What Is a Feta Fried Egg?
A feta fried egg is exactly what it sounds like: an egg fried atop crumbly feta cheese. As the egg cooks, the feta melts and crisps, resulting in a tangy, salty, crispy-edged egg that will ruin you for all other preparations.
The idea was inspired by Ali Slagle’s Crispy Potato, Egg, and Cheese Tacos, another weeknight staple of mine.
What’s the Best Pan for Feta Fried Eggs?
A nonstick skillet is the best pan for the job (as long as it’s truly nonstick and the coating hasn’t worn off). My favorites are the Zwilling Madura frying pans, which are PFOA-free and have churned out feta fried egg after feta fried egg with zero sticking whatsoever.
If you have a well-seasoned cast iron skillet, you can use that, too. Otherwise, drizzle in a little extra-virgin olive oil before crumbling in the feta, like Suzy at The Mediterranean Dish does in her version.
What Type of Feta Should I Use?
The best feta for feta fried eggs is a block of full-fat feta packed in brine, which melts readily, tastes more complex, and lasts longer than other kinds. Your next best option is a block of full-feta feta wrapped in plastic. Avoid fat-free varieties, which are far less flavorful and won’t melt as well. As for pre-crumbled feta, I was initially skeptical, but I’ve since seen several creators use it with success.
I’ve been using Whole Foods 365 feta cheese packed in brine, which, at least here in Pittsburgh, is only $7.99 for a 1 lb. block.
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
I’ve personally only tried feta and cheddar, but commenters have found success with Parmesan, goat cheese, cotija, and low-moisture mozzarella. I’ll update this post as I play around with others.
How to Serve a Feta Fried Egg
I prefer a 6-inch flour or corn tortilla spread with avocado and a squeeze of lime. In the video, I use a whole wheat tortilla from TJ’s, but I typically look for whichever brand has the shortest ingredient list. Of course, the best place to purchase them is your local tortillería.
In lieu of avocado, you can use refried beans (reminiscent of huevos rancheros), mashed chickpeas, hummus, pesto, charred cherry tomatoes, cream cheese, Laughing Cow, salsa — the list goes on. You can also just add the egg as-is, top with hot sauce, and dig in.
In place of a tortilla, serve the feta fried egg on sourdough toast, an English muffin, with chopped in-season tomatoes, over pasta, in a grain bowl or salad — you do you!
Feta Fried Egg Recipe
Serves: 1
Ingredients:
1 large egg
1 1/2 ounces full-fat feta cheese (1/3 cup), ideally from a block packed in brine
Freshly ground black pepper
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 (6-inch) flour or corn tortilla, charred over the gas flame or warmed in a skillet
1/4 of a small avocado
Lime wedge
Instructions:
Heat a small nonstick skillet over medium heat. Flick a bit of feta brine (or place a small crumble of feta) into the skillet: if it sizzles, the pan is hot enough for the next step.
Crumble the feta into the pan, placing it around the perimeter and leaving room for the egg in the center. (If using a larger skillet or making two at once, simply crumble the feta into a large circle).
Once the feta begins melting and bubbling, immediately crack an egg into the center and season with black pepper and red pepper flakes. (No need to add salt, the feta is plenty salty).
Cover the pan and cook, reducing the heat to medium-low or low if the feta is browning too quickly, until the white is set, the yolk is still runny, and the cheese is crispy.
Meanwhile, spread the avocado onto the charred or warmed tortilla and add a squeeze of lime juice. Place the feta fried egg on top and enjoy!
Troubleshooting
Help! My feta is burning.
If your feta is burning, your heat was likely too high or you were using a pre-crumbled or non-fat feta. For best results, heat the pan over medium. You’ll know it’s ready when a small crumble of feta gently sizzles (but doesn’t pop!) upon contact.
After cracking in the egg and covering the pan, reduce the heat if the feta is getting super crispy and brown before the egg white is set. Don’t be afraid to lift the lid and check on it often!
Why isn’t my feta getting crispy?
This likely also has to do with temperature and timing. Try giving the feta a headstart by waiting to add the egg until it’s melting and bubbling. Once the egg is in, let the whole thing cook until the cheese is deeply browned, which will also make it easier to release from the pan.
Comment below if you’re having any trouble and I’ll update this section accordingly!
