Crispy Hot Honey–Sesame Feta Bites

(2)

These warm feta bites are encrusted in toasty sesame seeds and drizzled with spicy-sweet honey for an easy appetizer that hits all the right notes. Make sure to pat your feta dry so the egg can adhere to it, keeping the sesame seeds in place. Feta cheese holds its shape as it cooks but it will need a delicate touch when it’s turned and transferred to the platter.

Active Time:
20 mins
Total Time:
45 mins
Servings:
8
the ingredients to make the Crispy Hot Honey Sesame Feta Bites

Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Julia Levy, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

Cook Mode (Keep screen awake)

Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 8 servings

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

  • 1 (8-ounce) block feta cheese

  • 1 large egg

  • 2/3 cup sesame seeds

  • 2 tablespoons honey

  • 1 teaspoon chopped Calabrian chiles

  • 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest

  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, for garnish (optional)

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 450°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper; rub 1 tablespoon oil on the parchment.

  2. Pat feta dry; cut into cubes slightly larger than 1/2-inch. Whisk egg in a small bowl. Spread sesame seeds on a small plate. Working in batches, dip the feta cubes in the egg, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge in sesame seeds, gently turning until fully coated. (Discard excess egg and sesame seeds.) Transfer the coated feta to the prepared baking sheet and freeze for at least 10 minutes or up to 30 minutes.

    a photo of the feta being dipped into the mixture and eggs

    Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Julia Levy, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

  3. Drizzle the coated feta pieces with the remaining 1 tablespoon oil. Bake until golden and warmed through, 15 to 16 minutes, very gently flipping the pieces halfway through.

    a photo of oil being drizzled onto the bites

    Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Julia Levy, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

  4. Meanwhile, combine honey, chiles and lemon zest in a small bowl.

    a photo of the hot honey dip being mixed up

    Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Julia Levy, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

  5. To serve, gently transfer the feta bites to a platter; drizzle with the hot honey. Sprinkle with thyme, if desired.

    a recipe photo of the Crispy Hot Honey–Sesame Feta Bites

    Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Julia Levy, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

EatingWell.com, June 2024

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

191 Calories
15g Fat
8g Carbs
7g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 8
Serving Size 5 to 6 bites
Calories 191
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 8g 3%
Dietary Fiber 2g 5%
Total Sugars 6g
Added Sugars 4g 8%
Protein 7g 13%
Total Fat 15g 19%
Saturated Fat 6g 28%
Cholesterol 48mg 16%
Vitamin A 46µg
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Vitamin D 0µg
Vitamin E 1mg 4%
Folate 23µg
Vitamin K 3µg
Sodium 270mg 12%
Calcium 250mg 19%
Iron 2mg 11%
Magnesium 45mg 11%
Potassium 82mg 2%
Zinc 2mg 15%
Vitamin B12 1µg
Omega 3 0g

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.