Experience the irresistible allure of this Baked Feta Cheese Dip where creamy feta mingles with bold garlic, zesty lemon, and red pepper flakes. Drizzled with a generous pour of hot honey and accented with fresh thyme, this dish balances comfort and spice, making it a perfect treat for any occasion.

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I came across this Hot Honey Baked Feta recipe and it’s become one of my fav appetizers. I start with an 8 oz block of feta cheese that i mix with 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, a garlic clove that’s been finely minced and the juice of half a lemon.

I then add just enough of the 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes to give it a slight kick without overpowering the flavor. Once baked to a creamy perfection, I drizzle 1/4 cup of hot honey generously over the top and garnish with fresh thyme sprigs.

This simple baked feta cheese dip not only packs a healthy punch of protein and calcium but also offers a unique twist you would normally not expect from typical honey recipes. It works great as a fancy, healthy hot recipe you can bring to any casual friends gathering or even a cozy movie night at home.

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe because it gives me an amazing mix of flavors in every bite. First, baking the feta makes it all soft and creamy, and I really enjoy that slight golden edge around the cheese. Second, the hot honey poured over the warm feta creates a perfect balance between spicy and sweet that I just can’t get enough of. Third, all the little extras like garlic, red pepper flakes and a squeeze of lemon juice blend together to give the dip a totally unique kick. And finally, it’s super simple to make which means I can whip it up anytime when I want something tasty without a lot of fuss.

Ingredients

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Feta cheese: Protein-packed, salty cheese that adds creamy texture and rich flavor.
Extra virgin olive oil: Healthy fats boost dish richness and smooth texture naturally.
Garlic: Bold flavor enhancer, offers subtle health benefits and aromatic punch.
Lemon juice: Natural sour element, bursts with vitamin C, brightens dish flavor.
Hot honey: Sweet and spicy drizzle that perfectly balances tangy and savory notes.

Ingredient Quantities

8 oz block of feta cheese

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 garlic clove, finely minced

Juice of 1/2 lemon

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (or adjust to taste)

1/4 cup hot honey (or enough to drizzle generously)

Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish (optional)

How to Make this

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1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.

2. Place the feta cheese block in a small, oven-safe dish.

3. Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil evenly over the cheese.

4. Sprinkle the finely minced garlic and red pepper flakes evenly on top.

5. Squeeze the juice of 1/2 lemon all over the feta.

6. Put the dish in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges start to get a little bit golden.

7. Remove the dish carefully from the oven.

8. Drizzle the hot honey generously over the warm feta.

9. If you want, garnish with a few sprigs of fresh thyme for an extra flavor boost.

10. Serve immediately with your choice of crackers or crusty bread for dipping.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven – You’ll need to preheat it to 400°F and use it for baking.
2. A small, oven-safe dish – This is where you’ll place the block of feta cheese for baking.
3. Measuring spoons – For measuring the olive oil, red pepper flakes, and hot honey accurately.
4. A garlic mincer or a small knife – To finely mince the garlic clove.
5. A lemon juicer or just your hands – To squeeze the juice from 1/2 lemon over the cheese.
6. A spoon or fork – For drizzling both the olive oil and later the hot honey.
7. Oven mitts – To safely remove the hot dish from the oven once it’s done.
8. A serving plate – To present the finished dish with your choice of crackers or crusty bread.

FAQ

Q: How long should I bake the feta?

A: You only need to bake it for about 15 to 20 minutes. It gives just enough time for the flavors to come together without overcooking the cheese.

Q: Can I substitute or add extra toppings?

A: Yes you can try adding things like chopped olives or toasted pine nuts. But honestly, the hot honey and red pepper flakes already give it a great kick.

Q: Do I need to preheat my oven?

A: Definitely, always preheat your oven to around 400°F. This helps the feta bake evenly and makes sure you get that nice texture.

Q: Can I use a different type of honey?

A: You sure can. Although hot honey is best for that spicy twist, feel free to use another honey if that's what you have on hand.

Q: What should I serve with this dish?

A: The dish works great as an appetizer or a snack. Serve it with crusty bread or over fresh greens to soak up that yummy sauce.

Hot Honey Baked Feta Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Instead of an 8 oz block of feta, you could try goat cheese or even halloumi for a slightly different texture.
If you don’t have extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil works pretty well and still gives you some of that rich flavor.
Can’t find a garlic clove? A pinch of garlic powder (about 1/8 teaspoon) can be a good stand-in.
If you’re out of lemon, lime juice is a cool alternative that still adds a nice tang.
And instead of hot honey, you could mix plain honey with a dash of cayenne pepper. That way you can adjust the heat to your liking.

Pro Tips

1. Try letting the garlic and lemon juice mix sit for about 5 minutes before drizzling it over the cheese so that the garlic mellows out a bit instead of being too harsh.
2. If you don’t have an oven-safe dish, a cast iron pan works great since it distributes heat evenly and gives a nice crispy edge to the feta.
3. For an extra flavor twist, sprinkle a little freshly cracked black pepper on top after you take it out of the oven.
4. Keep a close eye on the cheese towards the end of baking; if you like it extra crisp, just pop it under the broiler for a minute, but be careful it doesn’t burn.