Description
Warm, creamy baked feta cheese paired with sweet chopped dates, crunchy hazelnuts, and a drizzle of honey, creating a deliciously balanced sweet-savory Mediterranean appetizer perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 block feta cheese (about 200g)
- ¼ cup dates, chopped
- ¼ cup hazelnuts, chopped
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh thyme leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the feta cheese.
- Prepare the feta: Place the block of feta cheese in a small baking dish or oven-safe skillet, then drizzle it evenly with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to keep it moist and enhance flavor.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle the chopped dates and hazelnuts over the top of the feta, distributing them evenly to combine sweet and crunchy textures.
- Bake the feta: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the feta is softened and slightly golden on top.
- Finish and serve: Remove from the oven and immediately drizzle the baked feta with 2 tablespoons of honey for sweetness. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves if using, then serve warm with pita bread, crackers, or crostini.
Notes
- Serve the dip warm with warm pita, crackers, or crostini for the best texture and flavor experience.
- Feel free to substitute hazelnuts with almonds or pistachios, and dates with dried figs for variation.
- This dip pairs wonderfully with a light Mediterranean white wine or sparkling water with lemon.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
