FRIED FETA BITES W/ HOT HONEY
- WineCheeseScallops
- Sep 30, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 3
Craving a savory bite with a sweet and spicy kick? Our Fried Feta Bites with Hot Honey are the answer! Crispy on the outside and irresistibly creamy on the inside, these golden feta bites are elevated with a drizzle of hot honey and a garnish of fried lemon zest and fresh thyme. Perfect for sharing (or not!), this appetizer combines the best of salty, tangy, and sweet in every bite. Whether you're hosting a casual get-together or just indulging in a snack, these feta bites will have everyone reaching for more. Serve them with warm pita bread or crunchy pita chips, and prepare to wow your taste buds!
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Ingredient Highlight:
Feta Cheese: Feta is the star of this dish. Its crumbly, tangy profile contrasts beautifully with the crisp Panko coating. When fried, the feta stays soft and creamy on the inside, creating a delightful texture. Made from sheep’s milk or a mix of sheep and goat’s milk, feta is known for its bold, briny flavor that works wonders in savory dishes.
Frank’s Hot Honey: This sweet and spicy honey is a game-changer! The combination of heat from the chili and the sweetness of the honey adds a mouthwatering complexity to the feta bites. It cuts through the richness of the cheese and elevates the entire dish.
Lemon Zest: By frying the lemon zest, you add a pop of citrusy brightness that infuses the olive oil and enhances the overall flavor of the feta. Plus, it adds a lovely crispy garnish!
Fresh Thyme: Thyme adds a subtle earthiness and fragrance that balances the bold flavors of the cheese and honey. It’s a simple garnish, but it really ties everything together.
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Recipe Origin:
The inspiration for this recipe comes from a love of Mediterranean flavors, where feta cheese is a beloved ingredient. Feta’s salty, tangy flavor makes it ideal for both hot and cold dishes, but we’re taking it to new heights by frying it for extra crispiness. Adding Frank’s Hot Honey brings a fun twist—melding the Mediterranean with a touch of Southern American flair! Hot honey has been gaining popularity for good reason, and pairing it with fried feta is an absolute match made in heaven. The crispy lemon zest? That’s a little chef’s kiss to top it all off!
Helpful Tips:
Crispy Feta Perfection: Make sure your oil is hot before adding the feta cubes. If the oil isn't hot enough, the feta will absorb too much oil and won’t get that perfect crispy exterior.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the feta in batches if needed to ensure they cook evenly. Overcrowding the skillet can lower the oil temperature, leading to soggy bites.
Panko for Crunch: Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and crispier than traditional breadcrumbs, making them the best choice for these fried feta bites. If you want extra crunch, you can double-dip the feta in the egg and Panko for a thicker coating.
Customize the Heat: Not a fan of too much spice? No problem! You can use regular honey for a sweet-only drizzle or find a mild hot honey to suit your preference.
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Why This Recipe is the Best:
Creamy and Crispy: The texture of this dish is unbeatable. The creamy feta contrasts perfectly with the crispy Panko coating, creating a bite that’s both soft and crunchy.
Sweet and Spicy: The hot honey drizzle takes these bites to another level, adding a sweet and spicy element that cuts through the richness of the cheese.
Zesty Brightness: The fried lemon zest brings a burst of citrus flavor that lightens up the dish and complements the thyme garnish.
Simple but Impressive: This recipe is quick and easy to make, yet it delivers on big flavor. It’s the perfect appetizer for entertaining or a snack for yourself when you want to treat your taste buds.
Customizable: You can easily tweak this recipe by using different garnishes like fresh herbs or even experimenting with different flavored honeys to make it your own!
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Ingredients:
1 (10-12 ounce) block feta cheese, cut into large cubes
1 large egg, beaten
⅔ cup Panko bread crumbs
5 Tbs extra virgin olive oil
2 Tbs thinly sliced lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
Frank’s Hot Honey, for drizzling
1 Tbs fresh thyme, for garnish
Pita chips or pita bread, for serving
Instructions:
Prep the Coating: In a shallow bowl, whisk the egg. In a separate shallow bowl, add the Panko breadcrumbs. Dip each feta cube into the egg, turning to coat completely. Let any excess egg drip off before dredging the feta cubes in the Panko. Gently press the breadcrumbs onto each cube, ensuring an even coating. Set the coated feta aside on a plate until you’re ready to fry.
Infuse the Oil with Lemon Zest: Heat 3 tbsp of olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the sliced lemon zest and fry for 30 seconds to 1 minute until crispy. Remove the zest from the skillet and set aside for garnish. The lemon will flavor the oil beautifully, adding a zesty brightness to the fried feta.
Fry the Feta: In the same skillet with the infused oil, add the breaded feta cubes. Fry the feta for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Once all the feta cubes are golden, transfer them to a serving plate.
Final Touches: Add the remaining 2 tbsp of oil to the skillet and fry the rest of the feta cubes until they reach the same golden perfection.
Serve and Drizzle: Serve the feta bites warm, drizzled generously with Frank’s Hot Honey. Top with the crispy fried lemon zest and a sprinkle of fresh thyme for garnish. Enjoy with pita chips or bread for dipping.
We’re so excited for you to try this recipe! To make it even easier, we’ve put together a list of our favorite kitchen tools that are super helpful for this recipe. By using our affiliate links below, you’ll not only be getting top-notch products but also supporting our blog, Wine Cheese Scallops. Thank you so much for your support—happy cooking!
For the freshest ingredients to recreate dishes like these at home, we always visit our local gem, General Steak and Seafood.
Their high-quality selection never disappoints!
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