This baked feta with honey is the meze I make when friends are on their way and I have fifteen minutes. A block of Greek feta goes into the oven with olive oil, oregano, chili flakes, and black sesame, gets a quick blast under the broiler, and then comes the honey, poured straight over the hot cheese so it runs into the oil. Salty, sweet, a little spicy, and soft enough to scoop with a cracker.
If you love this feta with honey, you will also love this Feta Grilled Cheese With Thyme Honey, Fig Toast With Feta, or Greek Tomato Sandwich With Feta!
Why you’ll love this baked feta with honey
Feta and honey in Greece
In Greek, this is feta psití me méli (φέτα ψητή με μέλι), roasted feta with honey. Salty cheese with honey is an old pairing in Greece, and at tavernas you’ll most often find it as feta wrapped in phyllo, baked or fried, then finished with honey and sesame. This version skips the pastry and gets you to the same place in a fraction of the time.
It’s a different dish from bouyiourdi, the Thessaloniki-style baked feta with tomatoes, peppers, and chili, which leans savory and spicy. Here, honey is the star.
Here is what you need
- Greek feta cheese. Always buy a block of feta in brine, not crumbled — crumbles dry out and won’t hold together in the oven. Avoid fat-free versions; they don’t exist in Greece and are flavorless. Good-quality brands in the US market are Dodoni and Mt Vikos.
- Extra virgin olive oil. My go-to olive oil is Athena Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Its price is reasonable, and it is an excellent olive oil for cooking and drizzling over a salad, dipping bread, etc. Avoid using olive oil blends (often called Mediterranean blends), as they are of questionable quality.
- Sesame seeds. You can use blonde sesame seeds or black. I love using black sesame because it gives a nice contrast when this baked feta is served.
- Dried oregano. I often use dried oregano buds from Burlap and Barell. I use them whole or grind them between my hands over the dish. Dried Greek oregano leaves are also a staple in my pantry. Mexican oregano is wonderful for this baked feta dish.
- Chili flakes. For a nice kick, I add red chili flakes. You can substitute with freshly ground pepper.
- Greek honey. In Greece, several honey varieties are produced, such as orange blossom, pine, thyme, etc. My favorite is thyme honey. I love its aroma. Feel free to use your favorite.
How to make baked feta with sesame and honey
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the feta in a small oven-proof dish, ideally the one you’ll serve it in and just big enough to hold the block, so the oil pools around it. Pour over the olive oil, then sprinkle with oregano, chili flakes, and sesame seeds.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, until the feta is soft to the touch but still holding its shape.
- Switch the oven to broil and broil for 1–2 minutes, until the top browns and starts to bubble. Watch it closely — it goes from golden to burnt fast.
- Take the dish out and pour the honey over the hot feta right away. Serve immediately with homemade crackers, pita chips, or crusty bread. Don’t be surprised if people ask for a second round.
Note: You can warm the honey over a pan of simmering water or in the microwave for 30 seconds, but it’s optional. I usually pour it over at room temperature — it warms the second it hits the hot feta. And the dish disappears in five minutes (tops!), so the honey never has a chance to cool.
Variations
- Walnuts. Scatter a handful of chopped toasted walnuts over the feta along with the honey.
- Pistachios and figs. Swap the sesame for chopped pistachios and add sliced fresh figs to the dish before baking.
- Fresh thyme. Tuck a few thyme sprigs around the feta before it goes into the oven.
- Hot honey. Skip the chili flakes and finish with hot honey instead.
- Taverna-style in phyllo. Wrap the seasoned block in a couple of phyllo sheets brushed with olive oil, bake until golden, then finish with honey and sesame.
What to serve with baked feta with honey
- Roasted feta cheese is an appetizer best enjoyed on warm pita, crusty bread, and homemade crackers. Serve it along with fresh fruit and nuts, like grapes and walnuts.
