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FRIED FETA BITES W/ GREEK RELISH

  • Writer: WineCheeseScallops
    WineCheeseScallops
  • Sep 25, 2024
  • 5 min read

Updated: Jan 3

Get ready to indulge in the ultimate Mediterranean snack with these Fried Feta Bites with Greek Relish! Imagine creamy feta, crispy and golden on the outside, paired with a tangy and fresh Greek-style relish bursting with flavors of Kalamata olives, red onions, tomatoes, and basil. These feta bites are the kind of dish you serve when you want to impress guests or enjoy a luxurious snack that transports you to a sun-soaked taverna in Greece. Serve them with warm pita or crispy pita chips, and watch them disappear!



Our Fried Feta Bites with Greek Relish were inspired by the Deep-Fried Feta appetizer at one of our local favorites, Adelphia Sports Bar and Grille. This dish is a huge hit with our kids, who love it so much they asked us to try making it at home. Today was our first attempt at recreating the magic, and we’re thrilled to say it turned out absolutely perfect! Now, we can enjoy this crispy, flavorful bite at home anytime we want!

 

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 Ingredient Highlight:


  • Feta Cheese: Feta is a traditional Greek cheese known for its tangy, briny flavor. It's made from sheep's or goat's milk, giving it a slightly sharp, rich taste that pairs beautifully with fresh ingredients like tomatoes and olives. When fried, feta develops an irresistible crispy crust, while the inside stays creamy and smooth—a delicious contrast that elevates any dish.

  • Lemon Zest: Thin strips of lemon zest not only provide a fragrant citrus burst but also help cut through the richness of the fried cheese. The zest is lightly fried to infuse the olive oil with a bright, zesty flavor that permeates the feta, enhancing its natural tanginess.

  • Kalamata Olives: These dark purple olives from Greece are known for their deep, salty flavor and meaty texture. They add a bold, briny punch to the relish, perfectly balancing the richness of the fried feta.

  • Basil: Fresh basil gives this dish an herbal, slightly sweet note that lightens the overall flavor profile, making it fresh and summery.


 

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Recipe Origin:


This recipe takes inspiration from classic Greek flavors and a love for mezze-style dining. We wanted to create a dish that would showcase the bold, fresh ingredients of the Mediterranean but with a fun twist—frying the feta cheese to give it a crispy, indulgent texture. The idea of pairing it with a bright, flavorful relish came from the desire to balance the richness of the fried cheese with something light and refreshing. This dish is a tribute to the simple yet vibrant flavors found in Greek cuisine, perfect for a casual gathering or a luxurious snack.


Helpful Tips:


  • Frying the Feta: Handle the feta gently while frying, using tongs to turn each piece carefully. The cheese can be delicate, but once fried, the crispy exterior will hold together nicely.

  • Infusing the Oil: Frying the lemon zest in the olive oil not only flavors the oil but also adds a delightful hint of citrus to the final dish. If you're in a rush, using a store-bought flavored olive oil is a great shortcut.

  • Relish Substitutions: Don’t have Kalamata olives? No problem! Try green olives or even capers for a different but equally delicious briny flavor.

  • Serving Suggestions: Pair these feta bites with a simple Greek salad or a platter of hummus, tzatziki, and dolmas for an authentic Mediterranean spread.

 

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Why This Recipe is the Best:


  1. Crispy & Creamy: The contrast of the crispy Panko coating and the creamy, tangy feta inside is pure perfection.

  2. Bursting with Flavor: The Greek relish adds freshness and a pop of Mediterranean flavors that make each bite exciting and delicious.

  3. Impressive Yet Easy: This dish looks and tastes impressive, but it’s surprisingly easy to make, requiring only a few ingredients and minimal prep.

  4. Versatile Serving Options: These fried feta bites can be served as an appetizer, a snack, or part of a larger Mediterranean mezze platter.

  5. Elevated Comfort Food: Who doesn’t love fried cheese? This recipe takes comfort food to the next level by adding sophisticated, bold flavors from Greece.

  6. Perfect for Entertaining: Whether you're hosting a dinner party or a casual get-together, these feta bites are a surefire hit that will keep your guests coming back for more.

 

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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 + 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil (plus more for drizzling, if desired)

  • 2 Tbds thinly sliced lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)

  • 1 cup diced tomato (cherry or Roma work best)

  • ½ cup red onion, finely diced

  • ½ cup Kalamata olives, finely diced

  • 1 Tbs basil, finely chopped

  • 1 Tbs lemon juice (from the zested lemon)

  • Pita chips or pita bread, for serving


Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Relish: Start by making the relish so the flavors can meld while frying the feta. In a bowl, mix together the diced tomatoes, onion, olives, basil, lemon juice, and ½ tsp olive oil. Set aside.

  2. Coat the Feta: Whisk the egg in a shallow bowl. In a separate bowl, add the Panko. Dip each feta cube in the egg, letting the excess drip off, then coat in the Panko crumbs, pressing gently to ensure they stick. Set the coated feta cubes aside on a plate.

  3. Infuse the Oil: Heat 3 tbsp of olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the lemon zest and fry for 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until fragrant. Remove the zest to flavor the oil. (As an alternative, you can use store-bought basil-infused olive oil.)

  4. Fry the Feta: In the same skillet, carefully add the feta cubes and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Transfer the fried feta to a serving plate. Add the remaining 2 tbsp olive oil to the pan and fry the remaining feta cubes.

  5. Serve: Drizzle the warm feta with olive oil and top with the Greek relish. Serve with pita chips or warm pita bread. Enjoy immediately!

 

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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