If you’re looking for a sweet and savory delight that’s simple yet absolutely irresistible, then you’re in for a treat with this Baked Feta with Honey and Phyllo Recipe. I absolutely love how the crisp, golden phyllo contrasts with the warm, creamy feta inside, all brought together with a luscious drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a go-to appetizer that everyone asks for again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: It might look fancy, but wrapping feta in phyllo is straightforward and quick—perfect for a weekday treat or an elegant appetizer.
- Sweet & Savory Magic: The honey drizzled over warm feta creates a perfect balance you’ll find yourself craving every time.
- Versatile & Impressive: Whether it’s a casual snack or a party starter, this dish pleases a crowd with minimal effort.
- Minimal Ingredients Needed: Just a few pantry staples, but the flavor punches way above its weight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Baked Feta with Honey and Phyllo Recipe lies in the quality of simple ingredients working together — creamy feta, crunchy phyllo, smooth honey, and nutty sesame seeds. Picking the right feta and using fresh phyllo sheets really transforms this.
- Feta Cheese: Opt for a quality Greek feta in blocks rather than crumbled for the best creamy texture when baked.
- Phyllo Dough: Make sure it’s thawed properly but still cold, as phyllo can be fragile and dry out quickly.
- Honey: I prefer raw or wildflower honey for that robust, floral sweetness that complements feta perfectly.
- Toasted Sesame Seeds: Toast them lightly to bring out their nuttiness, which adds a lovely texture contrast.
- Fresh Thyme Leaves: These add a subtle herbal note that brightens up the dish at the end.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: For brushing the phyllo to achieve that golden, crisp finish.
Variations
Over time, I’ve found a few ways to tweak this Baked Feta with Honey and Phyllo Recipe to keep it fresh and cater to different occasions — and I encourage you to do the same! Don’t be afraid to experiment with herbs, nuts, or even different sweeteners.
- Add Nuts: My family loves adding finely chopped walnuts or pistachios sprinkled on top for a crunchy texture and a bit more earthiness.
- Use Different Herbs: Instead of thyme, sometimes I swap in fresh oregano or rosemary depending on what’s on hand or what flavor mood I’m in.
- Swap Honey for Fig Jam: For a richer, fruitier sweetness that’s equally divine, lightly spread fig jam right after baking.
- Gluten-Free Option: I’ve had success wrapping feta in thin slices of roasted eggplant or zucchini as a phyllo alternative if you want to skip the gluten.
How to Make Baked Feta with Honey and Phyllo Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Phyllo Dough
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and make sure your rack is positioned right in the center — this helps the phyllo crisp evenly without getting too brown too fast. While it heats, gently lay out each phyllo sheet on a clean surface. Brush the side facing you with extra virgin olive oil—this little step takes your phyllo from fragile to beautifully golden. Remember, phyllo dries out super fast, so keep it covered with a clean towel while you work to avoid cracking.
Step 2: Wrap the Feta Blocks in Phyllo
Place one feta block near the bottom edge of each phyllo sheet. Fold the sides inwards to enclose the cheese snugly and brush with olive oil as you go to help the layers seal and crisp up. Then, roll up the block away from you, continuing to brush the outer layer with oil for the perfect golden finish. It sounds tricky but trust me, it gets easier, and you’ll love how the layers puff up in the oven. Repeat this for the second block.
Step 3: Bake Until Golden and Crispy
Place your wrapped feta parcels seam side down on a small baking sheet. Pop them into your preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the phyllo to be golden and crispy everywhere. If after 20 minutes, the bottom looks done but the top could use a bit more color, carefully flip them and return to the oven for another 5 minutes. This step makes all the difference for that perfect crunch you’re aiming for.
Step 4: Drizzle, Sprinkle, and Serve
Once out of the oven, use a spatula to transfer your warm phyllo-wrapped feta to a serving plate. Immediately drizzle generously with honey so it melts slightly and seeps into all those crispy nooks. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and fresh thyme leaves for a herbal lift. I love serving this while it’s still warm, so everyone gets that melty-soft feta surprise inside.
Pro Tips for Making Baked Feta with Honey and Phyllo Recipe
- Keep Extra Olive Oil Handy: A small brush and extra oil help keep the phyllo layers moist and prevent cracking as you fold and wrap.
- Don’t Skip Toasting Sesame Seeds: I learned that toasting really enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch, making a big difference.
- Use a Thin Spatula for Transfers: Helps move the delicate parcels without tearing the phyllo once baked.
- Avoid Overbaking: Watch the phyllo closely near the end to prevent burning — golden brown is your friend, dark brown is not.
How to Serve Baked Feta with Honey and Phyllo Recipe
Garnishes
I always keep fresh thyme on hand because its earthy brightness beautifully complements the rich feta and sweet honey. Sometimes I toss in a few fresh cracked black peppercorns or a light sprinkle of crushed chili flakes when I want a tiny kick. Sesame seeds toasted to a golden perfection add nuttiness and a nice texture contrast, which I never skip.
