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Overhead shot of baked feta block glazed with honey, scattered sesame seeds and chili flakes on a rustic wooden board

Warm Baked Feta with Honey, Sesame and Chili Flakes

Feta baked until soft, then drizzled with honey and topped with toasted sesame seeds and chili flakes.
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Prep Time 8 minutes
Cook Time 14 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 486
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 200 g feta cheese (7 oz); one block, not pre-crumbled
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp honey warmed slightly for easier drizzling
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds toasted
  • 1/2 tsp chili flakes optional, or use hot honey instead
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves or 1/2 tsp dried
  • 1/2 tsp lemon zest from about half a lemon
  • 1 pinch black pepper
  • crusty bread to serve; optional, for scooping

Method
 

  1. Heat the oven to 200C/400F.
  2. Place the block of feta in a 20 cm / 8-inch baking dish. Drizzle with the olive oil and add a pinch of black pepper.
  3. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the feta is soft and warm through and the edges just start to turn golden. Give the dish a gentle shake, if the cheese wobbles slightly but holds its shape, it's ready.
  4. While the feta bakes, toast the sesame seeds in a small dry skillet over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often, until golden and fragrant. Watch closely, they burn fast.
  5. Remove the feta from the oven and drizzle the honey over the top while it's still hot, so it melts into the cheese.
  6. Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds, chili flakes, thyme leaves, and lemon zest over the top.
  7. Let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors settle, then serve warm with crusty bread for scooping.

Notes

  • Use block feta, not crumbled, so it holds together while baking.
  • Warm the honey a little so it drizzles evenly over the hot cheese.
  • Check at 12 minutes, ovens vary and feta turns rubbery if overbaked.
  • Toast sesame seeds separately so they don't burn in the hot oven.