Fried Brie and Goat Cheese Balls

Starters

Servings: 8

Total time: 50 Minutes

INGREDIENTS

2 (8 ounce) packages goat cheese
1 (8 ounce) package Brie cheese, room temperature, rind removed and cut into ½-inch cubes
1 ½ teaspoons Diamond Crystal® Kosher Salt, divided
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup panko bread crumbs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme, plus more for garnish
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 large eggs
2 tablespoon whole milk
Vegetable oil, for frying
Hot honey, for serving

DIRECTIONS

Line rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. Combine goat cheese, brie and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt in large bowl until smooth. Portion mixture into 1- to 2-tablespoon-sized balls. Place onto prepared baking sheet and freeze until firm, about 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, combine flour, panko, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, remaining kosher salt and pepper in shallow bowl or pie plate. Whisk together eggs and milk in separate shallow bowl.
Roll each cheese ball in egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then roll each cheese ball in bread crumb mixture until coated. Place coated balls back onto baking sheet and return to freezer.
Heat about 2-inches of oil in deep skillet over medium-high heat. When oil reaches 350°F, fry cheese balls in batches until golden-brown and crisp, about 2-3 minutes, turning as necessary.
Remove cheese balls from oil using slotted spoon and transfer to paper-towel-lined plate to drain.
Garnish with thyme and serve with hot honey.