Description
Enjoy a delightful appetizer featuring crispy pan-fried feta cheese coated in panko crumbs, served warm with a fragrant honey infused with fresh thyme and black pepper. This easy-to-make dish combines savory, sweet, and herbal flavors for a perfect starter or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Feta Cheese
- 1 thick piece feta cheese (wheel or block)
Coating
- 1 beaten egg
- ½ to ¾ cup panko crumbs
For Frying
- Olive oil (enough for frying, approximately 2-3 tablespoons)
Thyme and Pepper-Infused Honey
- ½ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Serving Suggestion
- Pita chips (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Coating and Oil: Lightly beat the 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 to get it ready for frying.
- Coat the Feta: Dip the feta cheese piece first into the beaten egg, ensuring it is fully coated. Then press it into the panko crumbs, covering all sides thoroughly. For an extra thick crust, repeat the egg and panko dip once more.
- Fry the Feta: Carefully place the coated feta into the hot olive oil. Fry until golden brown and crisp on one side, about 3-4 minutes, then gently flip and fry the other side similarly. The feta should be warm and the exterior crispy.
- Infuse Honey: While frying the feta, pour honey into a small saucepan and gently heat over low heat. Add fresh thyme leaves and freshly ground black pepper to the honey and allow to infuse for a few minutes, stirring occasionally to distribute the flavors.
- Serve: Remove the fried feta from the pan and drain on paper towels if needed. Plate the crispy feta and drizzle the thyme and pepper-infused honey over the top. Serve immediately alongside pita chips if desired for a delicious appetizer.
Notes
- Use a thick piece of feta for best structural integrity during frying.
- Adjust the amount of black pepper in the honey infusion according to your spice preference.
- Serve immediately to maintain the feta’s crispiness.
- Pita chips or fresh bread make excellent accompaniments.
- Do not overcrowd the pan while frying to ensure even crispiness.
