Juicy, fresh figs and grapes are roasted with creamy feta, honey and balsamic for the most divine appetizer bite.

Top with fresh thyme leaves and serve with crostini or crusty bread for the most warm and cozy bite of the season.

Baked feta is so versatile as an appetizer or a meal.  Because of it’s neutral flavours, you can pair it with the flavours of the season, like figs and grapes, for a beautiful appetizer. This baked feta with figs is the perfect Fall or holiday appetizer!

Why you’ll love this baked feta with figs appetizer

• It’s so easy to make!
• You only need a handful of fresh and pantry ingredients.
• Easy to double for a larger crowd.

Ingredients needed

Feta cheese: you’ll need one block of feta cheese, be sure to buy a Greek feta block instead of crumbled feta.

Figs: make sure to use fresh, ripe figs that will bake down nicely into jammy figs

Grapes: roasted grapes add a nice pop of flavour to this appetizer recipe

Honey: make sure to use liquid honey as it mixes best with the balsamic vinegar

Balsamic vinegar: the balsamic vinegar flavour pairs well with the honey

Walnuts: crunchy walnuts add a nice bite

Seasonings: orange zest, chili flakes, a pinch of salt and fresh thyme leaves are the perfect accompaniments to the baked feta with figs

How to make baked feta with figs

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375F.

Step 2: Line a small baking dish with parchment paper. Add the block of feta to the center of the baking dish on the parchment paper.

Step 3: In a small bowl whisk together the honey, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, chili flakes and a pinch of salt. Set aside.

Step 4: Place the sliced figs and grapes around the block of feta cheese. Sprinkle the chopped walnuts on top of everything in the pan. Drizzle the honey-balsamic mixture over everything in the pan (feta cheese, figs and grapes) and gently toss around the feta to ensure figs and grapes are coated.

Step 5: Bake for 24-28 minutes or until the feta is quite soft, the grapes are starting to burst and the figs are starting to soften and get jammy.

Step 6: Garnish with fresh thyme leaves and serve with crostini, baguette, pita chips or crackers. To serve, you can keep everything in the baking dish you baked it in and let it cool a bit before serving.

Expert tips

• Make crostini to serve with this baked feta appetizer:  Preheat the oven to 400°F. Use a bread knife to slice a baguette into 1-inch thick baguette slices. Brush the sliced baguette with olive oil on one side and place in a single layer on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Bake for 5 minutes, then flip and bake for another 5 minutes until toasted. Set aside.
• Serve this easy appetizer as the centrepiece if a cheese board for the holidays! Simply let it cool for 5-10 minutes and then transfer the feta to the center of a cheeseboard. Use a slotted spoon to scoop the cooked figs, grapes and walnuts in and around the feta. Then, drizzle with some of the sauce from the pan (but not too much so it goes all over your cheeseboard!)
• You can substitute the walnuts for pistachios if desired.

Common questions

What type of dish should I bake this appetizer in?
I used an oven-safe enamel pan but you could use any type of oven-safe dish. A larger cast iron pan would make a lovely presentation for serving guests too (just make sure to let the pan cool a bit before serving).

How can I make this feta dip for more people?
To make this recipe for more people, add a second block of feta cheese and double the rest of the ingredients to serve 6-8 people. Make sure to use a larger baking dish too.

How to store and reheat this baked feta with figs

Baked feta is most delicious on the day it’s made; however, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Gently reheat leftovers by placing in a baking dish and warming at 325F until the feta is soft and creamy again.

More seasonal recipes to make from the blog

Easy Goat Cheese Appetizer with Fig Jam & Pecans

Baked Feta Appetizer with Dates, Pistachios & Honey

Quick and Easy Maple Pecan Baked Brie Appetizer

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Easy Baked Feta with Balsamic Figs & Grapes Appetizer

This Baked Feta with Balsamic Figs & Grapes is the perfect holiday appetizer. Quick to make, guests will love this during the cooler seasons.

