Pan Fried Feta Cheese is a crispy appetizer made with a block of feta coated in seasoned panko breadcrumbs and pan-fried until golden on the outside and warm and creamy inside. It’s finished with spicy hot honey, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh parsley, lemon zest, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
The combination of textures is what makes this appetizer stand out for me. The panko gets golden and crunchy while the feta inside stays soft and creamy, and that sweet-spicy hot honey takes it over the top.
Why I Love Pan Fried Feta Cheese
About the Ingredients ⭐
- Feta Cheese: Use a whole 8–10 ounce block so it holds together while frying.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Give the feta its crispy coating.
- Seasonings: Garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper flavor the breading.
- Egg: Helps the panko stick.
- Olive Oil: Used for pan-frying until golden.
- Toppings: Parsley, sun-dried tomatoes, and lemon add fresh flavor.
- Hot Honey: Honey, cayenne, and red pepper flakes make the sweet and spicy drizzle.
Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below
How to Make Pan Fried Feta Cheese
Make the Hot Honey: Mix the honey, cayenne pepper, and crushed red pepper together and set aside.
Bread the Feta: Pat the feta dry. Combine the panko and seasonings in one bowl and add the beaten egg to another. Dip the feta in egg, then coat completely with the panko mixture.
Pan Fry: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the feta for about 3 minutes per side, until golden and crispy.
Add the Toppings: Transfer to a serving dish and drizzle with hot honey. Top with parsley, sun-dried tomatoes, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice.
Serve: Serve immediately while the feta is warm and crispy.
Tips I Found Helpful 💙
- Pat it dry: This helps the breading stick.
- Handle gently: Keep the feta block whole so it doesn’t crumble.
- Heat the oil first: Hot oil helps the coating get crispy instead of greasy.
- Serve right away: The feta is best hot with a crispy coating.
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Appetizers I Love
Pan Fried Feta Cheese
Pan Fried Feta Cheese is coated in seasoned panko and fried until golden and crispy outside and warm and creamy inside.
Ingredients
- 1 block feta cheese (8-10 ounces)
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons drained and chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
For the Hot Honey:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the hot honey by mixing the honey with cayenne pepper and crushed red pepper in a small bowl. Stir well, then transfer to a glass jar with a lid and set it aside.
- Gently pat the feta block dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
- Combine the panko bread crumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper in a shallow bowl. Place the beaten egg in a separate shallow dish.
- Dip the feta block into the beaten egg, coating all sides. Then, press the feta into the panko mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated on all sides.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the coated feta block to the pan. Fry for about 3 minutes per side, or until golden and crispy. Use a spatula to gently flip it.
- Remove the feta from the pan and place it on a serving dish while it’s still warm. Drizzle generously with the prepared hot honey.
- Sprinkle the feta with chopped parsley, sun-dried tomatoes, lemon zest, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
- Serve immediately with pita crackers, bread, or your favorite dippers. Enjoy!
Notes
Pat the feta dry before breading so the coating sticks well. Handle the block gently and press the seasoned panko onto all sides. Make sure the olive oil is hot before adding the feta, and watch it closely since the breadcrumbs brown quickly. Serve immediately for the crispiest coating and creamiest center.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
10Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 89Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 21mgSodium: 184mgCarbohydrates: 16gFiber: 1gSugar: 6gProtein: 3g
