Time: 35 minutes

Cooking Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Difficulty Level: Easy

Recipe Makes: 8 Servings

🧀 Ingredients for the keto-fried goat cheese recipe

For the keto-fried goat cheese balls

• 8 ounces goat cheese log
• 4 slices prosciutto, diced
• ¼ cup mixed herbs, minced basil, thyme, rosemary, and parsley
• 1 2-ounce bag of Gouda moon cheese
• 2 tablespoons coconut flour
• 1 egg, beaten
• ½ cup avocado oil or refined coconut oil

For the Serrano Gouda pesto

• 1 cup packed basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons Gouda moon cheese, crushed
• 1 garlic clove
• 1 Serrano pepper
• ½ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup parmesan cheese

Ingredient substitutions

If you can't get the exact ingredients, swap them with these keto-friendly substitutions:

• Herb mix: Replace basil, thyme, rosemary, or parsley with your preferred herbs like dill, cilantro, or oregano.
• Serrano pepper: If Serrano peppers are too spicy, opt for milder jalapenos (remember to remove the seeds) or bell peppers.
• Moon cheese: We used Gouda moon cheese for this recipe, sponsored by Moon Cheese, but any keto-friendly moon cheese works too.

Additional ingredients

Sprinkle in some extra fun with these optional ingredients:

• Nuts: Include chopped almonds or pecans in the coating for an added crunch.
• Lemon zest: Mix in some lemon zest before shaping the goat cheese balls for a tangy twist.
• Chives: Add finely chopped chives to the herb mix for a hint of onion flavor.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: For an added tang, stir in finely chopped oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes to the pesto. Just ensure they aren't marinated in sugar.

Cooking tools required

• Mixing bowls
• 10.5" cast iron skillet
• Kitchen knife
• Cutting board
• Tongs
• Baking sheet
• Food processor

Tool substitutes list

• Food processor: No food processor? Use a mortar and pestle to grind the herbs and cheese for the pesto. You can also put the Gouda moon cheese in a ziplock bag and roll it with a pin for crushing.
• Cast iron skillet: Don't have a 10.5" cast-iron skillet? A regular saucepan works just fine for deep frying the poppers.
• Tongs: If you don't have tongs, two forks serve the purpose of flipping the cheese balls in hot oil.

How to make Keto Fried Goat Cheese: step by step guide

Cooking methods

• Frying

Preparation steps

1. Gather the ingredients in the required quantity.
2. Take your slices of prosciutto and dice them into small, fine pieces.
3. Wash the herbs under cold tap water and mince them.
4. Crack your egg into a bowl and give it a good whisk. Set the eggwash aside.

Instruction steps

Make the pesto

1. Start by placing your basil, Gouda Moon Cheese, garlic, and Serrano pepper into a food processor.
2. Run the processor until the ingredients are finely minced.
3. With the processor running at a slow speed, slowly add your olive oil.
4. After the olive oil, add the Parmesan and pulse a few more times to combine.
5. Transfer the mixture from the processor to a serving dish.
6. Lastly, place the dish in the fridge to chill until you're ready to serve.

Prepare the cheese poppers

1. Place a large 10.5" cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Once hot, add the diced prosciutto to the skillet and cook for 3 minutes, stirring until crispy. Remove and set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, mix the fried prosciutto with minced herbs and goat cheese log. Add salt and pepper to taste.
4. Roll the mixture into 8 cheese balls, and place them on a baking sheet or plate lined with parchment paper. Freeze for about 20 minutes until they become firm.

Fry the cheese balls

1. Heat the avocado oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Dip each goat cheese popper into the eggwash and dredge through the gouda mixture.
3. Carefully put them in the hot oil. Fry for 30 seconds to 1 minute or until the poppers turn golden brown.
4. Remove and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
5. Top with the pesto and serve hot.

Chef's pro tip

Getting the oil temperature right is key when frying these keto balls. If the oil's too hot, the poppers might burn. If it's not hot enough, they can get too greasy. You can check the oil by dropping a small piece of a popper in. If it sizzles right away without burning, the oil is ready. You can also use a thermometer and aim for 350°F (175°C) for a perfect fry.

What to serve with the keto-fried goat cheese balls?

Wondering what to pair with these low-carb party bites? Here are a few ideas:

• Green salad: The crisp and refreshing qualities of a mixed greens salad beautifully contrast the rich, creamy flavors of the cheese poppers.
• Roasted vegetables: Roasted veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, or zucchini not only pair well flavor-wise but also add much-needed fiber to your meal.
• Grilled chicken or steak: Complement these poppers with a serving of lean protein, like grilled chicken or steak, to round out your meal.
• Zucchini noodles (Zoodles): Low in carbs and similar to pasta, zoodles make an excellent side.