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Mediterranean-inspired

Keyword baked feta, baked feta appetizer

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 25 minutes minutes

Servings 6 -8

Author Jess

Ingredients

• 150-200 grams (about 6-8oz) block of feta cheese
• 6 ripe fresh figs, ends trimmed and sliced
• 1/2 cup seedless red grapes
• 3 tbsp liquid honey plus more for drizzling
• 1 1/2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 tsp orange zest
• 1/4 tsp chili flakes or red pepper flakes
• pinch of salt
• 1/3 cup chopped walnuts
• fresh thyme leaves

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 375F.
• Line a medium-sized baking dish with parchment paper. Add the block of feta to the center of the baking dish on the parchment paper.
• In a small bowl whisk together the honey, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, chili flakes orange zest and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
• Place the sliced figs and grapes around the block of feta cheese. Sprinkle the chopped walnuts on top of everything in the pan. Drizzle the honey-balsamic mixture over everything in the pan (feta cheese, figs and grapes) and use a spoon to gently toss the fig slices, walnuts and grapes in the honey-balsamic mixture around the feta.
• Bake for 24-28 minutes or until the feta is quite soft, the grapes are starting to burst / soften and the figs are starting to soften and get jammy.
• Garnish with fresh thyme leaves, a drizzle of honey over the feta cheese and serve with crostini, baguette, pita chips or crackers. To serve, you can keep everything in the baking dish you baked it in and let it cool a bit before serving.

The post Easy Baked Feta with Balsamic Figs & Grapes Appetizer appeared first on Cooking in my Genes.

Whipped feta is topped with an easy-to-make cranberry compote and garnished with chopped pistachios & a drizzle of honey.

With sweet and savory flavours, it’s an amazing flavor experience in every bite!

This festive appetizer is sure to be a favorite dip for the holiday season!

Just like my easy goat cheese appetizer with fig jam and pecans, this whipped feta dip is a part of my go-to easy recipes for the holidays.

Why you’ll love this cranberry feta cheese dip recipe

• It’s a simple dip that is quick and easy to make!
• This whipped feta dip is make with simple ingredients that are easy to find.
• It’s a delicious appetizer that you can prep ahead of time so it’s a quick party food!

Ingredients needed to make this cranberry feta dip

Cranberries: you can use frozen or fresh cranberries to make the tart homemade cranberry sauce topping for this recipe.

Orange: zest and juice of one orange adds a bright, fresh flavour to the cranberry mixture.

Maple Syrup: the sweetness of the maple syrup balances out the tartness of the cranberries.

Nutmeg: nutmeg is a festive spice that goes lovely with the cranberries, orange and maple syrup flavours.

Feta cheese:  the fresh feta cheese combined with the greek yogurt provides a divine creamy texture as the base for this dip.

Greek yogurt:  plain greek yogurt helps to give the whipped feta a lucious, creamy texture.

Chili flakes: a pinch of chili flakes helps to flavour the whipped feta.

Olive oil: olive oil brings the whipped feta all together perfectly in the food processor.

Pistachios: a salty, nutty, crunchy topping that goes lovely with the rest of the ingredients.

Honey: a splash of honey ties the sweet, tart and savory flavours of the dip together.

Fresh thyme: a pinch fresh thyme leaves are nice addition if you desire, alternatively minced rosemary from sprigs of fresh rosemary could also be nice.

How to make this perfect holiday appetizer

Step 1: In a small saucepan add cranberries, maple syrup, orange zest, orange juice and nutmeg and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 2: Once boiling, turn to medium-low and keep at a simmer for about 6-10 minutes, stirring occasionally or until cranberries have burst and start to reduce to a jam-like consistency. Once done, remove from heat and set aside to cool.

Step 3: Whip the feta by adding feta cheese, greek yogurt, chili flakes and olive oil to a food processor and blend on high until smooth and creamy. (You can also bend using an immersion blender).

