Golden Greek Honey Feta

This Greek Honey Baked Feta wraps tangy cheese in golden crispy filo for a stunning appetizer that balances sweet and savory flavors perfectly. The contrast of warm, melty feta against honey and delicate pastry creates an irresistible starter that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

I first made this for a summer gathering where I needed something impressive but not labor-intensive. The empty platter and requests for the recipe confirmed this Greek classic would become a permanent fixture in my entertaining repertoire.

Detailed Ingredients

• Feta cheese slices: Thick Greek variety offers creamier texture with balanced saltiness
• Filo pastry: Creates the essential crispy golden exterior
• Unsalted butter: Provides richness and helps achieve golden pastry
• Extra virgin olive oil: Enhances Mediterranean flavor profile
• Quality honey: Look for local varieties with distinct floral notes
• Black sesame seeds: Add nutty flavor and striking visual contrast

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the butter mixture:

Melt butter using gentle heat until completely liquid but not hot. Allow to cool slightly before combining with olive oil to create your pastry wash. This mixture ensures perfect golden baking and adds flavor depth.

Set up your assembly station:

Lay out one sheet of filo on your work surface keeping remaining sheets covered with a damp kitchen towel to prevent drying. Brush thoroughly with butter mixture then layer a second sheet on top. This double layer provides structure and ensures proper sealing.

Wrap the feta:

Position one slice of feta at the short end of your prepared filo sheets. Fold pastry over half the top surface applying butter to help adhere layers. Continue rolling the cheese forward maintaining tension until nearly complete. Brush remaining edge generously with butter mixture before completing the roll.

Create sealed edges:

Using a sharp knife trim sides into neat triangles. Brush these flaps with butter mixture then fold over to seal completely. This technique prevents cheese from leaking during baking while creating a presentable finished shape.

Finish and bake:

Place prepared parcels on baking sheet leaving space between each. Brush entire surface with remaining butter mixture ensuring no dry spots remain. Sprinkle with sesame seeds then bake until deeply golden about 15 minutes.

Serve warm:

Transfer to serving platter drizzle generously with honey and finish with additional sesame seeds. The contrast between warm melty cheese crisp pastry and sweet honey creates the signature flavor experience.

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This dish reminds me of my first visit to a small taverna on a Greek island where I watched the chef prepare these parcels with practiced hands. The owner explained they represent prosperity with the golden exterior symbolizing wealth and the honey representing the sweetness of life. Now whenever I serve them I think of that sunny afternoon and how food connects us across cultures.

Working With Filo Pastry

Filo dough requires special handling to achieve optimal results. Always keep unused sheets covered with a clean slightly damp kitchen towel while working to prevent drying. Work quickly but carefully as tears can be difficult to repair once they occur. If you find your pastry tearing try letting it warm slightly at room temperature as cold filo tends to be more brittle. Remember that multiple thin layers create the distinctive crispy texture so handle gently to maintain separation between sheets.

Perfect Cheese Selection

While Greek feta provides traditional flavor Australian or Bulgarian varieties offer interesting alternatives. Greek feta delivers a creamier texture with balanced saltiness making it ideal for beginners. Australian feta tends to be saltier and firmer which can provide nice contrast against the sweet honey. For best results slice feta approximately 1cm thick and allow it to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before wrapping to promote even melting during baking.

Honey Variations

The honey you select significantly impacts the final flavor profile. Traditional Greek preparations often use thyme honey which offers herbal notes complementing the tangy cheese. For a modern twist try chestnut honey with its deeper more complex flavor or orange blossom honey for bright citrus undertones. Warming your honey slightly before drizzling enhances its aroma and allows it to better coat the hot pastry when serving.

Serving Suggestions

Create a stunning Mediterranean meze platter by pairing these honey baked feta parcels with marinated olives roasted red peppers and fresh cucumber slices. For a beautiful presentation arrange parcels on a wooden board with small bowls of additional warmed honey for dipping. Complete the experience with a crisp white wine like Assyrtiko from Santorini or a light rosé which balances perfectly against the sweet savory combination.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of feta?

Yes, while Greek feta is traditional, you can use other types like Australian feta, but note that it might be saltier. Adjust accordingly for the best flavor.

→ What is the best way to handle filo pastry?

Filo pastry dries out quickly, so keep it covered with a clean towel while working. If using frozen filo, thaw for about an hour before use for optimal texture.

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the parcels and freeze them before baking. When ready to cook, simply thaw for 30 minutes and bake as usual.

→ What’s the best way to melt butter for this dish?

You can melt the butter in a microwave in short 10-second bursts or on the stovetop. Allow it to cool before mixing in olive oil for proper consistency.

→ Can I use a substitute for honey?

Yes, you can try alternatives like maple syrup or agave nectar, but they may slightly alter the flavor profile of the dish.

→ How can I ensure the parcels stay sealed during baking?

Brush the edges generously with melted butter when folding and ensure the seams are pressed tightly. This helps to seal the parcel properly for baking.