Fried Feta Cheese Recipe (with hot honey oil)

This crispy fried feta cheese makes the perfect appetizer for any gathering! Tangy feta topped with sweet and spicy hot honey oil, creates a delicious and almost additive flavor combination that is sure to be a hit! The best part about this recipe is that it couldn’t be easier to make! 

I’ll be perfectly honest, this recipe mostly came about as an excuse to eat an entire block of feta cheese in a slightly more classy manner. I’ve loved feta cheese for as long as I can remember.

And I’ll find an excuse to put it into nearly everything, from my eggs to my tacos, salads, pizzas, and pasta. So needless to say I was pretty excited when someone introduced me to the idea of serving a whole block of feta as an appetizer. 

And let me tell you this recipe doesn’t disappoint, even if you aren’t a die-hard feta cheese fan like I am. This recipe is flavorful, and tangy with just the right amount of heat, for the perfect added kick!

It’s perfect for dinner parties and get-togethers. Serve with pita chips or your favorite crackers for an appetizer that is sure to be a hit with everyone. 

And the best part about this easy appetizer is that it couldn’t be simpler to make! It takes just 15 minutes from start to finish, making it a great starter for parties or unexpected guests!  

Fried Feta Cheese(with hot honey oil)

Ingredients

for the fried cheese

• block of feta cheese
• all-purpose flour
• egg, beaten
• sesame seeds, I used white sesame seeds, but you can also use black sesame seeds or a combination of both! 
• panko breadcrumbs 
• olive oil, for frying the feta
• crusty bread, pita chips, or your favorite crackers, for serving 

for the hot honey oil

• raw honey
• crushed red pepper flakes
• thyme
• freshly ground black pepper
• sea salt
• garlic cloves, finely minced or grated
• lemon juice, about 1/2 a lemon 
• extra virgin olive oil

How to Make Fried Feta Cheese

Open your block of feta cheese and pat it dry with a paper towel. 

In a small bowl combine, the flour, panko bread crumbs, and sesame seeds,  place the beaten egg into another dish(big enough to fit the block of feta cheese.)

Dip the block of feta cheese into the beaten egg, turning it over until it is completely coated. Allow any excess egg to drip off then place the block into the flour mixture.

Coat both sides and the edges with the flour mixture gently pressing the mixture into the cheese to help it stick. (for extra crispy feta repeat the process, dipping the breaded feta into the egg, and then the flour mixture again.)

In a small skillet over medium heat, heat roughly 2 tbsp of olive oil, until hot. Carefully place the breaded feta into the oil, and fry for 1-2 minutes until golden brown. Flip and fry the other side until golden brown about 2 minutes. Reduce the heat if needed to keep the feta from burning, or if your oil is getting too hot, to help avoid getting burned!

Once the feta is done, place it on a shallow serving dish or plate.

In a heatproof dish or bowl, combine all of the hot honey ingredients except the oil.  Then heat the olive oil for the hot honey over medium high heat, until it is hot and sizzling, carefully pour the oil into the honey mixture and stir until the honey is completely melted.

Pour the finished hot honey mixture over the fried feta cheese and serve immediately, with your favorite crackers, pita chips, or crusty bread. 

Enjoy! 

Recipe Notes

Any leftover fried feta cheese can be covered tightly with plastic wrap or transferred to an airtight container and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days! To reheat, place the feta along with the hot honey oil in an oven-safe dish and heat at 350 degrees F for 5-10 minutes or until hot. 

If you are in a pinch you can sub 1/2 -1 tsp garlic powder in place of the minced/grated garlic in this recipe! You can also use Italian seasoning in place of the thyme! 

Not only does this pan-fried feta cheese make a delicious appetizer/starter, but it also makes a great addition to any charcuterie board, it can even be served as a fun side dish!

Looking for more Appiterzers to try? Be sure to check out these!

Easy Brown Sugar Baked Brie Recipe | with chopped pecans

Baked Brie with Pickled Rhubarb and Maple Pecans

Cranberry Almond Chicken Salad Bites