Name: Hot Honey Baked Feta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: PT-485858H32M
Total time: PT-485858H32M
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 block (8 oz) feta cheese (preferably in brine); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1–2 tbsp hot honey (adjust to spice preference); 1 tsp dried oregano or thyme; Fresh cracked black pepper to taste; Red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat); Fresh herbs (like thyme, rosemary, or basil), for garnish; For serving: Crusty bread, crackers, or fresh veggies (carrots, cucumber, etc.)

This hot honey baked feta is a deliciously simple appetizer that combines creamy, salty feta cheese with the sweet and spicy kick of hot honey. Baked until golden and bubbly, it’s perfect for dipping with crusty bread, crackers, or fresh veggies.

Ingredients

1 block (8 oz) feta cheese (preferably in brine)

2 tbsp olive oil

1–2 tbsp hot honey (adjust to spice preference)

1 tsp dried oregano or thyme

Fresh cracked black pepper to taste

Red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)

Fresh herbs (like thyme, rosemary, or basil), for garnish

For serving:

Crusty bread, crackers, or fresh veggies (carrots, cucumber, etc.)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Place the block of feta in a small oven-safe dish.

Drizzle the olive oil and hot honey evenly over the feta. Sprinkle with dried oregano or thyme.

Add freshly cracked black pepper to taste and a pinch of red pepper flakes if extra heat is desired.

Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the feta is golden and bubbly on top.

Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.

Serve immediately with crusty bread, crackers, or fresh veggies for dipping.

For extra indulgence, drizzle more honey on top after baking or add crushed pistachios for crunch.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 as an appetizer or snack.
Preparation takes about 5 minutes, and baking time is 25–30 minutes, so the total time is roughly 35 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes like to switch up the herbs—rosemary or basil work beautifully here. For a nuttier twist, adding crushed pistachios or toasted almonds on top after baking adds texture and flavor. If I want to make it milder, I reduce the hot honey or skip the red pepper flakes. For a vegan version, I’ve experimented with plant-based feta alternatives, which also bake nicely with this method.

Storage/reheating

If I have leftovers, I store the baked feta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I gently warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until soft and warm. It’s best served fresh, though, as the texture changes a bit after refrigeration.

FAQs

Can I use regular honey instead of hot honey?

Yes, I can use regular honey if I prefer less heat, but I’d recommend adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to keep a bit of the spicy kick.

What can I use if I don’t have dried oregano or thyme?

I’ve found that rosemary, basil, or even Italian seasoning work well as alternatives, depending on what I have on hand.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

I prefer baking it fresh, but I can assemble it beforehand and refrigerate for a few hours. Just add the fresh herbs and extra honey after baking.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just be sure to serve it with gluten-free crackers or veggies if needed.

How spicy is this dish?

The spice level depends on how much hot honey and red pepper flakes I use. I start with a little and adjust to my taste, so it can be mild or quite spicy.

Conclusion

Hot honey baked feta is one of my favorite easy-to-make dishes that delivers impressive flavor with minimal effort. The combination of creamy, salty cheese with sweet and spicy honey is irresistible, and it’s perfect for entertaining or a cozy night in. I’m always happy when I have the ingredients on hand because it comes together quickly and never disappoints.

Recipe: