Crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside — these golden cheese cubes are coated with crushed pistachios and drizzled with aromatic honey syrup. Topped with fresh or candied berries, this dish embodies the perfect harmony of sweet, salty, and nutty flavors found throughout the Mediterranean.

🧺 Ingredients

For the Cheese Cubes:

  • 400 g firm cheese (such as halloumi, kefalotyri, manouri, or even feta block-style)
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • ¾ cup fine breadcrumbs or panko
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
  • Olive oil, for frying

For the Honey-Pistachio Topping:

  • ½ cup roasted pistachios, finely chopped
  • ⅓ cup pure honey (preferably thyme, acacia, or wildflower honey)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice or orange blossom water
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional but adds warmth)
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh mint or thyme leaves

For Garnish:

  • Fresh or candied berries (cranberries, pomegranate seeds, or cherries work beautifully)
  • Extra honey for drizzling
  • A sprinkle of sea salt flakes (optional)

🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Cheese

  • Cut the cheese into 2-inch cubes. Pat dry thoroughly with a paper towel to remove excess moisture — this helps them crisp up beautifully.

2. Coat the Cheese

  • In three shallow bowls, prepare a dredging station:
    • Bowl 1: Flour mixed with cornstarch and a pinch of salt.
    • Bowl 2: Beaten eggs.
    • Bowl 3: Breadcrumbs.
  • Dredge each cheese cube first in the flour mixture, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat evenly with breadcrumbs.
  • For extra crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating once more.

3. Fry the Cheese

  • Heat about ½ inch of olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
  • Fry the cheese cubes in batches for about 1–2 minutes per side, turning gently until golden brown and crispy.
  • Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate to drain any excess oil.

4. Prepare the Honey-Pistachio Sauce

  • In a small saucepan, gently warm the honey over low heat (do not boil).
  • Add lemon juice or orange blossom water, ground cinnamon, and chopped herbs. Stir well.
  • Remove from heat and mix in the finely chopped pistachios.

5. Assemble

  • Place the warm fried cheese cubes on a serving platter.
  • Spoon the warm honey-pistachio mixture generously over the top of each cube.
  • Garnish with fresh or candied berries for a pop of color and tartness.
  • Finish with a drizzle of extra honey and a sprinkle of sea salt flakes if desired.

🍷 Serving Suggestions

  • Serve immediately while the cheese is still warm and gooey inside.
  • Perfect as an elegant appetizer, mezze, or even dessert.
  • Pairs beautifully with:
    • A glass of chilled rosé or prosecco.
    • Or a cup of strong Turkish or Greek coffee for a sweet-savory contrast.

🌸 Chef’s Mediterranean Tip

For a unique twist, you can:

  • Replace pistachios with toasted almonds or hazelnuts.
  • Use Greek yogurt cheese (labneh) for a softer center.
  • Add a touch of rosewater or saffron to the honey syrup for a Middle Eastern aroma.