Name: Hot Honey Infused Feta: Blissful Sweet Heat
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 8 ounces feta cheese; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/4 cup hot honey; 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat); Fresh herbs for garnish (like parsley or chives)

Hot honey infused feta has become my absolute go-to for quick appetizers and party snacks. I first stumbled upon this magical combination at a friend’s potluck, and honestly, I was skeptical. Salty feta with sweet, spicy honey? But one bite, and I was hooked! The way the warm, creamy feta melts into the sweet heat of the honey is pure bliss. It’s so simple to make, yet it tastes incredibly gourmet. This isn’t just any feta cheese with hot honey; it’s a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Hot Honey Infused Feta

This isn’t just another appetizer; it’s a flavor experience you’ll crave again and again. Get ready to impress yourself and your guests!

Incredibly Easy: Seriously, it takes minutes to prep and bake.
Gourmet Taste, Simple Prep: It tastes like something from a fancy restaurant but is so simple to make.
Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The salty feta and sweet, spicy hot honey are a match made in heaven.
Versatile Appetizer: This spicy honey feta cheese works wonderfully as a dip or a standalone bite.
Quick to Prepare: Ideal for last-minute entertaining or a weeknight treat.
Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone raves about this feta cheese with hot honey.
Customizable Heat: You control the spice level with the amount of hot honey and optional red pepper flakes.
Visually Stunning: The golden feta drizzled with glistening honey looks as good as it tastes.

Ingredients for Hot Honey Infused Feta

Here’s everything you need to create this delightful spicy feta cheese with honey. It’s surprisingly simple, and the ingredients come together beautifully:

8 ounces feta cheese – a block works best for baking so it holds its shape.
2 tablespoons olive oil – this helps the feta soften and get golden in the oven.
1/4 cup hot honey – this is the star! It brings that irresistible sweet and spicy kick. You can buy it or make your own chili infused feta cheese base.
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – for those who love an extra layer of heat with their feta cheese drizzle hot honey.
Fresh herbs for garnish (like parsley or chives) – adds a pop of color and freshness to balance the richness.

How to Make Hot Honey Infused Feta

This recipe for baked hot honey feta is incredibly straightforward, perfect for even the most novice cooks. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to create such a delicious appetizer.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Step 1: First things first, let’s get that oven ready. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, find a small oven-safe dish; ceramic or cast iron works beautifully for this.

Prepare the Feta

Step 2: Place the entire block of feta cheese right into the center of your chosen oven-safe dish. Then, generously drizzle the 2 tablespoons of olive oil all over the top of the feta. This oil helps it soften and develop a lovely golden hue as it bakes.

Bake the Feta

Step 3: Carefully place the dish with the feta into the preheated oven. Let it bake for about 15-20 minutes. You’re looking for the feta to become wonderfully soft, almost melty, and slightly golden around the edges. The aroma starting to fill your kitchen will be amazing!

Block of feta cheese baking in a dish until golden brown

Warm the Hot Honey

Step 4: While the feta is doing its magic in the oven, it’s time to prepare our star topping. Gently warm the 1/4 cup of hot honey. You can do this in a small saucepan over low heat or in a microwave-safe bowl for about 30 seconds. If you’re feeling adventurous and want extra spice, stir in the 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes now. This transforms it into a truly infused feta with chili honey.

Assemble and Garnish

Step 5: Once the feta is perfectly baked and soft, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Now for the grand finale! Generously drizzle that warm, spicy hot honey all over the baked feta. It’s going to look absolutely divine. Finally, sprinkle your fresh herbs, like chopped parsley or chives, over the top for a burst of color and freshness.

Serving Suggestions

Step 6: Serve your glorious hot honey feta appetizer immediately while it’s warm and gooey. It’s absolutely divine with crusty bread, pita chips, or an assortment of fresh vegetables like cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, or carrot sticks for dipping. This dish is truly a showstopper!

Pro Tips for the Best Hot Honey Infused Feta

Want to make your spicy honey feta cheese absolutely perfect every time? I’ve picked up a few tricks that make all the difference:

Always use a block of feta, not crumbled. A block bakes up beautifully without falling apart, creating that creamy base for our feta cheese drizzle hot honey.
Don’t skip the olive oil! It helps the feta soften and prevents it from drying out in the oven, ensuring a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Warm the hot honey gently. Overheating can change its consistency and flavor. Just a quick warm-up makes it pourable and intensifies the warmth.

What’s the secret to perfect hot honey infused feta?

The secret is the quality of your feta and not over-baking it. You want it soft and creamy, not dry. Gently warming the hot honey also ensures it coats the cheese beautifully for that perfect sweet and spicy finish. For more tips on selecting quality ingredients, you can check out our guide.

Can I make hot honey feta ahead of time?

You can bake the feta ahead of time and let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Gently reheat it before drizzling with warm hot honey. The hot honey itself can also be pre-warmed and stored separately.

