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Panko Goat's Milk Cheese Sliders - Crispy, Tangy, and Crowd-Pleasing

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Goat’s milk cheese (chèvre logs work best; 10–12 ounces)
  • Panko breadcrumbs (about 1.5 cups)
  • All-purpose flour (1/2 cup)
  • Eggs (2 large)
  • Slider buns (8–10, brioche or potato buns preferred)
  • Neutral oil for frying (avocado, canola, or sunflower)
  • Butter for toasting buns (optional but recommended)
  • Baby arugula or mixed greens
  • Thinly sliced red onion
  • Tomato slices (optional)
  • Pickles or quick-pickled cucumbers
  • Honey or hot honey
  • Dijon mustard
  • Mayonnaise
  • Lemon (zest and juice)
  • Salt and black pepper
  • Garlic powder and paprika (optional, for seasoning the panko)

Method
 

  1. Shape the cheese medallions: Slice the goat cheese log into 8–10 thick rounds, about 1/2 inch each. If the cheese is very soft, chill it for 15 minutes beforehand to make slicing easier.
  2. Set up a breading station: In three shallow bowls, place flour in one, beaten eggs in the second, and panko in the third. Season the flour and panko with salt and pepper. Add a pinch of garlic powder and paprika to the panko for extra flavor.
  3. Bread the cheese: Coat each cheese round in flour, dip in egg, then press firmly into the panko. For a thicker crust, dip back into egg and panko a second time.
  4. Chill to set: Place breaded rounds on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes. This helps them hold their shape while frying.
  5. Make the sauce: Stir together 2 tablespoons mayo, 1 tablespoon Dijon, 1 teaspoon honey, a small squeeze of lemon juice, a pinch of zest, and a crack of black pepper. Adjust to taste—more honey for sweetness, more Dijon for punch.
  6. Prep the buns and toppings: Halve the slider buns. Lightly butter and toast cut sides in a skillet until golden. Set out arugula, onions, pickles, and tomato slices.
  7. Heat the oil: In a skillet, add enough neutral oil to cover the bottom by about 1/4 inch. Warm over medium to medium-high heat until a breadcrumb sizzles on contact.
  8. Fry the cheese: Cook the medallions 1–2 minutes per side until deep golden. Don’t overcrowd the pan. Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate and sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
  9. Assemble the sliders: Spread sauce on the bottom bun, add arugula, a hot cheese medallion, a few onion slices, and pickles. Drizzle with a touch of honey or hot honey. Cap with the top bun.
  10. Serve immediately: These are best enjoyed hot and crisp. Put out extra sauce and hot honey for dipping.