Description
This recipe features crispy pan-fried feta cheese coated in crunchy panko crumbs and served with a fragrant thyme and black pepper-infused honey drizzle. The combination of salty, creamy feta and sweet-spiced honey creates a delightful appetizer perfect for entertaining or a sophisticated snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Feta Coating
- 1 wheel of feta cheese (choose a thicker piece for best results)
- 1 beaten egg
- ½ – ¾ cup panko crumbs
- Olive oil for frying
Thyme and Pepper-Infused Honey
- Honey (amount as desired for serving)
- Fresh thyme leaves (1 tbsp)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Serving
- Pita chips (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the coating: Lightly beat one egg in a bowl. Place the panko crumbs in a separate shallow dish. Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Coat the feta: Dip the wheel of feta cheese first into the beaten egg, ensuring it is fully coated, then press it into the panko crumbs. For an extra thick coating, repeat the egg and panko dipping once more carefully.
- Pan-fry the feta: Carefully place the coated feta in the hot olive oil. Fry until golden brown and crispy on the bottom side, about 3-4 minutes, then gently flip and fry the other side until equally golden and crisp, another 3-4 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Infuse the honey: While frying the feta, warm the honey gently in a small saucepan over low heat. Add fresh thyme leaves and freshly ground black pepper to the honey and allow the flavors to infuse for 2-3 minutes. Do not boil.
- Serve: Transfer the crispy fried feta to a serving plate. Drizzle the warm thyme and pepper-infused honey over the top. Serve immediately alongside pita chips for a delightful appetizer experience.
Notes
- Use a thicker block of feta to prevent it from melting too quickly during frying.
- Maintain medium heat to achieve a crispy coating without burning the panko.
- The honey infusion can be adjusted in intensity by varying thyme and pepper quantities according to taste.
- Serve immediately for the best texture; the coating may soften if it sits too long.
- Pita chips or crusty bread make ideal accompaniments for soaking up the honey and melted feta.
