Name: Baked Feta with Honey and Pistachios Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 8 oz block feta cheese, patted dry; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons honey, plus more for serving; 2 sprigs fresh thyme, halved; 1/4 cup chopped pistachios; 2 or 3 fresh figs, cut in half (optional); Crostini or crackers, for serving

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Introduction

Baked feta with honey and pistachios is a simple yet elegant appetizer that combines creamy, salty cheese with sweet honey and crunchy nuts. It’s perfect for entertaining or a cozy night in, offering a delightful mix of flavors and textures.

A shiny metal pan holds one large, thick, golden-brown square piece of baked cheese that looks soft and creamy, topped with small pieces of green pistachios and tiny green herbs. Around the cheese, there is a light golden oil sauce with scattered green herbs and three roasted fig halves showing dark purple edges and their seedy brown centers. A woman's hand is seen in the top left pouring a thick stream of golden honey over the cheese from a honey dipper. The background surface is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 oz block feta cheese, patted dry
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons honey, plus more for serving
2 sprigs fresh thyme, halved
2 or 3 fresh figs, cut in half (optional)
1/4 cup chopped pistachios
Crostini or crackers, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F and position a rack in the upper third of the oven.
Step 2: Place the block of feta in a small oven-safe dish. Drizzle olive oil and honey evenly over the cheese.
Step 3: Arrange the thyme sprigs around the feta. If using figs, place them cut side up around the cheese in the dish.
Step 4: Bake for 9 to 10 minutes, until the feta is warmed through and slightly softened but not melted.
Step 5: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with chopped pistachios, and drizzle additional honey on top. Serve immediately with crostini or crackers.

Tips & Variations

To enhance flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes before baking for a mild kick.
Substitute pistachios with walnuts or almonds for a different nutty texture.
Use fresh herbs like rosemary or oregano if thyme isn’t available.
Serve with raw vegetables such as cucumber slices for a lighter option.

Storage

Store any leftover baked feta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave until warm, being careful not to overheat as feta can become dry.

How to Serve

A medium-sized, golden-brown square block of baked cheese sits in the center of a shallow silver pan filled with a golden honey liquid. The cheese is topped with scattered green chopped pistachios and small herbs. Around the cheese in the honey are three halved, dark purple figs, slightly softened from cooking. A woman's hand is holding a wooden honey dipper above the cheese, dripping thick honey in a slow drizzle onto the top. The pan rests on a warm wooden surface with a glass of water blurred in the background, all set against a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare baked feta ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh from the oven to enjoy the warm, creamy texture. You can prepare ingredients ahead but bake just before serving.

Can I use regular feta instead of block feta?

Block feta works best for baking as it holds its shape. Crumbled feta will melt and become less appealing for this recipe.