Description
Enjoy a delightful appetizer with Crispy Pan-Fried Feta, perfectly coated in crunchy panko crumbs and served warm with a luscious thyme and black pepper-infused honey drizzle. This quick and easy recipe combines savory and sweet flavors, ideal for entertaining or a tasty snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese and Coating
- 1 wheel thick feta cheese
- 1 beaten egg
- ½ to ¾ cup panko crumbs
For Frying and Infusion
- Olive oil (enough for generous frying)
- Fresh thyme leaves (about 1 tablespoon)
- Black pepper (freshly cracked, ½ teaspoon or to taste)
- Honey (½ cup)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather all ingredients including feta, egg, panko crumbs, olive oil, fresh thyme, black pepper, and honey to ensure a smooth cooking process.
- Beat Egg and Heat Oil: Lightly beat the egg in a bowl and place the panko crumbs in another bowl. Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat until hot but not smoking.
- Coat Feta: Dip the feta wheel into the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off. Then roll it thoroughly in the panko crumbs to coat completely. For extra crunch, dip it again in egg and coat with panko once more.
- Fry Feta: Carefully place the coated feta into the hot olive oil. Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to gently turn the cheese, being careful not to break it.
- Make Honey Infusion: While frying, warm the honey gently in a small saucepan over low heat. Add fresh thyme leaves and freshly cracked black pepper to the honey. Let it infuse for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend flavors.
- Serve: Remove the fried feta from the pan and place it on a paper towel to drain excess oil. Serve immediately with the warm thyme and pepper-infused honey drizzled on top. Accompany with pita chips or crusty bread for a complete appetizer experience.
Notes
- Use a thick piece of feta to prevent it from melting too quickly while frying.
- Panko crumbs provide extra crispiness compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- Be gentle when turning the feta in the pan to keep the coating intact.
- Adjust black pepper quantity in honey according to your heat preference.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
