Crispy Sesame Feta Fingers with Honey: A Sweet and Savory Delight

Are you looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious appetizer or snack? Look no further! These Crispy Sesame Feta Fingers with Honey are a delightful combination of salty, creamy, and sweet that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. The crispy, sesame-crusted feta is perfectly balanced by the drizzle of sweet honey, creating a flavor explosion in every bite. This recipe is surprisingly simple to make, requiring just a few ingredients and minimal effort, making it perfect for weeknight cravings or impressing guests at your next gathering.

This recipe takes inspiration from the popular Greek appetizer, saganaki, but with a twist. Instead of frying a whole block of feta, we’re cutting it into fingers and coating them in sesame seeds for added crunch and flavor. The honey adds a touch of sweetness that complements the salty feta beautifully. This appetizer is best served immediately, while the feta is still warm and the sesame coating is crispy.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Easy to make:** This recipe requires minimal effort and just a few simple ingredients.
* **Delicious flavor:** The combination of salty feta, crispy sesame seeds, and sweet honey is irresistible.
* **Versatile:** Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even a light meal.
* **Impressive:** A restaurant-quality dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.
* **Customizable:** Adapt the recipe to your liking by adding different spices or herbs.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Feta Cheese:** Use a block of good quality feta cheese, preferably Greek feta in brine. Make sure it’s not a pre-crumbled version, as it won’t hold its shape well. About 200-250g block should be sufficient.
* **Sesame Seeds:** Both white and black sesame seeds can be used, or a combination of both for a visually appealing effect. Approximately 1/2 cup sesame seeds will be required to coat the feta fingers.
* **All-Purpose Flour:** A light dusting of flour helps the sesame seeds adhere to the feta and creates a slightly crispier coating. 2 tablespoons of flour is enough.
* **Egg:** An egg wash helps the sesame seeds stick to the feta and adds richness to the coating. 1 large egg is sufficient.
* **Honey:** A good quality honey, such as wildflower or acacia, is essential for drizzling over the feta fingers. About 2-3 tablespoons are needed, adjust to your personal taste.
* **Olive Oil:** For frying the feta fingers. Extra virgin olive oil is preferable for its flavor but regular olive oil will work as well. About 1/4 cup of olive oil is needed.
* **Optional:** A pinch of red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of fresh oregano for added flavor and garnish.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a detailed guide to making these irresistible Crispy Sesame Feta Fingers with Honey:

**1. Prepare the Feta:**

* Remove the feta cheese from its brine and pat it dry with paper towels. This is important to ensure the sesame seeds adhere properly. Excess moisture will prevent the coating from sticking.
* Carefully cut the feta block into finger-sized pieces, about 1 inch thick and 3-4 inches long. Aim for even sizes so they cook evenly.

**2. Prepare the Coating Stations:**

* Set up three shallow dishes or plates for the coating process.
* In the first dish, place the all-purpose flour.
* In the second dish, whisk the egg until lightly beaten.
* In the third dish, combine the white and black sesame seeds (if using a mix). Ensure the sesame seeds are evenly spread out.

**3. Coat the Feta Fingers:**

* Dredge each feta finger in the flour, making sure to coat all sides. Shake off any excess flour. This step helps the egg wash adhere better.
* Dip the floured feta finger into the beaten egg, ensuring it’s completely covered. Let any excess egg drip off.
* Immediately transfer the egg-coated feta finger to the sesame seed mixture. Press gently to ensure the sesame seeds adhere to all sides. Make sure the feta is fully coated with sesame seeds for maximum crispiness and flavor.
* Repeat the coating process for all the remaining feta fingers.

**4. Fry the Feta Fingers:**

* Heat the olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Make sure the oil is hot enough, but not smoking. You can test the oil by dropping a sesame seed in; if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.
* Carefully place the coated feta fingers in the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy feta fingers.
* Fry the feta fingers for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Keep a close watch, as they can burn quickly. The goal is to achieve a crispy coating without melting the feta too much.
* Use a spatula to carefully flip the feta fingers and fry the other side.
* Remove the fried feta fingers from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

**5. Drizzle with Honey and Serve:**

* Arrange the crispy feta fingers on a serving plate.
* Drizzle generously with honey. Adjust the amount of honey to your liking. You can use a spoon or a squeeze bottle for easy drizzling.
* Optionally, sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a touch of heat or fresh oregano for added flavor and garnish. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt can also enhance the flavors.
* Serve immediately while the feta is still warm and the sesame coating is crispy. These are best enjoyed fresh!

## Tips for Perfect Crispy Sesame Feta Fingers

* **Use good quality feta:** The flavor of the feta is key to this recipe, so choose a good quality block of Greek feta in brine.
* **Pat the feta dry:** This is crucial for the sesame seeds to adhere properly.
* **Don’t overcrowd the pan:** Fry the feta fingers in batches to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy.
* **Don’t overcook:** Feta melts quickly, so be careful not to overcook it. You want the coating to be golden brown and crispy, but the feta should still hold its shape.
* **Serve immediately:** These are best served immediately while they are still warm and crispy.

## Variations and Additions

* **Spicy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sesame seed mixture or drizzle with hot honey for a spicy kick.
* **Herby:** Sprinkle with fresh oregano, thyme, or dill for added flavor.
* **Garlic:** Add a pinch of garlic powder to the flour mixture for a savory twist.
* **Lemon:** Squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice over the feta fingers before serving for a bright and tangy flavor.
* **Nuts:** Add chopped pistachios or walnuts to the sesame seed mixture for added crunch and flavor.
* **Different Cheese:** While this recipe is best with Feta, you can experiment with other cheeses that hold their shape when fried, such as Halloumi.

## Serving Suggestions

These Crispy Sesame Feta Fingers with Honey are perfect as:

* **Appetizer:** Serve them as a starter at your next dinner party or gathering.
* **Snack:** Enjoy them as a quick and satisfying snack anytime of day.
* **Light Meal:** Pair them with a side salad for a light and flavorful meal.
* **Part of a Mezze Platter:** Include them in a mezze platter alongside other Mediterranean delicacies like hummus, olives, and pita bread.

## Storage Instructions

These Crispy Sesame Feta Fingers are best enjoyed immediately. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Reheat them in a skillet or oven until warmed through, but keep in mind that they will lose some of their crispiness.

## Recipe

**Yields:** 4-6 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 5 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 200-250g block of Feta cheese
* 1/2 cup sesame seeds (white or black, or a mix)
* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 1 large egg, beaten
* 2-3 tablespoons honey
* 1/4 cup olive oil
* Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes, fresh oregano, flaky sea salt

**Instructions:**

1. Remove the feta cheese from its brine and pat it dry with paper towels.
2. Cut the feta block into finger-sized pieces.
3. Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten egg, and one with sesame seeds.
4. Dredge each feta finger in flour, then dip in egg, and finally coat with sesame seeds.
5. Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
6. Fry the feta fingers for 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
7. Remove from skillet and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
8. Arrange on a serving plate, drizzle with honey, and sprinkle with red pepper flakes or oregano, if desired.
9. Serve immediately.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Per serving, approximate): Calorie information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

* Calories: 250-350
* Fat: 15-25g
* Protein: 10-15g
* Carbohydrates: 10-15g

Enjoy these delicious and easy-to-make Crispy Sesame Feta Fingers with Honey! They’re sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. Don’t forget to share your creations on social media using #CrispyFetaFingers and let me know what you think in the comments below!

## Enjoy More Delicious Recipes!

If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out some of my other easy and delicious appetizers and snacks. I have something for everyone!

Bon appétit!