Side Dishes
We love pairing this baked feta with a simple Greek salad or some warm pita bread to scoop it up. Roasted vegetables or olives also round out the plate nicely. When entertaining, I like adding a side of marinated artichokes or a light cucumber yogurt dip to complement the flavors without overwhelming them.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like serving the wrapped feta blocks on a wooden board with fresh herbs and a small jar of honey alongside so guests can drizzle as much as they like. You can also cut them into bite-sized pieces for party platters or place them atop small toasts or crostini for an elegant appetizer. Adding edible flowers as a garnish makes these little parcels look downright festive!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The phyllo won’t be as crisp when cold, but reheating revives the texture nicely.
Freezing
I haven’t had great luck freezing the wrapped feta because the phyllo tends to get soggy after thawing. I recommend making it fresh when you want that perfect crispy texture.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, I pop them in a preheated 350°F oven for about 8–10 minutes until the phyllo crisps up again and the feta is warm. Avoid the microwave—it makes the phyllo chewy and sad.
FAQs
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Can I use crumbled feta instead of blocks for this Baked Feta with Honey and Phyllo Recipe?
For best results, use feta in blocks because it holds up well during baking and wrapping. Crumbled feta tends to melt too much and won’t provide that satisfying creamy center wrapped in crispy phyllo.
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Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can wrap the feta blocks in phyllo up to a few hours ahead and keep them covered in the fridge. Just brush with olive oil and bake them fresh to get that crisp texture—phyllo doesn’t keep well once wrapped for long periods.
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What can I substitute for sesame seeds if I’m allergic?
Feel free to swap toasted pine nuts, chopped walnuts, or even poppy seeds to maintain a crunchy contrast without sacrificing flavor.
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Is there a vegan alternative to this recipe?
You can try using a firm tofu block marinated in lemon and herbs as a feta substitute, and drizzle with agave instead of honey to make it vegan-friendly. Just remember this changes both flavor and texture but is still delicious in its own right!
Final Thoughts
This Baked Feta with Honey and Phyllo Recipe feels like a warm hug on a plate—simple ingredients, minimal fuss, and a flavor combination that just works. It was love at first bite when I first tried it, and it quickly became a star at my dinner parties. Whether it’s for a quick snack or an elegant starter, I hope you’ll enjoy wrapping this up in your own kitchen and sharing it with friends or family. Give it a try, and I’m sure this sweet and savory combo will win you over just like it did me!
Print
Baked Feta with Honey and Phyllo Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in the rich and creamy texture of Greek feta wrapped in crispy, golden phyllo dough, finished with a drizzle of sweet honey, toasted sesame seeds, and fresh thyme. This baked feta appetizer balances savory and sweet flavors perfectly and makes an elegant yet simple dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cheese and Phyllo
- 2 blocks of quality feta (3 ounces each)
- 2 sheets of phyllo dough (thawed)
Toppings and Garnish
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (more to your liking)
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (for garnish)
- Extra virgin olive oil (for brushing)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 350 degrees F and position the rack in the center for even baking.
- Prepare Phyllo: Carefully lay each sheet of phyllo dough on a clean surface or cutting board, then brush the side facing you generously with extra virgin olive oil to ensure crispiness upon baking.
- Wrap Feta in Phyllo: Place one block of feta near the bottom edge (closest to you) on the oiled phyllo sheet. Fold the sides over the cheese to partially cover it, brushing with olive oil as you go to seal and layer the phyllo. Continue to wrap the phyllo dough over the feta block, moving the cheese block away from you. Repeat with the second feta block and the remaining phyllo sheet. Brush the final top layer with olive oil.
- Arrange for Baking: Place the phyllo-wrapped feta blocks seam side down on a small baking sheet to prevent unwrapping during baking.
- Bake: Bake the wrapped feta in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until the phyllo is golden and crispy. If after 20 minutes the bottom is golden but the top is not, carefully flip the blocks and bake for an additional 5 minutes to crisp the top evenly.
- Serve with Honey and Garnish: Remove the baked feta from the oven and transfer carefully to a serving plate using a spatula. Immediately drizzle with raw honey, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, and finish with fresh thyme leaves for garnish. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- This dish is known as Greek feta me meli, a delightful combination of warm, creamy feta wrapped in crispy phyllo and drizzled with raw honey.
- The recipe takes under 30 minutes, making it a quick yet impressive appetizer.
- Using only a couple of phyllo sheets, it’s great to prepare alongside other phyllo-based dishes like spanakopita or crispy meat pies.
- Be gentle when handling phyllo as it is delicate and can tear easily.
- Adjust honey and sesame seed quantities to your taste preference for sweetness and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 74 kcal
- Sugar: 11.8 g
- Sodium: 16 mg
- Fat: 7.1 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 0.6 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0.3 mg
