Crispy Hot Honey–Sesame Feta Bites

Ingredients

• 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.

  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.

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

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