Description
Feta cheese gets smoky-sweet in this simple recipe. Perfect with crusty bread or grilled veggies!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 7 oz (200 g) fresh feta cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- A generous amount of fresh thyme sprigs
- 1 tbsp honey
Instructions
- Option 1: Baking in the Oven (Classic Method)
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place a block of feta cheese on a large square of aluminum foil or in an oven-safe baking dish.
- Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Sprinkle with freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
- Place several fresh thyme sprigs over the cheese.
- If using foil, loosely wrap the feta to create a sealed packet. If using a baking dish, leave it uncovered.
- Bake for 15 minutes until the feta is warmed through and slightly softened.
- If using foil, open the packet and remove the thyme sprigs.
- Switch the oven to broil (high) and broil the feta for 2–5 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- Transfer the baked feta to a serving dish.
- Drizzle with extra olive oil and honey.
- Garnish with fresh thyme and serve warm with bread, crackers, or vegetables.
- Option 2: Grilling Over Charcoal (Smoky and Charred Method)
- Heat a charcoal grill to medium-high heat (375°F–400°F / 190°C–204°C).
- Arrange hot coals for indirect heat, meaning the feta won’t sit directly over the flames.
- Place the feta block on a large piece of aluminum foil.
- Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the feta.
- Season with freshly cracked black pepper.
- Lay fresh thyme sprigs on top.
- Wrap the foil tightly around the feta, sealing the edges to prevent leaking.
- Place the foil packet on the cooler side of the grill (indirect heat zone).
- Grill for 10–15 minutes, rotating occasionally for even cooking.
- Carefully open the foil packet and remove the thyme sprigs.
- Place the feta directly onto a grill-safe pan or an oiled grill grate over direct heat.
- Grill for 2–3 minutes, just until the cheese gets a slight golden char on top.
- Transfer the feta to a serving platter.
- Drizzle with extra olive oil and honey.
- Garnish with fresh thyme and serve immediately with warm pita, grilled bread, or fresh vegetables.
Notes
- For a smokier flavor, use a grill instead of the oven. Maintain indirect heat to prevent burning.
- Substitute oregano or rosemary for thyme if desired, or use a mix of herbs.
- Store leftover grilled feta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Oven-Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 block
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Unsaturated Fat: 15
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 10
- Cholesterol: 20