Step 4: Once the cranberries have cooled, assemble the dip by layering the whipped feta in a shallow bowl. Top with the cranberry compote, chopped pistachios, a drizzle of honey and fresh thyme leaves if desired.

Step 5: Serve with crostini, crackers or pita bread if desired.

Expert tips for making this cranberry whipped feta dip

• ​If you don’t have a food processor, don’t fret! You can use a hand/immersion blender to combine the whipped feta ingredients or even a hand mixer.
• Make the cranberry compote ahead of time! Store in the fridge and take out about a half hour before assembling the dip so it can come to room temperature.

Common questions

How can I make this easy appetizer ahead of time?
You can make both the whipped feta and cranberry mixture for this cranberry whipped feta dip up to 2 days ahead. Store in the fridge each in their own airtight container and take out about half an hour before assembling to bring to room temperature.

What if I don’t want to use chili flakes?
You can replace the chili flakes with ground black pepper if you prefer.

How can I make my own crostini?
To make your own crostini: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Use a bread knife to slice a baguette into 1-inch thick slices. Brush the bread slices with olive oil on one side and place in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 5 minutes, then flip and bake for another 5 minutes until toasted.

How to store this appetizer

If you have leftover dip, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

More easy appetizer recipe ideas to make from the blog:

Pear & Walnut Baked Brie

Easy Garlic & Herb Cheese Holiday Appetizer

Pear & Goat Cheese Crostini Appetizer with Honey

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The Best Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip (holiday recipe!)

This quick & delicious cranberry whipped feta dip is the perfect holiday appetizer! Make it with just 10 ingredients & under 20 minutes!

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Keyword cranberry, holiday appetizer, whipped feta

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 20 minutes minutes

Servings 4 -6

Author Jess

Ingredients

For the cranberries

• 2 cups frozen or fresh cranberries
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• zest & juice of one orange
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

For the whipped feta

• 225 g (8oz) block of feta cheese in brine - drain from brine before using
• 1/2 cup plain greek yogurt
• 1/4 tsp chili flakes
• 2 tbsp olive oil 

Garnishes

• 1/4 cup chopped pistachios
• 1-2 tbsp honey to drizzle
• fresh thyme if desired

Instructions

• In a medium saucepan add cranberries, maple syrup, orange zest, orange juice and nutmeg and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
• Once boiling, turn to medium-low and keep at a simmer for about 6-10 minutes, stirring occasionally or until cranberries have burst and start to reduce to a jam-like consistency. Once done, remove from heat and set aside to cool.
• Whip the feta by adding feta cheese, greek yogurt, chili flakes and olive oil to a food processor and blend on high until smooth and creamy. (You can also bend using an immersion blender).
• Once the cranberries have cooled, assemble the dip by layering the whipped feta in a low bowl. Top with the cranberry compote, chopped pistachios, a drizzle of honey and fresh thyme leaves if desired.

Notes

• Want to make your own crostini? Preheat the oven to 400°F. Use a bread knife to slice a baguette into 1-inch thick slices. Brush the bread slices with olive oil on one side and place in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 5 minutes, then flip and bake for another 5 minutes until toasted.
• You can make both the whipped feta and cranberry mixture up to 2 days ahead. Store in separate airtight containers in the fridge and take out about half an hour before assembling to bring to room temperature.
• If you don't have feta, substituting with ricotta cheese will work great too. Whipped ricotta is just as delicious!

The post The Best Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip (holiday recipe!) appeared first on Cooking in my Genes.

Perfect for an appetizer, light dinner with crusty bread or serve alongside some pasta for a full meal.

It’s easy to make with fresh summer vegetables and is one of the most delicious recipes you can make this summer!

While may have heard of the viral baked feta pasta, that concept acts as the base for this baked feta recipe. But, my recipe serves as an appetizer instead!

This is an impressive appetizer made with just a handful of ingredients just like my Sundried Tomato Pesto Goat Cheese Appetizer.

