Feta & Honey Ice Cream with Crispy Phyllo Shards
Feta & Honey Ice Cream with Crispy Phyllo Shards is a delightful dessert that offers an unexpected twist on traditional ice cream. The creamy blend of feta cheese with the sweetness of honey creates a harmonious balance, while the crispy phyllo shards add a textural contrast that’s both fun and delicious. This recipe is not only easy to make but also an impressive treat that will leave your guests raving. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or just want to indulge in a comforting dessert, this is the perfect recipe for you. Let’s dive into this step-by-step journey to creating a stunningly delicious frozen dessert!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One of the best parts about Feta & Honey Ice Cream is how simple it is to prepare yet incredibly rewarding when served. With minimal ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen, this ice cream comes together with ease. Not only is it a crowd-pleaser with its unique flavor profile, but it’s also a fun way to introduce feta cheese into desserts, showcasing its versatility. The addition of crispy phyllo shards elevates this dish, making it perfect for special occasions or just a casual afternoon treat. Plus, it’s an unforgettable experience for your taste buds!
Ingredients
Creating Feta & Honey Ice Cream with Crispy Phyllo Shards involves a selection of creamy and aromatic ingredients that enhance this unique dessert:
- 300 ml whole milk – a rich base that adds creaminess
- 300 ml heavy cream – for that indulgent, velvety texture
- 100 g caster sugar – giving the perfect sweetness balance
- 4 egg yolks – adding a luxurious richness
- 120 g feta cheese (crumbled) – creating a savory yet sweet profile
- 1 tsp lemon zest – brightening up the flavors
- Pinch of salt – enhancing all the flavors
- 4 tbsp runny honey – for natural sweetness and depth
- 1 small sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary (optional) – adding aromatic notes
- 4 sheets phyllo dough – contributing a wonderful crisp texture
- 3 tbsp melted butter – to brush on the phyllo sheets
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds or nigella seeds (optional) – for added crunch
- Pinch of flaky salt – amplifying the flavor of the phyllo
- Crushed pistachios (optional) – for a nutty, crunchy topping
- Extra lemon zest (optional) – for freshness
- Tiny oregano or mint leaves (optional) – for an herbal touch
These ingredients come together to create a dish that is delightful to both the palate and the senses!
Step-by-Step Directions
Prepare the Base: In a saucepan, heat the whole milk and heavy cream until steaming but not boiling. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks with caster sugar until pale and slightly thick. Gradually pour the warm milk mixture over the yolks, whisking constantly to avoid scrambling. Transfer back to the saucepan and cook on low heat, stirring gently until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Incorporate Cheese and Zest: Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the crumbled feta cheese, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Blend the mixture until smooth using an immersion blender. For an extra-smooth texture, strain the mixture if desired. Allow it to cool completely, then chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Churn the Ice Cream: Once your mixture is chilled, pour it into your ice cream machine and churn it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The mixture will start to thicken; once ready, transfer it to a container and freeze for 2–4 hours to firm up the ice cream.
Make the Phyllo Shards: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Brush the phyllo sheets with melted butter, sprinkling them with sesame seeds or nigella seeds and a pinch of flaky salt. Layer and fold the sheets to your liking and bake on a baking tray until golden and crispy, which should take around 8–10 minutes. Let them cool before breaking them into rustic shards.
Prepare the Honey: In a small saucepan, gently heat the honey with a small sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary until fragrant. Remove the herbs before serving to maintain a clean flavor.
Assemble and Serve: Scoop the feta ice cream into small bowls. Drizzle the warm honey over the top, scatter crushed pistachios and extra lemon zest, and serve with the crispy phyllo shards either tucked in or alongside for an elegant presentation.
Tips & Tricks
To elevate your Feta & Honey Ice Cream, consider these culinary tips:
- Ensure the milk and cream mixture does not boil when you blend it with the egg yolks; otherwise, you’ll end up with scrambled eggs.
- Use high-quality feta cheese for a richer flavor; goat feta can also add another dimension to the taste.
- To enhance the honey flavor, you can infuse it with other herbs such as basil or lavender for a more aromatic experience.
- Don’t rush the chilling process; the longer the mixture sits, the more developed the flavor becomes.
- Experiment with toppings, such as adding different nuts or seeds to find your perfect pairing!
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Feta & Honey Ice Cream is wonderfully versatile when it comes to serving. Pair it with a glass of refreshing lemonade or iced tea to balance its creamy richness. The crispy phyllo shards not only add texture but can also be served alongside savory dishes for a fun appetizer. Perfect for summer gatherings, garden parties, or as a comforting treat after a long day, this delightful dessert is sure to impress guests of all ages.
