Short description

Crunchy on the outside with a molten, salty feta center, these pistachio-crusted sticks are a sophisticated take on classic cheese snacks. Paired with a refreshing dill yogurt dip, they offer a vibrant, healthy appetizer that’s easy to make and sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy, golden pistachio and panko crust with a creamy, tangy feta core
Baked or air-fried for a lighter alternative to deep-fried snacks
Bright and fresh dill yogurt dip balances the richness
Simple prep with elegant presentation for entertaining
Perfect as finger food for parties, brunch, or casual snacking

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Feta Sticks

200 g firm feta cheese (block-style)
50 g shelled pistachios (unsalted)
50 g panko breadcrumbs
1 tsp dried oregano
1 egg
1 tbsp flour
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Olive oil spray (for air fryer)

Dill Yogurt Dip

120 g Greek yogurt
1 tbsp chopped fresh dill
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp olive oil
Salt & pepper, to taste

Directions

Prep the feta
Cut the block of feta into sticks approximately 1 cm wide and 5–6 cm long. Pat dry gently with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Make the crust mix
Pulse pistachios in a food processor until finely chopped but still textured. Combine with panko breadcrumbs and dried oregano in a shallow bowl.
Bread the sticks
Lightly coat each feta stick with flour, then dip in beaten egg. Roll and press firmly into the pistachio-panko mixture until fully coated.
Chill to set
Place the coated sticks in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes to firm up, which helps prevent them from melting too quickly during cooking.
Cook the feta sticks
- Air fryer method: Preheat air fryer to 200 °C (390 °F). Spray the sticks lightly with olive oil. Air fry for 6–8 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Oven method: Preheat oven to 200 °C (390 °F). Bake on a parchment-lined tray for 12–15 minutes until golden.
Prepare the dill yogurt dip
In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, chopped dill, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Chill until ready to serve.

Servings and timing

Servings: 10–12 feta sticks
Prep time: 25 minutes
Chill time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 8 minutes (air fryer) or 12–15 minutes (oven)
Total time: Approximately 50 minutes

Variations

Spicy crust: Add chili flakes or cayenne powder to the pistachio mix for heat.
Herb variation: Substitute oregano with thyme or rosemary for a different herbal note.
Nut-free option: Use crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs alone instead of pistachios.
Dip alternatives: Serve with tzatziki, garlic aioli, or roasted red pepper dip.
Deep-fried version: For extra crispness, deep-fry instead of baking or air-frying.

Storage/reheating

Best served fresh and warm.
Leftover sticks can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 day.
Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 180 °C (350 °F) for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness.
The dill yogurt dip should be stored separately and consumed within 2 days.

FAQs

Can I prepare the feta sticks ahead?

Yes, coat the sticks and refrigerate before cooking. Bake or air-fry just before serving.

What type of feta works best?

Firm, block-style feta holds up well and melts nicely without falling apart.

Can I use roasted pistachios?

Yes, unsalted roasted pistachios add extra flavor and crunch.

How do I prevent the coating from falling off?

Dry the feta well and firmly press the crust onto the sticks. Chilling before cooking helps set the coating.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make it gluten-free.

Can I freeze the coated feta sticks?

Freeze before cooking, then bake or air-fry from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

How spicy is the dip?

The dill yogurt dip is mild and fresh; spice can be added separately if desired.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

Use the oven method for similarly crispy results.

Can I make these vegan?

Try using vegan feta alternatives and plant-based yogurt for the dip.

How should I serve these?

Serve warm with toothpicks and the dill dip as a stylish appetizer or snack.

Conclusion

Pistachio-Crusted Feta Sticks with Dill Yogurt Dip combine crunchy texture and molten, salty cheese in an elegant, healthy appetizer. The vibrant green crust and fresh dip make them as beautiful as they are delicious—perfect for entertaining or elevating your snack game with minimal effort.