Imagine a dish that transforms the humble feta cheese into a golden, crispy masterpiece, drizzled with fragrant lavender-infused honey that will make your taste buds dance with delight! This Mediterranean-inspired appetizer is not just a recipe, it's a culinary experience that promises to elevate your entertaining game and impress even the most discerning food lovers. Get ready to discover a simple yet extraordinary dish that combines the salty richness of feta with the delicate sweetness of lavender honey – a combination so irresistible, it'll have your guests begging for the recipe.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 block feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon dried lavender
- 1/4 cup honey
- Fresh thyme for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Remove the feta cheese from its packaging and pat dry completely with paper towels. This helps achieve a crispier exterior when baking.
- Place the feta block in the center of the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil evenly over the top and sides of the cheese, ensuring complete coverage.
- Sprinkle dried lavender over the feta, gently pressing the herbs into the surface to help them adhere to the cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the feta are golden brown and the cheese is softened but still holding its shape.
- While the feta is baking, warm the honey in a small saucepan over low heat or in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to make it more fluid.
- Once the feta is done, remove from the oven and immediately drizzle the warm honey over the top, allowing it to cascade down the sides of the cheese.
- Garnish with fresh thyme leaves for an additional layer of aromatic flavor and visual appeal.
- Serve immediately while warm, accompanied by crusty bread or crackers for dipping. The contrast of the crispy, warm feta with the sweet lavender honey creates a delightful Mediterranean-inspired appetizer.
Tips
- Pat the feta cheese completely dry before baking to ensure maximum crispiness. Moisture is the enemy of a golden, crisp exterior.
- Use high-quality, fresh feta for the best flavor and texture. Greek or Bulgarian feta works exceptionally well.
- Don't skip the parchment paper – it prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Watch the baking time carefully. You want golden edges but not a completely melted cheese.
- Warm the honey gently to create a smooth, cascading effect when drizzling over the hot feta.
- Serve immediately while the cheese is warm and crispy for the ultimate sensory experience.
- Experiment with different herb combinations – while lavender is magical, rosemary or thyme can also work wonderfully.
- Pair with crusty bread, crackers, or even as a unique topping for a fresh salad.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 14g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 75mg
