Albanian Baked Feta with Honey and Sesame Seeds 🧀🍯
A delightful balance of savory, sweet, and nutty flavors, this traditional Albanian dish features creamy baked feta drizzled with honey and sprinkled with sesame seeds. Perfect as an appetizer or part of a Mediterranean mezze spread, this easy dish is bursting with warmth and simplicity.
Ingredients
✅ 8 oz block of feta cheese
✅ 2 tablespoons honey
✅ 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
✅ 1 tablespoon olive oil
✅ Fresh thyme sprigs (for garnish, optional)
✅ Crusty bread or pita (for serving)
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2️⃣ Prepare the Feta:
Place the block of feta cheese in a small baking dish that fits it snugly.
3️⃣ Add Olive Oil & Honey:
Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the feta. Then, generously pour honey on top, coating it well.
4️⃣ Sprinkle Sesame Seeds:
Evenly distribute sesame seeds over the honey-covered feta, pressing lightly so they adhere.
5️⃣ Bake to Perfection:
Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the feta softens and turns slightly golden.
6️⃣ Garnish & Serve:
Remove from the oven and let it cool for 1-2 minutes. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for an aromatic touch.
7️⃣ Enjoy Warm:
Serve immediately with crusty bread or pita for scooping up the melted feta and honey.
Notes & Tips
✔️ Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of chili flakes before baking for a subtle heat.
✔️ Quality Matters: Use a good-quality feta with high moisture content to prevent dryness.
✔️ Extra Texture: For a crunchy contrast, toast the sesame seeds lightly before adding them.
✔️ Best Served Fresh: Enjoy straight from the oven while the feta is warm and creamy.
Serving Suggestions
🍷 Pair with a glass of crisp white wine or ouzo for a Mediterranean-inspired experience.
🥗 Serve alongside fresh olives, roasted red peppers, and hummus for a perfect mezze platter.
🥖 Spread onto toasted sourdough, naan, or warm pita for an extra indulgent bite.
A simple yet sophisticated dish that highlights the bold flavors of the Mediterranean—this Albanian Baked Feta will become your new favorite appetizer! ✨
