This elegant but irresistible hors d’oeuvre comes together in just a few minutes. If you already have a batch of Herbed Breadcrumbs for Red Wine Lovers on hand, it’s even faster – just roll the cheese boulettes and enjoy an instant happy hour snack.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp herbes de provence
- ¼ tsp fennel seeds
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- Salt, pepper
- 8 oz fresh goat cheese, or a vegan substitute like Miyoko’s Plant Milk Cheese Spread
Directions
For breadcrumbs:
In a skillet on medium heat, pour the olive oil and add the herbes de provence and fennel seed. Stir to infuse the oil for 30 seconds, then stir in the panko and season with salt and pepper. Toast the panko in the pan several minutes, stirring constantly, until crumbs become crisp and browned. Immediately pour crumbs onto a dinner plate and spread them out to cool before using. (Once cooled, you can store them in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.)
For the cheese:
Use a half-teaspoon measuring spoon to scoop out individual boulettes of cheese. With clean hands, roll each one into a ball shape. Continue until all the cheese is rolled. If you like, you can also do this ahead of time and refrigerate the cheese balls until ready to serve.
Just before serving, roll the cheese balls in the seasoned panko crumbs until completely coated on all sides. Serve (and enjoy) immediately – the breadcrumbs will start to lose their crunch after 30 minutes in contact with the cheese.