These Crispy Feta Fried Eggs will be your new obsession, combining a golden, salty cheese crust with a perfectly cooked egg. This viral breakfast trend is incredibly easy to make and offers the ultimate savory bite to start your morning. Whether you are a dedicated egg lover or someone looking for a way to make breakfast more exciting, this dish is a total game-changer.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- A Fun New Way to Eat Eggs: If you are tired of the same old scrambles or fried eggs, this method introduces a unique texture and flavor profile that feels fresh and exciting.
- Quick and Easy: You only need about five minutes to whip this up, making it the perfect solution for busy weekday mornings.
- Healthy and Wholesome: This dish is packed with protein and healthy fats from the avocado, ensuring you stay full and energized until lunch.
- Absolutely Delicious: The combination of salty feta, creamy avocado, and a hint of spice from chili oil is a crowd-pleaser that will impress anyone you serve it to.
Ingredients for Crispy Feta Fried Eggs
- Feta Cheese: It is best to use a block of feta cheese that you crumble yourself rather than pre-crumbled varieties for the best melt and crust.
- Large Egg: Use organic, free-range eggs if possible for a richer flavor and better nutritional profile.
- Dried Oregano: This herb is a classic pairing for feta and adds a beautiful Mediterranean aroma.
- Red Pepper Flakes: These add a subtle heat, though they are completely optional if you prefer a milder taste.
- Small Tortilla or Bread: You can use a small flour tortilla, a corn tortilla, or a thick slice of toasted sourdough as your base.
- Avocado: Smashed avocado provides a creamy contrast to the crispy cheese.
- Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice cuts through the richness of the egg and cheese.
- Pickled Onions: These provide a tangy freshness and a pop of color to the finished dish.
- Chili Oil: An optional drizzle of chili oil or hot sauce adds an extra layer of depth and spice.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Add a small amount of oil to a non-stick frying pan. Crumble the feta cheese around the outer edges of the pan, leaving a space in the center.
- Sauté the Feta: Place the pan over medium heat. Let the feta sizzle and melt for a minute or two until it begins to look slightly golden.
- Add the Egg: Gently crack the egg into the center of the pan, surrounded by the sizzling feta.
- Season: Sprinkle the dried oregano and red pepper flakes over the egg. Allow it to cook until the whites are set and the feta has formed a crispy, golden-brown crust.
- Prepare the Base: While the egg cooks, warm your tortilla or toast your bread. Smash the avocado on top and season with a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Assemble: Use a spatula to carefully lift the egg and its feta crust out of the pan and place it onto the prepared avocado base.
- Garnish and Serve: Top with pickled onions and a drizzle of chili oil before serving immediately.
Expert Tips / Pro Tips
To ensure success, always use a high-quality non-stick pan. Feta cheese contains moisture and proteins that can easily stick to stainless steel or cast iron if not seasoned perfectly. Keeping the heat at a medium level is also vital; if the heat is too high, the cheese will burn before the egg white has a chance to set properly. If you prefer your yolks a bit firmer, you can place a lid over the pan for the last minute of cooking to trap steam and cook the top of the egg.
Variations & Substitutions
If you do not have feta on hand, goat cheese makes an excellent substitute, though you may want to add a pinch of salt since goat cheese is typically less salty than feta. For those following a plant-based diet, many dairy-free feta alternatives melt well enough to create a similar crust. You can also swap the oregano for fresh basil, parsley, or dill depending on what you have in your garden. If you want more vegetables, try adding sautéed mushrooms or fresh baby spinach to the tortilla before placing the egg on top.
Serving Suggestions
While this recipe is traditionally served on a tortilla or toast, it is versatile enough to be served over a bed of fresh greens for a lower-carb option. It also pairs beautifully with a side of sliced tomatoes or a simple cucumber salad. For a hearty brunch, serve these eggs alongside some crispy hash browns or a fruit salad.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
This dish is definitely best enjoyed fresh and immediate. As the feta cools, the crispy texture will eventually soften. If you do have leftovers, you can store the egg in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place it back in a dry pan over medium heat for a minute or two to try and revive the crispiness. Freezing is not recommended for this recipe as the texture of both the egg and the cheese crust will degrade significantly upon thawing.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 288 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Protein | 12g |
| Total Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Sodium | 515mg |
| Fiber | 4g |
Crispy Feta Fried Eggs
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Add a small amount of oil to a non-stick frying pan. Crumble the feta cheese around the outer edges of the pan, leaving a space in the center.Feta Cheese
- Place the pan over medium heat. Let the feta sizzle and melt for a minute or two until it begins to look slightly golden.Feta Cheese
- Gently crack the egg into the center of the pan, surrounded by the sizzling feta.1 Large Egg
- Sprinkle the dried oregano and red pepper flakes over the egg. Allow it to cook until the whites are set and the feta has formed a crispy, golden-brown crust.Dried Oregano, Red Pepper Flakes
- While the egg cooks, warm your tortilla or toast your bread. Smash the avocado on top and season with a squeeze of lemon juice.1 Small Tortilla or Bread, Avocado, squeeze Lemon Juice
- Use a spatula to carefully lift the egg and its feta crust out of the pan and place it onto the prepared avocado base.
- Top with pickled onions and a drizzle of chili oil before serving immediately.Pickled Onions, drizzle Chili Oil
Notes
FAQ
Can I use pre-crumbled feta?
You can, but pre-crumbled feta is often coated in anti-caking agents like potato starch, which can prevent it from melting and crisping as well as a fresh block of feta would.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is suitable for vegetarians who include eggs and dairy in their diet. Always check that your feta is made with microbial rennet if you are a strict vegetarian.
How do I make the pickled onions?
Simply slice red onions thinly and soak them in a mixture of apple cider vinegar, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of sugar for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Can I make this for a crowd?
Yes, you can use a large griddle to make multiple eggs at once. Just ensure there is enough space between the feta circles so the eggs do not merge into one large omelet.