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.
For more inspiration check out our Snacks recipe.
🧀 Ingredients for the keto-fried goat cheese recipe
For the keto-fried goat cheese balls
For the Serrano Gouda pesto
Ingredient substitutions
If you can't get the exact ingredients, swap them with these keto-friendly substitutions:
Additional ingredients
Sprinkle in some extra fun with these optional ingredients:
Cooking tools required
Tool substitutes list
How to make Keto Fried Goat Cheese: step by step guide
Cooking methods
Preparation steps
- Gather the ingredients in the required quantity.
- Take your slices of prosciutto and dice them into small, fine pieces.
- Wash the herbs under cold tap water and mince them.
- Crack your egg into a bowl and give it a good whisk. Set the eggwash aside.
Instruction steps
Make the pesto
- Place your basil, Gouda Moon Cheese, garlic, and Serrano pepper into a food processor.
- Run the processor until the ingredients are finely minced.
- With the processor running at a slow speed, slowly add your olive oil.
- After the olive oil, add the Parmesan and pulse a few more times to combine.
- Transfer the mixture from the processor to a serving dish.
- Lastly, place the dish in the fridge to chill until you're ready to serve.
Prepare the cheese poppers
- Place a large 10.5" cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once hot, add the diced prosciutto to the skillet and cook for 3 minutes, stirring until crispy. Remove and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, mix the fried prosciutto with minced herbs and goat cheese log. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- 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
- Heat the avocado oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
- Dip each goat cheese popper into the eggwash and dredge through the gouda mixture.
- Carefully put them in the hot oil. Fry for 30 seconds to 1 minute or until the poppers turn golden brown.
- Remove and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- 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:
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:
Time-saving tips
What can I prepare ahead of time?
Storage and reheating
Storage tips
Reheating tips
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 start making 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
📖 Recipe
Keto Fried Goat Cheese
Ingredients
Goat Cheese Poppers
- 8 ounces goat cheese log rolled into 8 balls
- 4 slices prosciutto diced
- ¼ cup minced mixed herbs basil, thyme, rosemary, parsley
- 1 bag gouda Moon Cheese
- 2 tablespoons coconut flour
- 1 egg beaten
- ½ cup oil algae, avocado, or refined coconut oil, for frying
Serrano Gouda Pesto
- 1 cup packed basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons gouda Moon Cheese
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 serrano pepper
- ½ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese
Instructions
Make the pesto
- Start by placing your basil, Gouda Moon Cheese, garlic, and Serrano pepper into a food processor.
- Run the processor until the ingredients are finely minced.
- With the processor running at a slow speed, slowly add your olive oil.
- After the olive oil, add the Parmesan and pulse a few more times to combine.
- Transfer the mixture from the processor to a serving dish.
- Lastly, place the dish in the fridge to chill until you're ready to serve.
Prepare the cheese poppers
- Place a large 10.5" cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once hot, add the diced prosciutto to the skillet and cook for 3 minutes, stirring until crispy. Remove and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, mix the fried prosciutto with minced herbs and goat cheese log. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- 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
- Heat the avocado oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
- Dip each goat cheese popper into the eggwash and dredge through the gouda mixture.
- Carefully put them in the hot oil. Fry for 30 seconds to 1 minute or until the poppers turn golden brown.
- Remove and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Top with the pesto and serve hot.
Notes
carbs: 0.4
fiber: 0.2
net carbs: 0.2
protein: 9.3
fat: 15.6 Pesto (12 servings): calories: 95
carbs: 0.2
fiber: 0
net carbs: 0.2
protein: 1.3
fat: 10 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)
Sue says
I'm allergic to mammal meat. I wonder if this would hold together if I leave the prosciutto out?
Alex Lester says
Yep, they'll be just fine without.
Adriana Gutierrez says
Sounds delicious! I know you have a sponsorship situation here, but I think an almond meal and ground pork rind “breading”. Would be awesome.
Alex Lester says
Hi Adriana, we've actually tried this recipe a few months ago with almond flour / pork rind combo and they burnt to little crisps. The almond flour doesn't do well deep frying.
Lena Madden says
What size bag of moon cheese?
Cast Iron Keto says
2 ounces