How do I avoid common mistakes with hot honey feta?

Avoid using pre-crumbled feta, as it won’t bake into a creamy block. Also, be careful not to over-bake, which can make the cheese tough. Finally, ensure your hot honey is just warm, not boiling hot, to avoid a burnt sugar taste. If you encounter issues, our customer support is here to help.

Best Ways to Serve Hot Honey Infused Feta

This dreamy baked hot honey feta is incredibly versatile and makes a fantastic starter for any occasion. Its sweet and spicy profile pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments, making it a true crowd-pleaser.

As a Dip: Serve it warm with crusty baguette slices, pita bread, or sturdy crackers. The soft, melty feta combined with the sweet heat is addictive!
With Vegetables: For a lighter option, pair this chili infused feta cheese with fresh, crisp vegetables like cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, cherry tomatoes, or celery sticks.
On a Cheese Board: Add this unique appetizer to your next cheese board for a delightful sweet and spicy element that complements traditional cheeses and charcuterie. It’s a fantastic way to introduce guests to the wonders of spicy feta cheese with honey.

Nutrition Facts for Hot Honey Infused Feta

This delightful hot honey feta appetizer offers a fantastic balance of flavor and comes in at a reasonable calorie count. Here’s a breakdown per serving (based on 4-6 servings):

Calories: 200
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 10g
Protein: 7g
Sodium: 400mg
Cholesterol: 25mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on the specific ingredients and brands used, especially for the hot honey and feta cheese. For more information on dietary guidelines, you can refer to resources like the National Nutrition Portal.

How to Store and Reheat Hot Honey Infused Feta

Even though this hot honey feta appetizer is best enjoyed fresh, you might have leftovers, or perhaps you want to prep ahead. Storing and reheating this dish is quite simple, ensuring you can still enjoy that delightful sweet and spicy flavor. Make sure your infused feta with chili honey has cooled down completely before storing.

Once cooled, transfer any leftover hot honey infused feta to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months! To reheat, gently warm the feta in a low oven (around 250°F or 120°C) until just heated through, then re-drizzle with warm hot honey. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave on low power for about 30-60 seconds. Enjoy your delicious spicy honey feta cheese whenever the craving strikes! For details on food safety, please review our terms of use.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hot Honey Infused Feta

What is hot honey feta?

Hot honey feta is a delightful appetizer or dip made by baking a block of feta cheese until soft and warm, then generously drizzling it with hot honey. The combination creates a wonderful sweet and spicy contrast that’s incredibly addictive. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for entertaining.

Is hot honey feta good served cold?

While this baked hot honey feta is absolutely divine served warm, it can still be enjoyable at room temperature. However, the texture of the feta is best when slightly melty, and the hot honey drizzle is more fluid and appealing when warm. For the optimal experience, I recommend serving it fresh from the oven or gently reheated.

What can I serve with hot honey feta?

This spicy honey feta cheese is incredibly versatile! It’s fantastic served with crusty bread, pita chips, or crackers for dipping. For a healthier option, fresh vegetables like cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, or carrot sticks work wonderfully. You can also add it to a cheese board or use it as a topping for salads or grilled chicken. It truly complements a wide range of flavors! You can find more appetizer ideas on our latest recipes page.

Can I make my own hot honey for this recipe?

Absolutely! Making your own hot honey is super easy and allows you to control the heat level. Simply warm about 1/2 cup of regular honey in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in 1-2 teaspoons of red pepper flakes (or a dried chili pepper like a small Thai chili, finely chopped). Let it simmer gently for about 5-10 minutes, then strain out the pepper flakes if desired. Let it cool slightly before using it on your feta cheese with hot honey.

Variations of Hot Honey Infused Feta You Can Try

This incredible hot honey feta appetizer is delicious as is, but there are so many fun ways to switch it up! Whether you’re looking for different flavors, dietary needs, or cooking methods, these variations will keep things exciting. Get ready to explore new taste sensations with your feta cheese with hot honey!

Whipped Hot Honey Feta: For a super smooth dip, try whipping the feta cheese in a food processor with a little cream cheese or Greek yogurt until creamy. Then, gently stir in the hot honey and red pepper flakes. This creates an amazing whipped hot honey feta spread perfect for bagels or toast.
Grilled Hot Honey Feta: Instead of baking, try grilling! Place a thick feta slab on a grill-safe dish or foil packet, grill over medium heat until softened, then drizzle with hot honey. This gives the chili infused feta cheese a lovely smoky char.
Herb and Garlic Infusion: Add a clove or two of minced garlic and a sprig of rosemary or thyme to the olive oil before drizzling over the feta. Bake as usual. This adds an extra layer of savory depth to your spicy feta cheese with honey.
Feta with Fig and Hot Honey: For a delightful sweet and savory twist, add a few fresh or dried fig halves to the dish before baking. The figs caramelize beautifully and pair wonderfully with the hot honey infused feta.