Baked Feta Cheese with Honey and Grapes
Sometimes the simplest ingredients make the most memorable dishes. This Baked Feta with Honey and Grapes is so elegant, yet shockingly easy to put together! Feta lovers, prepare for you next favorite recipe!
I’m the first to admit that I have always been a feta fanatic. There’s just something about the salty and tangy flavor that keeps me coming back! And as much as I love feta, I think I love the combo of feta + grapes even more. They get nice and charred in the oven, but still have a burst of juice in the middle. It’s seriously so good!
To make this easy baked feta appetizer, you take a single block of feta, surround it with juicy grapes, drizzle on olive oil and honey, and let the oven do the rest. In 20 minutes, you have a melty feta dip that works for everything from holiday parties to Friday night happy hour. I’ve made it countless times, and every single time, people ask for the recipe before they’ve even finished their first bite.
Why We Love Baked Feta Cheese with Grapes
- Sweet and salty. The tangy feta balances beautifully with roasted grapes and honey, creating the perfect sweet and salty bite!
- Effortless. While this might look like a fancy appetizer, it only takes about 5 minutes of hands-on prep before the oven takes over.
- Crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s for family, friends, or a grazing board, you’ll notice that everyone goes back for seconds.
Ingredients You Need
- Feta: I like to use Mt Vikos feta cheese! It is an authentic Greek feta that tastes so good. Make sure you use a block of cheese and not crumbled feta!
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the feta and grapes caramelize beautifully!
- Honey: For just a touch of extra sweetness.
- Fresh thyme: Thyme adds a layer of herbal flavor that goes well here. If you don’t have fresh thyme, use just a few dashes of dried thyme!
- Black pepper: Just a touch of spice sharpens the flavor.
- Red seedless grapes: Their natural sweetness intensifies as they roast, complementing the feta! I recommend using seedless grapes so that you don’t have to pick seeds out of your mouth as you eat them.
Variations & Substitutions
- Different fruit: Roasted figs, pears, plums, or cherries would make excellent alternatives to grapes. You can try my roasted feta with plums and figs for a different version!
- Herbs: Fresh rosemary or sage works just as well as thyme, depending on what you have.
- Sweetener: Maple syrup can replace honey for a deeper, earthy sweetness.
- Stems or No Stems: This is up to you. It might be easier to remove the grape stems before baking so guests don’t have to do it as they serve themselves. However, it will take some extra time!
How to Make Baked Feta with Honey and Grapes
- Preheat & Prep: Set your oven to 400°F. Place the block of feta cheese in a small oven-safe dish or cast-iron skillet. Arrange the grape around the cheese. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the feta and grapes.
- Drizzle with Honey: Drizzle the honey over the top of the feta, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
- Season: Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over the feta and season with freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the feta is soft and slightly golden, and the grapes are roasted and starting to burst.
- Serve & Enjoy: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with crusty bread or crackers. Enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Choose quality feta! Not all feta is created equal. A Greek-style block made with sheep’s milk will melt creamier and have more depth of flavor. I highly recommend using Mt Vikos brand!
- Use a small baking dish. Keeping the cheese and grapes close together ensures the flavors meld as they roast. I used a small cast iron skillet here.
- Don’t skimp on the honey! A generous drizzle helps balance the tang of the cheese and caramelizes slightly in the oven, so don’t be shy!
- Don’t overbake! Keep an eye on the feta. Since it doesn’t necessarily melt like other cheeses, it can start to dry out if you over bake it. Look for golden edges and it is good to go!
- Serve immediately. Baked feta is best enjoyed warm, when the cheese is soft and the grapes are still juicy from the oven. Serve right away with crackers or toasted pieces of baguette.
How to Serve It
Serve your honey roasted feta with grapes straight from the skillet with slices of toasted baguette, crackers, or even warm pita bread! It also works beautifully on a grazing board alongside nuts, cured meats, and olives.
Frequently Asked Questions
I prefer red seedless grapes for their sweetness, but black or even green grapes can work too. Just make sure they’re seedless. Remember that green grapes aren’t going to be as sweet. Since the feta is already tangy, add some extra honey around the grapes to balance out the flavors!
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven until warmed through.
Yes! This recipe is good for four people. So if you’re feeding a crowd, use a larger baking dish and double up!
More Appetizer Recipes to Try
- Tomato & Whipped Feta Tart
- Cranberry Pecan Stuffed Brie
- Butternut Squash Goat Cheese Galette
- Spicy Onion Ring Fritters
- Brussels Sprouts Pancetta Dip
Easy Baked Feta with Grapes
Ingredients
- 1 7 oz block of feta cheese
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp honey
- Fresh thyme a few sprigs
- Black pepper to taste
- ½ lb red seedless grapes
Instructions
- Set your oven to 400°F. Place the block of feta cheese in a small oven-safe dish or cast-iron skillet. Arrange the grape around the cheese. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the feta and grapes.
- Drizzle the honey over the top of the feta, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
- Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over the feta and season with freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the feta is soft and slightly golden, and the grapes are roasted and starting to burst.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with crusty bread or crackers. Enjoy!
