Why Make This Recipe
Golden Crispy Feta Fries with Cool Dill Dip are not just a treat but an unforgettable experience for your taste buds. Made from simple ingredients, these fries take traditional cheese to a whole new level. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, they are perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish. When you pair them with a refreshing dill dip made from Greek yogurt, every bite becomes delightfully addictive. You can easily impress family and friends with this dish, making it a great choice for gatherings or special occasions.
How to Make Golden Crispy Feta Fries with Cool Dill Dip
Making Golden Crispy Feta Fries involves just a few steps. It may sound fancy, but the process is quite straightforward. Let’s break it down step by step.
Ingredients
- 400 g block feta cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Oil for frying
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 small garlic clove, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Prepare the Feta: Start by cutting the block of feta cheese into thick fries that are about the size of regular French fries. This will help ensure even cooking and a nice bite.
Dry the Feta: After cutting, take a paper towel and gently pat the feta fries to dry them. This step is important as it removes any excess moisture that could prevent the coating from sticking properly.
Set Up Coating Stations: You will need three bowls for the breading process:
- In the first bowl, add the all-purpose flour.
- In the second bowl, beat the two eggs until fully combined.
- In the third bowl, mix the regular breadcrumbs with the panko crumbs and half a teaspoon of black pepper.
Coat the Feta: Take one feta stick and coat it in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it in the beaten egg, ensuring that it’s fully covered. Finally, roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs stick well to the cheese.
Double Coat for Extra Crunch: For an extra crispy result, repeat the dipping process: dip the already coated feta stick back into the egg, followed by the breadcrumbs again. This second layer will give the fries an even crunchier texture.
Chill for Best Results: Once you’ve coated all the feta sticks, place them on a plate and chill them in the fridge for about 20 minutes. Chilling helps the coating adhere better when frying.
Heat the Oil: While the feta fries chill, heat oil in a deep skillet or pot. Aim for a temperature of about 175°C (350°F). The right temperature is key to ensuring the fries cook quickly and become golden brown without absorbing too much oil.
Fry the Feta Fries: Once the oil is hot, carefully add a few feta fries at a time. Fry them for 1 to 2 minutes or until they turn a deep golden brown. Avoid overcrowding the pot, as this can lower the oil temperature and lead to soggy fries.
Drain the Fries: Use a slotted spoon to remove the fries from the oil, then place them on a paper towel to drain any excess oil.
Prepare the Cool Dill Dip: In a separate bowl, mix the Greek yogurt with the finely chopped fresh dill, lemon juice, the grated garlic clove, and some salt and pepper to taste. This dip adds a refreshing contrast to the warm, crispy fries.
Serve: Enjoy the Golden Crispy Feta Fries hot, paired with the chilled dill dip for the perfect balance.
How to Serve Golden Crispy Feta Fries
Golden Crispy Feta Fries can be served in several ways. The most popular method is to serve them as an appetizer. Place the fries on a large platter, accompanied by the cool dill dip in a small bowl in the center. This arrangement makes it easy for guests to grab a fry and dip it into the sauce.
If you want to make it a complete meal, consider serving the fries alongside a fresh salad or grilled vegetables. This not only rounds out the meal but also adds a necessary dose of greens.
For a unique twist, you can also use these fries as a topping for a salad or grain bowl. Just chop them up and sprinkle them over your favorite salad ingredients for an added crunch.
How to Store Golden Crispy Feta Fries
If you have leftovers (although they are so delicious, that’s unlikely!), you can store them in an airtight container. Allow them to cool down to room temperature first. Cover the container tightly and place it in the refrigerator. They should be good for about 2-3 days.
When you want to reheat the fries, it’s best to use the oven or an air fryer to restore their original crispiness. Simply preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and spread the fries on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until they are warmed through.
Freezing is also an option. You can freeze the uncooked, breaded feta fries before frying them. Lay them flat on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer bag once frozen. When you’re ready to enjoy them, you can fry straight from frozen—just be sure to adjust the frying time as necessary.
Tips to Make Golden Crispy Feta Fries
Choose Quality Feta: The type of feta cheese you use can significantly affect the taste. A good quality feta will have a rich flavor that elevates the dish. Opt for a block of feta rather than crumbled feta for best results.
Experiment with Herbs: If dill isn’t your favorite, feel free to replace it with other fresh herbs like parsley or chives in the dip. These can also give a fresh flavor complimenting the fries.
Spice It Up: You can add more flavor to the breadcrumb mixture by mixing in garlic powder, cayenne pepper, or Italian seasoning for a twist.
Use a Thermometer: If you’re not sure about oil temperature, invest in a candy or frying thermometer. The right oil temperature helps achieve that desired crispiness.
Make Extra Dips: Different dips can bring various flavor profiles to the table. Consider serving a spicy sriracha mayo or a tangy tzatziki along with the dill dip.
Variation
These Golden Crispy Feta Fries can be made with different types of cheese. For example, you can use halloumi cheese if you prefer a different flavor. Halloumi has a wonderful texture and holds up well to frying, creating a similar crispy exterior.
You can also try adding different spices or heat to the fritters. If you enjoy a little kick, add some crushed red pepper or paprika to the egg mixture before coating the fries. This will give your fries a little pop of color and heat!
FAQs
Can I make Golden Crispy Feta Fries ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the feta fries ahead of time by breading them and then storing them in the fridge for a few hours. However, they are best when cooked fresh, so try to fry them just before serving.
What can I substitute for Greek yogurt?
If you do not have Greek yogurt, plain regular yogurt works fine. For a dairy-free option, you can use a plant-based yogurt or even sour cream, depending on your dietary preferences.
Can I bake these fries instead of frying them?
Baking is possible but will yield a difference in texture. To bake, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), place the coated feta fries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and spray lightly with cooking oil. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown, flipping halfway through.
How long does it take to fry the feta fries?
Frying the feta fries typically takes about 1-2 minutes per batch. You only need to turn them once during frying to achieve even browning.
Can I use frozen feta cheese for this recipe?
It is not advisable to use frozen feta cheese since it may lose its texture after thawing. Always use fresh feta for the best taste and result.
With these easy-to-follow instructions and tips, you’re on your way to impressing everyone with your Golden Crispy Feta Fries and Cool Dill Dip! Enjoy the crunchy goodness and fresh flavors that will make any gathering a memorable culinary delight.
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Golden Crispy Feta Fries with Cool Dill Dip
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these Golden Crispy Feta Fries paired with a refreshing dill dip are perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish.
Ingredients
- 400 g block feta cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Oil for frying
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 small garlic clove, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cut the feta cheese into thick fries.
- Pat the feta fries with a paper towel to dry them.
- Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mix of breadcrumbs, panko, and black pepper.
- Coat each feta stick in flour, then dip in egg, and roll in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Double coat for extra crunch by repeating the egg and breadcrumb processes.
- Chill the coated feta sticks in the fridge for about 20 minutes.
- Heat oil in a deep skillet to about 175°C (350°F).
- Fry the feta fries for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels.
- Mix Greek yogurt, dill, lemon juice, garlic, and seasonings to prepare the dip.
- Serve the fries hot with the dill dip.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider using fresh herbs or spices in the breadcrumb mixture. Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for best results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: feta fries, crispy snack, appetizer, dill dip, Mediterranean, vegetarian