🧀 Description

Crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside — these Mediterranean-inspired feta bites are coated in golden breadcrumbs and fresh herbs, topped with crushed pistachios, and drizzled with a luscious pomegranate glaze. They make a perfect appetizer or mezze for any gathering, pairing beautifully with a glass of white wine or sparkling water infused with lemon and mint.

🧂 Ingredients

For the Cheese Bites

  • 250 g (about 9 oz) Greek feta cheese or halloumi, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or fine breadcrumbs for a smoother crust)
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • Oil for frying (olive oil or neutral oil like sunflower)

For the Pistachio-Herb Crust

  • ⅓ cup chopped pistachios
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped (optional but adds freshness)
  • 1 tsp lemon zest

For the Pomegranate Glaze

  • ½ cup pomegranate molasses
  • 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • Pinch of sea salt

🫕 Instructions

1. Prepare the Cheese

  1. Cut the feta or halloumi into bite-sized cubes (about 2–3 cm).
  2. Pat them dry gently with a paper towel — removing excess moisture helps the coating stick and fry evenly.

2. Bread the Cheese

  1. Prepare three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with oregano, thyme, garlic powder, and black pepper.
  2. Dip each cheese cube first in the flour, then in the egg, and finally coat it thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture.
  3. Place coated cubes on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes — this helps the coating set.

3. Fry the Bites

  1. Heat about 1 inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat (around 170°C / 340°F).
  2. Fry the cheese cubes in batches, about 1–2 minutes per side, until golden and crisp.
  3. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.

4. Make the Pomegranate Glaze

  1. In a small saucepan, combine pomegranate molasses, honey, balsamic vinegar, and salt.
  2. Simmer gently over low heat for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened. Set aside to cool.

5. Garnish & Serve

  1. Arrange the crispy feta bites on a serving platter.
  2. Sprinkle chopped pistachios, parsley, dill, and lemon zest over the top.
  3. Drizzle generously with the pomegranate glaze.
  4. Optionally, serve with extra glaze on the side for dipping.

🍋 Tips for Perfection

  • Cheese choice: Feta gives a tangy, creamy flavor; halloumi is firmer and holds shape better.
  • Baking option: To make it lighter, bake at 200°C (400°F) for 15–20 minutes until golden.
  • Glaze variations: Try fig jam, honey-thyme syrup, or date molasses for different Mediterranean notes.
  • Wine pairing: A crisp Assyrtiko or Sauvignon Blanc complements the salty-sweet balance beautifully.

🇬🇷 Serving Suggestion

Serve these Mediterranean Crispy Feta Bites as part of a mezze platter with:

  • Warm pita bread
  • Hummus or tzatziki
  • Roasted olives
  • Grilled vegetables drizzled with olive oil and lemon