Description
This Hot Honey Feta Recipe features a creamy baked feta block that’s warm and golden, topped with a spicy chili-infused honey, crunchy toasted pistachios, and fresh thyme. Combining sweet, spicy, salty, and nutty flavors, this Mediterranean-inspired appetizer is quick to prepare and sure to impress at any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 block feta cheese (preferably in brine)
- 1/3 cup raw honey
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (optional)
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped pistachios, toasted
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it ready for baking the feta.
- Prepare feta: Pat the feta block dry to remove excess moisture and place it in a small cast iron skillet or any oven-safe baking dish.
- Season feta: Drizzle the feta block evenly with extra virgin olive oil and lightly season with freshly ground black pepper.
- Bake feta: Place the feta in the preheated oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the cheese softens and the edges turn a golden hue.
- Make hot honey: While the feta is baking, combine the raw honey and crushed red pepper flakes in a small saucepan. Simmer gently over low heat for 2–3 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Add optional spices: For added complexity, stir in apple cider vinegar and smoked paprika into the hot honey, then remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
- Drizzle honey on feta: Once the baked feta is out of the oven, generously drizzle the warm hot honey mixture over the top of the cheese.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle the chopped toasted pistachios over the feta, followed by fresh thyme leaves for a fragrant finish.
- Serve: Serve immediately with toasted bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables for dipping to enjoy this flavorful appetizer at its best.
Notes
- Use Greek feta in brine for the creamiest texture and boldest flavor.
- The hot honey can be made in advance and stored in a sealed jar for up to two weeks for convenience.
- Experiment with variations by adding lemon zest, rosemary, or mint to the hot honey for different flavor profiles.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: baked feta, Hot Honey Feta Recipe, spicy feta cheese, viral feta recipe
