Crispy baked feta bites are the perfect blend of tangy feta cheese encased in a golden, crunchy coating. Baked to perfection, these savory bites are easy to make and ideal for parties, snacking, or even a unique appetizer. With their crispy exterior and creamy, salty center, they’re sure to impress any cheese lover!
Key Information:
- Preparation time:
15 minutes
- Cooking time:
15 minutes
- Total time:
30 minutes
- Number of servings:
4-6
- Serving size:
3-4 bites
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
Ingredients:
- 200g (7 oz) block of feta cheese
- 60g (1/2 cup) all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 120g (1 cup) panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp (5g) dried oregano
- 1 tsp (5g) dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp (1g) black pepper
- 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil (for drizzling)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Method of Preparation:
- Preheat the oven
to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut the feta:
Slice the block of feta into bite-sized cubes, about 1-inch squares. Pat
them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Prepare the breading station: Set up three bowls—one with flour, one with beaten
eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs mixed with dried oregano, thyme, and
black pepper.
- Bread the feta bites:
Dredge each feta cube in the flour, shaking off the excess. Dip it into
the beaten eggs, then roll it in the panko mixture, pressing the
breadcrumbs onto the feta to coat evenly. Repeat until all feta cubes are
coated.
- Bake the feta bites:
Place the breaded feta cubes on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly drizzle
them with olive oil to help them crisp up. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or
until the bites are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve:
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh
parsley and serve with lemon wedges for a refreshing squeeze of citrus.
Enjoy as an appetizer or snack!
Tips for Culinary Success:
- Use a firm block of feta: Opt for a firm feta block to ensure the cheese holds
its shape during baking. Avoid pre-crumbled feta, as it won’t work for
this recipe.
- Don’t skip the panko:
Panko breadcrumbs give the feta bites an extra crispy texture. If you
don't have panko, you can use regular breadcrumbs, but the result may be
less crunchy.
- Press the coating firmly: Make sure the breadcrumbs are pressed firmly onto the
feta to ensure they stick during baking.
- Add a touch of spice:
For a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika to the
panko mixture.
- Serve with dips:
These feta bites pair perfectly with a variety of dips, such as tzatziki,
honey, or marinara sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I fry the feta bites instead of baking them? Yes! For extra crispiness, you can fry the feta bites
in hot oil for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Drain on paper towels
before serving.
- Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, you can bread the feta cubes ahead of time and
refrigerate them for up to 4 hours before baking or frying.
- Can I use another cheese? Halloumi or paneer are great alternatives to feta if
you're looking for a similar result with different flavors.
- How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover feta bites in an airtight container
in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to
maintain crispiness.
- Can I make these gluten-free? Yes! Simply substitute the flour and panko with
gluten-free versions to make these feta bites gluten-free.
These crispy baked feta bites are a
delightful combination of tangy, salty cheese and a perfectly crunchy coating.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering or looking for a savory snack to enjoy with
a glass of wine, these feta bites will be a hit. With their golden-brown crust
and creamy center, they’re irresistibly delicious and simple to make!