Why you’ll love this baked feta appetizer

• By baking the feta together with seasonal ingredients you get a super flavourful, warm appetizer that is sure to impress!
• You can serve this appetizer in so many different ways: as a creamy spread with toasted bread, crackers or chips.
• It’s easy to add in more blocks of feta cheese to make this for more people.

Ingredients needed to make this easy recipe

Block of feta cheese: be sure to buy a Greek feta block instead of crumbled feta.

Summer vegetables: bell peppers, red onion, sweet cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes

Lemon: lemon juice is used to boost the flavour in this recipe but you could also add some lemon zest too

Olive oil: extra virgin olive oil brings the whole dish together by enveloping all of the ingredients as they bake

Fresh herbs: fresh oregano, fresh thyme and fresh basil leaves can all be used or choose one of your favourites.

Seasonings: garlic cloves, dried oregano, red chili flakes, salt and black pepper are the base seasonings to boost the flavour.

Step by step process to make this baked feta appetizer

1. Preheat oven to 400F

2. To an oven-proof baking dish add the creamy feta cheese in the center of the dish and surround with garlic cloves, bell pepper slices, red onion wedges and tomatoes.

3. In a small bowl or measuring cup whisk together juice from half of the lemon, olive oil, dried oregano, chili flakes and pinch of salt and pepper.

4. Pour the olive oil mixture over the feta, peppers, onions and tomatoes and use a spoon to gently toss with the vegetables. Flip the feta back/forth in the olive oil mixture too.

5. Slice the other half of the lemon into wedges and add to the baking dish as well.

6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the feta has softened and tomatoes are starting to burst.

7. Serve with toasted bread, crackers, homemade pita chips or mix the everything in the pan together to create a sauce for pasta. When serving this appetizer I like to leave the feta as the centerpiece with the vegetables around; then, people can take as much or as little to spread on their bread or crackers and then top with the vegetables. You can keep everything in the pan you baked it in and let it cool a bit before serving OR transfer the feta as the centerpiece to a serving dish, pour over all the juices and vegetables from the baking dish then serve.

Expert tips for making this baked feta cheese

• This simple appetizer is easily customizable. You can amp up the Mediterranean flavors by adding a 1/2 cup of kalamata olives and 1/2 cup of sun-dried tomatoes for example.
• Depending on your tastes you can use red peppers, orange or yellow pepper in the recipe.
• While this simple recipe serves 4 people, you can easily add a second block of feta into the baking dish to serve more people (about 6-8 people).

When I’m entertaining, I want to serve quick and delicious food that’s packed with flavour. That’s why I love this appetizer so very much. You can assemble this recipe ahead of time and put in the oven about 15-20 minutes before guests are set to arrive. Then, it will be ready shortly after and you’ll have time to let the pan cool slightly before serving.

FAQ

What type of dish should I bake this appetizer in?
I used an oven-safe enamel pan but you could use any type of oven-safe dish. A larger cast iron pan would make a lovely presentation for serving guests too (just make sure to let the pan cool a bit before serving).

Can I use this recipe to make a pasta?
YES! After baking just mix all of the simple ingredients together and then stir in a cooked pasta of choice. I’ve also stirred in cooked gnocchi and it made a delicious meal too!

What is the texture of baked feta?
Baked feta cheese generally keeps it’s shape but develops a creamy and soft texture. When serving this appetizer I like to leave the feta as the centrepiece with the vegetables around; then, people can take as much or as little to spread on their bread or crackers and then top with the vegetables.

If I have leftovers of this appetizer, how can I enjoy them later?
While this appetizer is most delicious on the day it’s made, it can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days. You could warm it up the next day on medium-low in a pan and add some pasta; use it as a spread on a sandwich or in a wrap; add the leftovers to a salad; or, reheat gently in a microwave or pan and then enjoy with bread again!

Storage for this baked feta dip

Baked feta is most delicious on the day it’s made; however, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.  See my last tip under FAQ for more ways to enjoy the leftovers of this feta recipe!

