Are you ready to elevate your appetizer game with a dish that’s as impressive as it is delicious? The Pecan Crusted Goat Cheese is not just a treat for the taste buds; it’s a culinary masterpiece that will have your guests begging for the recipe! With its creamy goat cheese center enveloped in a crunchy pecan and breadcrumb crust, this dish is perfect for any occasion—from elegant dinner parties to casual gatherings. Drizzled with a touch of honey, each bite delivers a delightful contrast of flavors that will leave everyone wanting more. Dive into this recipe and discover how easy it is to create a stunning dish that will shine on your table!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz goat cheese
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Honey for drizzling
Instructions
- Remove goat cheese from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to soften slightly, which will make it easier to shape.
- Prepare three separate shallow dishes: one with beaten egg, one with finely chopped pecans, and one with breadcrumbs. Season breadcrumbs with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Using clean hands, gently shape the goat cheese into 4 equal round patties, approximately 1/2 inch thick. Ensure the patties are compact but not overly compressed.
- Dip each goat cheese patty first into the beaten egg, coating it completely and allowing excess to drip off.
- Next, roll the egg-coated patty in the chopped pecans, pressing gently to ensure pecans adhere evenly to the surface of the cheese.
- Then roll the pecan-coated patty in seasoned breadcrumbs for an additional crispy layer.
- Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Carefully place pecan-crusted goat cheese patties in the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pecans are golden brown and cheese is slightly warm but not completely melted.
- Remove from heat and transfer to serving plate. Drizzle generously with honey just before serving.
- Serve immediately as an appetizer or salad topper, garnished with fresh herbs like thyme or chives if desired.
Tips
- Soften the Cheese: Allow the goat cheese to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before shaping. This makes it easier to form into patties without crumbling.
- Seasoning Matters: Don’t forget to season your breadcrumbs with salt and pepper. This simple step enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- Compact Patties: When shaping your goat cheese patties, ensure they are compact but not overly compressed. This helps them hold their shape during cooking.
- Even Coating: When coating the patties, press gently on the pecans and breadcrumbs to ensure they adhere well. This will give you that satisfying crunch with every bite.
- Watch the Heat: Cook the patties over medium heat to avoid burning the pecans while ensuring the cheese warms through. You want them golden brown but not overly cooked.
- Serve Fresh: For the best experience, serve the pecan-crusted goat cheese immediately after cooking, drizzled with honey and garnished with fresh herbs for an extra pop of flavor.
- Versatile Serving: This dish works wonderfully as an appetizer or can be used as a delicious salad topper, adding a gourmet touch to your greens.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 16g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 85mg
