Albanian Baked Feta with Honey and Sesame Seeds
This Albanian-inspired dish features warm, creamy feta cheese topped with golden honey and crunchy sesame seeds. Perfect as an appetizer or a light snack, it pairs beautifully with crusty bread or fresh veggies.
Albanian Baked Feta with Honey and Sesame Seeds is a delicious appetizer or snack that highlights the rich, salty flavor of feta cheese paired with the sweetness of honey and the nutty crunch of sesame seeds. This dish is simple to prepare and offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. It is commonly served as part of meze platters or as a side dish in traditional Albanian meals.
Ingredients:
1 block feta cheese (about 200–250g)
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons sesame seeds (white or a mix of white and black)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Fresh thyme or oregano (optional, for garnish)
Crusty bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables (for serving)
Instructions:
Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a small baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
Prepare the feta:
Pat the feta cheese dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Place the feta in the prepared baking dish.
Drizzle with honey:
Pour the honey evenly over the top of the feta block, ensuring it coats the surface.
Add sesame seeds:
Sprinkle the sesame seeds generously over the honey-covered feta.
Bake:
Drizzle the olive oil over the top of the feta.
Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the feta is soft and the sesame seeds are golden and fragrant.
Garnish and serve:
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
Garnish with fresh thyme or oregano, if desired.
Serve warm with crusty bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables.
Notes:
Feta Selection: Use a high-quality block of feta cheese for the best flavor and texture. Avoid pre-crumbled feta, as it may not hold its shape well during baking.
Honey: Opt for a mild, floral honey to complement the saltiness of the feta without overpowering it.
Sesame Seeds: Toasting the sesame seeds lightly before use enhances their nutty flavor.
Optional Additions: You can sprinkle chili flakes or fresh herbs like thyme or oregano for an extra layer of flavor.
Serving Style: Serve the baked feta warm with crusty bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables for dipping.
Tips:
Preparation: Pat the feta dry before baking to prevent excess moisture.
Baking Dish: Use a small ovenproof dish to keep the feta snug; this helps the honey and sesame flavors infuse evenly.
Texture Preference: Bake longer for a softer texture or shorter for a firmer bite.
Drizzle Extra Honey: Add a final drizzle of honey right before serving for added shine and flavor.
Servings
Serves 4-6 as an appetizer or snack.
Benefits:
Rich in Nutrients:
Feta cheese provides calcium, protein, and essential vitamins like B12.
Sesame seeds are high in healthy fats, antioxidants, and minerals such as magnesium and zinc.
Balanced Flavors:
The combination of salty feta and sweet honey satisfies multiple flavor profiles, making it a crowd-pleaser.
Versatile:
Suitable for a variety of occasions, from casual gatherings to festive meals.
Quick and Easy:
This dish requires minimal ingredients and prep time, making it ideal for last-minute entertaining.