More easy appetizer recipe ideas to love from the blog:

Easy Garlic Bread Bites

Roasted Balsamic Strawberry Appetizer with Crostini

Easy Cheesy Baked Pizza Dip

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Easy Baked Feta Appetizer with Tomatoes and Peppers

This Easy Baked Feta Appetizer is a delicious and elegant appetizer that comes together in just 30 minutes! Perfect to enjoy at any gathering

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Mediterranean-inspired

Keyword baked feta, baked feta appetizer, easy appetizer

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes minutes

Total Time 30 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Calories 322kcal

Author Jess

Ingredients

• 1 150-200g block feta cheese (about 6-8oz) double the feta cheese to serve more people 
• 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced ¼-½ inch
• 1/2 large red onion cut into ½ inch wedges
• 1 pint pint cherry tomatoes
• 1 lemon, sliced in half
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp chili flakes
• salt and pepper to taste
• Sprigs fresh oregano, thyme and/or fresh basil to garnish
• For serving: toasted bread, baguette, pita chips or crackers

Variation: Lemon & Herb Baked Feta

• 1x 150-200g block feta cheese (about 6-8oz) double the feta cheese to serve more people
• 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 1 lemon, zested and then sliced in half
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp dried basil
• 1/4 tsp chili flakes
• pinch salt and pepper
• 2 tbsp minced fresh herbs (mix of fresh basil, oregano and/or parsley)
• garnish with fresh basil, oregano and parsley

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 400F.
• To an oven-proof baking dish add the creamy feta cheese in the center of the dish and surround with thinly sliced garlic cloves, bell pepper slices, red onion wedges and tomatoes.
• In a small bowl or measuring cup whisk together juice from half of the lemon, olive oil, dried oregano, chili flakes and pinch of salt and pepper.
• Pour the olive oil mixture over the feta, peppers, onions and tomatoes and use a spoon to gently toss with the vegetables. Flip the feta back/forth in the olive oil mixture too.
• Slice the other half of the lemon into wedges and add to the baking dish as well.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the feta has softened and tomatoes are starting to burst.
• Serve with toasted bread, baguette, crackers or homemade pita chips .

  Serving notes: When serving this appetizer I like to leave the feta as the centrepiece with the vegetables around; then, people can take as much or as little to spread on their bread or crackers and then top with the vegetables. You can keep everything in the pan you baked it in and let it cool a bit before serving OR transfer the feta as the centrepiece to a serving dish, pour over all the juices and vegetables from the baking dish then serve.

Variation: Lemon & Herb Baked Feta

• Preheat the oven to 400F.
• To a small oven-proof baking dish add the creamy feta cheese in the center of the dish. Drizzle half of the olive oil over the feta. Sprinkle all the spices over top of the feta and into the baking dish.  
• Surround the feta with thinly sliced garlic cloves and sprinkle over the fresh herbs. Zest the lemon over top of the feta cheese. Drizzle the rest of the olive oil over the feta and other ingredients in the pan.
• Bake for 22-30 minutes or until the feta has softened.
• Squeeze over juice from half or full lemon (depending on your tastes) and serve with toasted bread, baguette, crackers or homemade pita chips .

Notes

• You can also serve this appetizer as a main dish: when the feta is finished baking, stir the feta and vegetables together to create a sauce and then mix in cooked pasta or gnocchi.
• While this appetizer is most delicious on the day it's made, it can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days. You could warm it up the next day on medium-low in a pan and add some pasta; use it as a spread on a sandwich or in a wrap; add the leftovers to a salad; or, reheat gently in a microwave or pan and then enjoy with bread again!

Nutrition

Calories: 322kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: 45mg | Sodium: 587mg | Potassium: 357mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1762IU | Vitamin C: 65mg | Calcium: 266mg | Iron: 1mg

The post Easy Baked Feta Appetizer with Tomatoes and Peppers appeared first on Cooking in my Genes.