Description
This Phyllo-Wrapped Greek Baked Feta with Honey is a delightful appetizer featuring creamy feta cheese enveloped in crispy, golden phyllo dough. Baked to perfection and finished with a drizzle of sweet honey, toasted sesame seeds, and fresh thyme, this dish offers a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors. Ideal for parties or a sophisticated snack, it comes together quickly with minimal ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese
- 2 blocks of quality feta (3 ounces each)
Phyllo Dough
- 2 sheets of phyllo dough (thawed)
- Extra virgin olive oil (for brushing)
Toppings
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (more to taste)
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Heat the oven to 350 degrees F and position a rack in the center to ensure even cooking of the phyllo-wrapped feta.
- Prepare the phyllo sheets: Lay each sheet of phyllo dough flat on a clean surface or cutting board. Brush the surface facing you generously with extra virgin olive oil to help it crisp up beautifully when baked.
- Wrap the feta: Place one block of feta near the bottom edge of the oiled phyllo sheet. Fold the sides of the phyllo over the cheese to nearly enclose it, brushing more olive oil on folded sections as needed. Continue rolling the phyllo around the cheese, moving it away from you. Repeat this wrapping process with the second block of feta and remaining phyllo sheet. Finish by brushing the outside of the phyllo package with more olive oil.
- Arrange for baking: Place the phyllo-wrapped feta blocks seam side down on a small sheet pan to prevent them from unwrapping during baking.
- Bake: Bake on the center rack for about 20 minutes or until the phyllo is golden and crispy on top and bottom. If after 20 minutes the bottom side is golden while the top is still pale, carefully flip the pieces and bake for an additional 5 minutes until evenly crisp and golden.
- Serve with honey and garnishes: Remove the baked feta from the oven and transfer carefully to a serving plate using a spatula. Drizzle immediately with honey, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, and garnish with fresh thyme leaves. Serve warm and enjoy the sweet-savory combination.
Notes
- Phyllo-Wrapped Feta with Honey, known as ‘Feta me Meli’ in Greek cuisine, blends warm creamy feta with crispy phyllo and sweet honey perfectly.
- This recipe uses only two phyllo sheets, making it a quick and easy addition when preparing other phyllo-based dishes such as spanakopita or crispy meat pies.
- For best results, use high-quality feta cheese and raw honey to enhance the flavors.
- Extra olive oil is crucial to ensure the phyllo crisps nicely and does not dry out during baking.
- Be gentle when handling phyllo as it is delicate and can tear easily.
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
