If you love simple yet show-stopping appetizers, you are going to adore this Fried Feta with Phyllo Dough and Honey Recipe. Imagine a warm, crispy shell of golden phyllo dough hugging salty, creamy feta cheese, pan-fried to perfection and finished with a delicate drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. This delightful dish brings a little taste of Greece straight to your table in just minutes, blending textures and flavors that will have your guests asking for seconds. Whether you serve it as a quick snack or an elegant appetizer, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s both easy to make and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Fried Feta with Phyllo Dough and Honey Recipe plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the creamy feta that provides a salty tang to the buttery crispiness of phyllo dough and the natural sweetness of honey, every component brings something special to the table.
- 8 oz block of Feta Cheese: Choose a firm, thick block for easy wrapping and frying with a creamy yet salty flavor.
- 1-2 sheets of Phyllo Dough, thawed: These thin, delicate sheets become wonderfully crisp and flaky when fried.
- ⅓ cup Olive Oil: Use good-quality olive oil to get that rich, fruity flavor and perfect frying texture.
- 1 tbsp Honey: The sweetness of honey contrasts beautifully with salty feta, elevating the dish.
- 1 tsp Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds add a lovely nutty crunch and an appealing garnish.
How to Make Fried Feta with Phyllo Dough and Honey Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Feta and Phyllo
Begin by placing your 8 oz block of feta cheese right in the center of a thawed sheet of phyllo dough. Carefully wrap the dough around the cheese, making sure it is fully sealed. Using a small dab of honey to “glue” the edges can help keep the dough intact during frying. Remember to handle the phyllo gently because it is extremely thin and tears easily.
Step 2: Heat the Olive Oil
Heat your cast iron skillet over medium heat and add about ⅓ cup of olive oil. You want enough oil so that it comes about halfway up the side of the feta block once you add it. This ensures the phyllo dough crisps perfectly while the cheese inside warms up to that creamy, melty stage.
Step 3: Fry the Wrapped Feta
Carefully place the phyllo-wrapped feta block in the hot oil. Fry it for roughly 2 minutes or until the bottom has turned a gorgeous golden-brown and is crisp. Then, using tongs, gently flip the block to fry the other side until equally crispy and golden.
Step 4: Drizzle with Honey and Garnish
Once fried to perfection, remove the feta from the skillet and place it on a serving dish. Drizzle generously with 1 tablespoon of honey and sprinkle 1 teaspoon of sesame seeds on top. This final step adds the perfect sweet and nutty finish to your warm, crunchy cheese delight.
How to Serve Fried Feta with Phyllo Dough and Honey Recipe
Garnishes
While the honey and sesame seeds are the classic garnishes, you can get creative with fresh lemon zest for an added zing or sprinkle fresh herbs like thyme or basil for a pop of color and flavor that complements the fried feta beautifully.
Side Dishes
This appetizer shines when paired with simple sides such as sliced tomatoes, crisp pita chips, or a fresh cucumber salad. The refreshing, light accompaniments balance the richness of the fried feta and make for a well-rounded, satisfying snack or starter.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive presentation, serve the fried feta on a wooden board or a rustic ceramic plate with extra honey on the side for drizzling. Adding a handful of mixed olives or roasted nuts around the dish invites your guests to explore different textures and flavors with every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, store them tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’re best enjoyed within 1-2 days as the phyllo dough starts to lose its crispness over time.
Freezing
Freezing fried feta wrapped in phyllo dough is not recommended because the texture of the phyllo will become soggy and unappealing when thawed. It’s best to enjoy this recipe fresh for the ultimate experience.
Reheating
To reheat and bring back some of the original crispiness, place the leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving as this will soften the phyllo dough and diminish the delightful crunch.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of feta?
Feta’s unique salty and crumbly texture is key to this recipe, but you can experiment with halloumi or goat cheese for a different taste and texture. Just ensure the cheese holds its shape well when fried.
What can I do if I don’t have phyllo dough?
Phyllo dough is what gives this dish its signature crispiness. If you can’t find it, you might try puff pastry as a substitute, though the texture will be different. Keep in mind the flavor won’t be quite the same.
How do I prevent the phyllo dough from tearing?
Handle the phyllo dough gently and work on a clean, dry surface. Using a little honey or water to seal the edges helps keep it together during frying. Also, avoid over-stuffing to prevent tears.
Is olive oil the best oil for frying this dish?
Olive oil adds wonderful flavor, but if you prefer a neutral taste or don’t want the oil’s flavor to dominate, you can use vegetable or canola oil. Make sure to use enough oil for even frying and a crisp finish.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Since feta cheese is essential to this recipe, making it fully vegan would require a cheese substitute that melts well and has a similar saltiness. Vegan cheeses designed for cooking might work, but expect some differences in texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Fried Feta with Phyllo Dough and Honey Recipe is one of those magical bites that brings joy with every crunchy, gooey forkful. Easy to prepare yet packed with flavors that transport you to the sunny Mediterranean, it’s a dish worth making again and again. So grab some phyllo, feta, and honey, and prepare to impress yourself and your friends with this unforgettable Greek-inspired appetizer.
Print
Fried Feta with Phyllo Dough and Honey Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a quick and delicious taste of Greece with this Fried Feta with Phyllo Dough and Honey recipe. A crispy phyllo-wrapped block of feta cheese is fried in olive oil until golden and then drizzled with sweet honey and sprinkled with sesame seeds. Perfect as an impressive appetizer or side dish to serve with pita chips, tomatoes, or on its own.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 8 oz block Feta Cheese
- 1–2 sheets Phyllo Dough, thawed according to package instructions
- ⅓ cup Olive Oil, more or less depending on the size of your cast iron skillet
- 1 tbsp (or more) Honey
- 1 tsp Sesame Seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Feta: Place the 8 oz block of feta cheese in the center of a sheet of phyllo dough. Wrap the feta completely with the phyllo dough, securing it by adding a small dot of honey to hold the dough in place. If your feta block is thicker than 1 cm, slice it thinner and consider using two sheets of phyllo for wrapping.
- Heat the Oil: Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat and add ⅓ cup olive oil, ensuring it comes about halfway up the side of the feta block. This depth will allow frying without burning the feta.
- Fry the Wrapped Feta: Carefully place the phyllo-wrapped feta into the hot oil. Fry for about 2 minutes or until the phyllo turns golden brown and crispy.
- Flip and Fry Other Side: Using tongs, gently flip the feta block to fry the other side until equally crispy and golden brown. Take care to avoid tearing the delicate phyllo dough.
- Serve: Remove the fried feta from the skillet and transfer to a serving dish. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of honey and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon sesame seeds. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Feta Cheese: Aim for a block about 1 cm thick; thicker blocks can be sliced and wrapped separately to ensure even cooking.
- Phyllo Dough: Usually, one sheet is sufficient, but if your feta is thinner or you slice it, you might need two sheets.
- Flipping: Be very gentle when flipping to prevent the phyllo from ripping.
- Flavor Enhancements: Adding lemon zest to the olive oil imparts a fresh zing. You can also sprinkle thyme, black pepper, or basil on top.
- Sesame Seeds: Use white or black sesame seeds as preferred; both are traditional in Greece.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Greek