Nutritional facts for the keto-fried goat cheese

The nutritional information provided below is for one popper and 1/12th of the pesto. Keep in mind there will be a small amount of pesto left over after making this recipe. Here's a breakdown of the individual nutritional values:

Poppers (each / without pesto)

• Calories: 181
• Carbohydrates: 0.4g
• Fiber: 0.2g
• Net Carbs: 0.2g
• Protein: 9.3g
• Fat: 15.6g

Pesto (12 servings)

• Calories: 95
• Carbohydrates: 0.2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Net Carbs: 0.2g
• Protein: 1.3g
• Fat: 10g

Full bite (popper + 1 serving of pesto) listed below:

• Calories: 276
• Calories from Fat: 230
• Fat: 25.6g (39% Daily Value)
• Carbohydrates: 0.6g (0% Daily Value)
• Fiber: 0.2g (1% Daily Value)
• Protein: 10.6g (21% Daily Value)

Please note that nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

How to make it healthier?

You can make these fried goat cheese balls even healthier by following these tips:

• Use an air fryer: Instead of deep frying, use an air fryer. 

• Increase vegetables: Adding more veggies to your dish is always a good idea for boosting nutrient content. Try adding finely chopped vegetables like spinach or kale into the cheese mixture.

• Leaner meats: Instead of prosciutto, use leaner meats like turkey or chicken.

• Add nuts/seeds: Add some finely chopped nuts or seeds to the breading mixture for added nutritional benefits.

Time-saving tips

• Buy keto-friendly pesto from the store.
• Fry all the goat cheese balls in a large skillet at once. Be sure there's sufficient room for them to move freely.
• Use a cookie scoop to make the rolls of equal sizes.

What can I prepare ahead of time?

• Cheese balls: Mix the goat cheese, prosciutto, and herbs and shape the poppers in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook.
• Pesto: Make the Serrano Gouda pesto a day or two in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

Storage and reheating

Storage tips

• Refrigerator: Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Store the poppers and the pesto separately.

Reheating tips

• Oven: Reheating in the oven is the best option to retain that crispy texture. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), spread the cheese poppers on a baking sheet, and bake for 10 minutes.
• Stove reheat: Heat some oil in a pan over medium heat and fry the poppers until heated.

Recipe wrap-up conclusion

This Keto Fried Goat Cheese recipe is great for relaxing weekend lunches or as a star appetizer. No matter when you serve them, these poppers are bound to be a favorite in your keto meals. Plus, the tasty pesto adds an exciting twist that elevates every bite!

So, it's time to get started and make these cheese delights in your kitchen. When tasty treats like these fit into a keto diet, there's no reason to wait!

Frequently asked questions

Will the cheeseballs hold if I leave the prosciutto out?

Yep, they'll be just fine without it.

Does the breading with almond meal and ground pork rind work?

We tried this recipe with an almond flour/pork rind combo. Unfortunately, they burnt to little crisps. The almond flour isn't good for deep frying.

How can I make the pesto flavorful?

Blend your ingredients gradually and taste as you go. Prepare it ahead of time and let the flavors meld.

What should I do if I can't find Gouda Moon Cheese?

Any variety of Moon Cheese or other crunchy, air-dried cheese will work. If none are available, use grated parmesan cheese.

How can I prevent the cheese from melting when frying?

Ensure that the oil is heated enough before you start. Also, avoid keeping the cheese balls in the oil for long. Quick and high-heat frying is the way to go!

What should I do if my pesto is too thick?

Add a bit more olive oil. Do this gradually, adding a tablespoon at a time and stirring until you reach your preferred consistency.

Is this fried goat cheese balls recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Prepare the goat cheese balls and pesto and store them separately. Fry the cheese balls just before you're ready to eat.

Is goat cheese keto?

Yes, goat cheese is generally considered keto-friendly. It is low in carbohydrates and high in fat, making it a suitable option for a ketogenic diet. However, as with any food, it's essential to consider the overall macronutrient composition and portion sizes when following a specific dietary plan.

Is goat cheese low carb?

Yes, goat cheese is relatively low in carbohydrates compared to many other types of cheese. It typically contains less than 1 gram of carbohydrates per serving, making it a suitable choice for low-carb or ketogenic diets that restrict carbohydrate intake.

 

📖 Recipe