Nutritional Information
A typical serving of Feta & Honey Ice Cream with Crispy Phyllo Shards contains approximately:
- Calories: 300-400 (depending on toppings and serving size)
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 7g
This recipe is a balance of flavors and indulgences, so enjoy it in moderation, ideally with a fresh, healthful side!
Storing Tips & Variations
For storing, keep the finished Feta & Honey Ice Cream closed in an airtight container in the freezer. It can be stored for about 2–3 weeks, although it may lose some of its creamy texture the longer it sits. If you’d like to mix things up, consider adding different cheeses like ricotta or mascarpone for variation. You could also swap out honey for maple syrup for a different sweet flavor, or balance the creaminess further by adding fruits like berries or stone fruits.
Conclusion
Feta & Honey Ice Cream with Crispy Phyllo Shards is a unique dessert that provides a culinary adventure in every bite. Its creamy, savory-sweet profile, complemented by the delightful crunch of phyllo, makes it a must-try! We encourage you to try this recipe and experience its incredible taste for yourself. Don’t forget to share your experience with us, and let us know how you put your spin on this delightful dish!
FAQs
Can I make this recipe without an ice cream machine?
Yes! If you don’t have an ice cream machine, pour the cooled mixture into a shallow dish and freeze it. Every 30 minutes, stir it with a fork to break up the ice crystals until fully frozen.Is it possible to make this ice cream dairy-free?
You can experiment with dairy-free alternatives such as coconut cream and almond milk in place of whole milk and heavy cream, and use a dairy-free feta if possible.How can I store leftovers?
Store your ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer to maintain freshness. It can be kept for about 2–3 weeks, although it may lose its creamy texture over time.Can I replace honey with another sweetener?
Absolutely! Maple syrup or agave nectar can be great substitutes for honey in this recipe while maintaining a sweet flavor profile.What occasions is this ice cream best for?
This ice cream is perfect for summer gatherings, special events, or as a comforting treat on a cozy night in. It’s also a conversation starter with its unique flavor combination!
Feta & Honey Ice Cream with Crispy Phyllo Shards
Ingredients
Ice Cream Base
- 300 ml whole milk A rich base that adds creaminess
- 300 ml heavy cream For that indulgent, velvety texture
- 100 g caster sugar Giving the perfect sweetness balance
- 4 large egg yolks Adding a luxurious richness
- 120 g feta cheese (crumbled) Creating a savory yet sweet profile
- 1 tsp lemon zest Brightening up the flavors
- 1 pinch salt Enhancing all the flavors
- 4 tbsp runny honey For natural sweetness and depth
- 1 small sprig fresh thyme or rosemary (optional) Adding aromatic notes
Phyllo Shards
- 4 sheets phyllo dough Contributing a wonderful crisp texture
- 3 tbsp melted butter To brush on the phyllo sheets
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds or nigella seeds (optional) For added crunch
- 1 pinch flaky salt Amplifying the flavor of the phyllo
Toppings (Optional)
- Crushed pistachios For a nutty, crunchy topping
- Extra lemon zest For freshness
- Tiny oregano or mint leaves For an herbal touch
Instructions
Prepare the Base
- In a saucepan, heat the whole milk and heavy cream until steaming but not boiling.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks with caster sugar until pale and slightly thick.
- Gradually pour the warm milk mixture over the yolks, whisking constantly to avoid scrambling.
- Transfer back to the saucepan and cook on low heat, stirring gently until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Incorporate Cheese and Zest
- Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the crumbled feta cheese, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt.
- Blend the mixture until smooth using an immersion blender.
- For an extra-smooth texture, strain the mixture if desired.
- Allow it to cool completely, then chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Churn the Ice Cream
- Once your mixture is chilled, pour it into your ice cream machine and churn it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Transfer it to a container and freeze for 2–4 hours to firm up the ice cream.
Make the Phyllo Shards
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Brush the phyllo sheets with melted butter, sprinkling them with sesame seeds or nigella seeds and a pinch of flaky salt.
- Layer and fold the sheets to your liking and bake on a baking tray until golden and crispy, which should take around 8–10 minutes.
- Let them cool before breaking them into rustic shards.
Prepare the Honey
- In a small saucepan, gently heat the honey with a small sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary until fragrant.
- Remove the herbs before serving to maintain a clean flavor.
Assemble and Serve
- Scoop the feta ice cream into small bowls.
- Drizzle the warm honey over the top, scatter crushed pistachios and extra lemon zest, and serve with the crispy phyllo shards either tucked in or alongside.