- When we make it at home, we usually eat it before it reaches the table! It is accompanied by other appetizers/mezes, such as fried zucchini and eggplant, roasted tomatoes, marinated olives, tzatziki, fritters, etc., tapas-style. It can be an awesome side dish to grilled meats and vegetables, like chicken, meatballs, or soup.
- As a dessert cheese course. Baked feta with honey also works after dinner. Serve it with green grapes, walnuts or almonds, and crackers. Have the platter ready before the feta comes out of the oven, since it’s best eaten hot.
Tips
- Pat the feta dry before seasoning so the oil clings and the top browns instead of steaming.
- Use a snug dish. A small dish keeps the oil around the cheese instead of spreading thin and scorching.
- Don’t overbake. Feta softens but doesn’t melt like mozzarella. Leave it too long and it turns dry and grainy.
- If your feta is too salty, soak it in a bowl of cold water in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.
- Out of honey? Maple syrup works just as well.
Make ahead and leftovers
Make ahead: assemble the feta, oil, and seasonings in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate up to a day. Bake straight from the fridge, adding a couple of minutes.
Leftovers: In my house, there never are any. If you somehow end up with some, cover and refrigerate within 2 hours, then warm briefly in the oven before serving.
Baked feta with honey FAQ
Cooked it? Rate it!
If you tried this recipe, I’d love to know how you liked it — drop a comment below or tag me on Instagram @thegreekfoodie__.
Baked Feta Cheese With Honey
Ingredients
- 8 oz block Greek feta in brine, (225 g) , patted dry
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, (30 ml)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon black sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes
- ¼ cup Greek honey, (60 ml / 85 g)
For serving
- crackers
- warm crusty bread
- pita chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the feta in a small oven-proof dish, ideally the one you'll serve it in. Pour over the olive oil, then sprinkle with the oregano, chili flakes, and sesame seeds.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, until soft to the touch but still holding its shape.
- Switch the oven to broil and broil for 1–2 minutes, until the top browns and just starts to bubble. Watch closely.
- Remove from the oven and immediately pour the honey over the hot feta. Serve right away with crackers, pita chips, or crusty bread.
Notes
- Get good-quality feta. Look for Greek feta in brine. I like Dodoni, and Mt Vikos is also excellent. Both are available at many supermarkets, Whole Foods, and specialty grocery stores. Israeli and Bulgarian feta can also be good options.
- Skip fat-free or reduced-fat feta. It’s not the real thing and would never be part of a Greek pantry.
- Pour the honey on as soon as the feta comes out of the oven so it melts into the oil.
- Substitute maple syrup for the honey.
Nutrition
WOW. I am so happy to have run across this recipe! This feta appetizer is surprisingly and absolutely delicious!! It was so easy to prepare, I didn’t expect such rich flavor. It was a huge hit with everyone at the dinner party – thank you!!
Thank you, Valerie! We love this roasted feta too, we make it often and enjoy it over crackers or crusty bread even for a snack. So happy you and your guests liked it! x jenny
This combo was so unexpected for me, and I loved it so much!! I am definitely going to be making it a lot from now on. Thank you so much for the recipe 🙂
That is great Cathleen! Thank you so much
x Jenny
I have made this feta appetizer twice and it was a huge hit. It will probably be showing up at every gathering now. Highly recommend!
That is so great Colleen! You made me very happy reading your comment. x Jenny
Simple and delicious. I love sharing this recipe with my friends when we get together on the weekends.
Such a delicious way of enjoying yummy cheese. I am a cheese lover and I cant wait to try your simple but flavorful recipe . Thanks
Thank you so much Veena, hope you like it!
x Jenny
I use vegan Greek-style cheese and this was the perfect recipe!
That is great Freya! I will try it with vegan feta also, I am curious. x Jenny
yes, I agree on this roasted feta cheese with honey and thyme is the perfect appetizer! I will make this soon.
Thank you so much, Uma!
I just adore Greek cuisine!😋🥰 This looks fabulous and I can imaginge how tasty it really is. Love the herbs. Feta is to Greek like Mozzarella is to Italians!
