Frederic Melton
Feta cheese is a popular ingredient in salads, sauces, and meals. It can also be fried and served as an appetizer. Pan-frying feta cheese is a simple process that can be done in a few minutes. The cheese is sliced or kept as a block, coated in flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs, and then fried in olive oil. It is then drizzled with honey and served with pita chips, salads, or as part of a mezze spread. The outcome is a crispy, salty, and sweet dish that is perfect for any occasion.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pan-frying technique | Heat a non-stick pan, preferably cast iron, to medium heat. Add olive oil and wait until it shimmers. |
| Feta preparation | Use a block of feta cheese, patting it dry with a paper towel if needed. Dip the feta in whisked egg, then coat with breadcrumbs and seasonings. |
| Cooking | Place the feta in the pan and cook for a few minutes. Carefully turn the cheese and continue until browned on all sides. |
| Serving | Transfer the fried feta to a platter and drizzle with honey. Serve with pita chips, salad, or as a charcuterie board appetizer. |
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What You'll Learn
How to prepare the feta cheese for frying
Frying feta cheese is a simple and quick process. It is a great appetizer and can be served with honey, sun-dried tomatoes, or on a charcuterie board.
Firstly, ensure your feta is dry. Feta is often packed in water, so dry it with a paper towel before frying. This will ensure it browns nicely.
Next, prepare your coating. You can use a simple egg wash, or a mixture of egg and flour, which will help your toppings stick. Dunk the feta block into the egg wash, or a mixture of egg and flour, and then roll it in your chosen topping. You can use breadcrumbs, sesame seeds, or Panko for a crispy texture. Ensure the feta block is well coated.
Now, heat a non-stick pan to medium heat and add olive oil. You want a good coating of oil to fry the cheese. Once the oil is shimmering, add your coated feta block. You can cook it for a few minutes before turning it over carefully with a thin spatula. Continue frying until all sides are browned.
Once cooked, transfer the feta to a platter and serve. You can add toppings such as honey, lemon zest, cherry tomatoes, or herbs. Enjoy!
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The best oils for pan-frying feta cheese
When pan-frying feta cheese, it is important to use an oil with a high smoke point, as this will ensure that the oil does not smoke or burn during the frying process. It is also important to use an oil that complements the flavour of the feta cheese.
Olive oil is a popular choice for pan-frying feta cheese, as it has a high smoke point and a fruity flavour that pairs well with the salty, tangy flavour of the cheese. When selecting an olive oil, opt for extra virgin olive oil, which has a more robust flavour and higher smoke point than regular olive oil.
Vegetable oil is another option with a neutral flavour and high smoke point, making it suitable for pan-frying feta cheese. Grapeseed oil and avocado oil are also recommended for their high smoke points and neutral flavours, which will not overpower the taste of the feta.
To pan-fry feta cheese, start by drying the cheese with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Cut the feta into uniform cubes or slices, and then coat them with a layer of flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs or sesame seeds. Next, heat a generous amount of your chosen oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the coated feta to the pan, ensuring that the pieces are not crowded. Fry the feta for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Finally, remove the fried feta from the oil and drain any excess oil on a wire rack or paper towels.
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How to get a crispy coating on the feta cheese
To get a crispy coating on feta cheese, you will need to prepare a dredging station with three bowls. First, crack an egg into a shallow bowl and whisk it with a tablespoon or two of water. Next, add flour to a separate bowl. Finally, prepare the crispy coating in a third bowl—this could be breadcrumbs, panko, pine nuts, or sesame seeds.
Dip the feta cheese into the egg mixture, coating all sides, and gently tap off any excess. Then, roll the feta in the flour, followed by the crispy coating of your choice, gently pressing to adhere it to the cheese.
Heat a non-stick pan or skillet to medium heat and add a good coating of olive oil, avocado oil, or another frying oil of your choice. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the coated feta into the pan. Fry each side for about 2-3 minutes, or until the coating turns golden brown and crispy.
You can now serve the fried feta with your choice of accompaniments, such as honey, cherry tomatoes, or pita chips. Enjoy!
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What to serve with pan-fried feta cheese
Pan-fried feta cheese is a delicious appetizer and can be served with a variety of accompaniments. Here are some ideas for what to serve with this tasty dish:
Honey
Drizzling honey over the fried feta cheese adds a sweet and indulgent touch to the salty, crispy cheese. Warm the honey slightly so that it is runny and coats the cheese evenly. For an extra kick, you can use spicy honey or add some black pepper to your honey.
Tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes are a great choice to serve with pan-fried feta cheese. They add a fresh, summery touch to the dish and pair well with the salty, crispy cheese. You can simply slice the tomatoes and serve them on the side, or get creative and make a tomato jam to accompany the feta.
Bread
Fried feta cheese goes well with various types of bread. You can serve it with pita chips, crostini, or crackers. If you want to make your own crostini, slice a French baguette, brush the slices with olive oil, and bake them for a few minutes until crispy.
Salads and Greens
If you're looking for a healthier option, pan-fried feta cheese can be a tasty addition to a salad. It adds a salty, crispy element to your greens. You can also crumble the fried feta over tomatoes or saucy shrimp.
Olives
Olives are a classic pairing with feta cheese and can be a tasty addition to your appetizer spread. You can also try marinating your feta with olives before pan-frying for an extra punch of flavor.
Drinks
When serving pan-fried feta cheese as an appetizer, consider offering a refreshing cocktail on the side. An ouzo cocktail can be a perfect pairing, providing a nice contrast to the rich, fried cheese.
With these ideas, you can create a delicious and well-rounded spread to enjoy with your pan-fried feta cheese!
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How long to pan-fry feta cheese for
The time it takes to pan-fry feta cheese depends on the size of the feta slices or block, the type of breading used, and the desired level of browning. Generally, it should take no longer than 10 minutes to pan-fry feta cheese.
If you are frying a block of feta cheese, it is important to ensure that the cheese is dry before coating it in egg and breadcrumbs. This will help the coating stick to the cheese and create a crispy texture when fried. Once the cheese is coated, heat a non-stick pan to medium heat and add olive oil. When the oil is shimmering, place the block of feta in the pan and cook for a few minutes before attempting to turn it over. Continue cooking and turning the cheese until all sides are browned.
If you are frying slices of feta cheese, the process is similar. Coat the slices in egg and breadcrumbs or a mixture of flour, egg, and sesame seeds. Heat olive oil in a skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Place the coated feta slices in the pan, making sure each slice touches the hot bottom of the pan. Fry one side until golden brown, then turn over and fry the other side until golden brown as well. The total frying time for slices should be around 1-2 minutes per side, depending on the desired level of browning.
It is important to note that the heat should not be too high when frying feta cheese, as the breadcrumbs or breading can burn easily. Once the feta is browned to your liking, remove it from the pan and serve warm with desired accompaniments, such as honey, lemon zest, cherry tomatoes, or pita chips.
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