Thanks for some insights to Greek cuisine!😋🥰👍🙏👌
Thank you so much for your kind words, Loreto and Nicoletta! I am a huge fan of Italian food!
x Jenny
Such a delicious light lunch dish idea! I loved the honey with it, especially
Yes, feta and honey go so well together! Thank you so much Freya!
x Jenny
This looks so good that I think I am going to invite a friend over just to make it and share!
What a great idea for an appetizer! Perfect timing too, for all the spring and holiday gatherings! Thanks for the share!
It is indeed ideal for a gathering. A people pleaser recipe. Thank you so much Liz!
x Jenny
This is now my favorite way to eat feta. It is so delicious with the honey!!! It comes out incredible.
It is foolproof, and guaranteed to taste awesome! Thank you so much, Katie!
x Jenny
This roasted feta is so delicious and so easy! Definitely adding this to our Easter menu. Thank you!
Thank you so much Chenée! x Jenny
This recipe was extremely exceptional! I loved all the flavors and textures. I can’t wait to make it again. It was so good!
I am looking forward to checking out some of your other recipes on your blog! Have a great day, and thanks for sharing this fantastic recipe!
That’s great Heidy! Thank you so much for your kind words. x Jenny
Amazing recipe I had these in a Greek restaurant locally but wrapped in filo, not a big fan of pastry and quite faffy wrapping them, this was much better ….Could I add some roasted walnuts crumbled on top as well ?
Thank you for championing one off THE BEST cheeses in the world
Hi!
Yes, absolutely you can add walnuts, that would be a great combination. I am going to try it as well.
Thank you so much! x Jenny
This creamy and sweet feta dip is the height of easy and elegance for appetizers. Perfect for a night in or dinner party.
This was amazing! We are huge fans of warm cheese appetizers and this recipe was just perfect with all of the different flavors blending together.
I had this for the 1st time recently on a holiday to Kalymnos Island .. Absolutely loved it ! !
I find this feta irresistible! Thanks so much, Jeff
You had me at baked cheese. But you super duper had me at baked feta with honey. Oh my gosh – talk about a flavor party! Can’t wait to share this on the next girls’ night.
Baked feta with honey and sesame might be our new favorite appetizer! Easy to make and so absolutely delicious!
I just found a new way to enjoy one of my favorite cheeses. This is a great appetizer for the holidays.
The feta, sesame seed, and honey were a delicious combination. This baked cheese turned out fabulous. Everyone loved it at my dinner party.
I’m totally hooked on the baked feta cheese with honey recipe! It’s become our favorite appetizer, and we serve it with some warm crusty bread for that perfect combination of sweet and savory. Thanks a bunch for sharing this delicious recipe! 🧀🍯😋
This feta appetizer is absolutely delicious and so easy to make. Everyone in our house loves it!
For the love of cheese, this dish looks amazingly delicious and very enticing too! It’s just like a masterpiece, many will love and enjoy eating this! Thanks for sharing this with us.
Did I miss the step where honey is added? Before baking? Before or after broiling? Thanks.
Hi Linda!
You pour the honey immediately after you take the feta from the oven. Make sure you are armed with crackers!
Thank you so much,
x Jenny
Can I make this into a dessert and add green grapes along with it?
Hi Suzanne,
You absolutely can — and I’d lean into that idea even more. I can easily see this baked feta with honey becoming part of an after-dinner cheese plate.
Serve it with fresh green grapes, a handful of walnuts or almonds (or any nuts you love), and some crackers of your choice for crunch and a deeper, earthy contrast. The sweet honey, salty feta, juicy fruit, and toasted nuts together will feel like a true “dessert course.”
One important note: the baked feta should be served immediately after it comes out of the oven, so have your dessert platter ready with all the extras prepared ahead of time.
It will be simple, elegant, and just a little unexpected.
Let me know what you decide to do!
Thank you!
x Jenny