Baked Greek feta with figs

An easy appetizer made with Greek feta, figs, a drizzle of honey and a sprinkling of fresh rosemary and finely chopped walnuts. Creamy, sweet, salty and perfectly delicious. Serve with bread slices, pita wedges or crackers.

Growing up, I spent many summers in Greece. One of my favourite memories was staying with my Thea Athena, my dad’s sister. She lived in a village called Chranoi, which has since become a tourist hub. When I was young however, the entire village was populated with locals, and Thea Athena’s house was a center of activity. Attached to her home was a tiny little shop that she owned and operated. There she sold ice cream, coffee and fruits and vegetables from her trees and gardens. Especially popular were the figs, picked fresh off of her vast fig tree orchard.

Figs are incredibly important in the Greek diet and in the history of Greek cuisine. The Ancient Greeks believed that figs were a symbol of prosperity and peace. At that time they were considered so special that it was illegal to export them outside of the country.

There are several varieties that become available in mid summer through to late fall. Although they are delicious to eat just as they are, it is also fun to use figs to make things like jam, to add to salads, and to turn into luscious appetizers like this baked Greek feta with figs.

Why I love this recipe

Looks aren’t everything, but come on! This dish is gorgeous! I love how something so simple and quick to make can look so elegant and fancy on your dining table. It never fails – when I serve this to guests it is met with ooohhs and aaahhs. I love that!

The best figs I have ever eaten are in Greece. So, although figs I find here in Montreal can be amazing (especially when they are imported from Greece : ) they are sometimes just really, really good. Baking them with feta and enhancing their sweetness with honey helps to elevate these figs to super greatness!

When I am having guests over I assemble this dish and then pop it into the oven after the guests have arrived. No fuss, and by the time everyone gets settled with a drink in hand (maybe one of these amazing Greek ouzo cocktails), the baked feta and figs is ready.

I also love that anytime I eat figs, in any way, I am taken back to those perfect summers with my Thea Athena!

Ingredients

There are only a few ingredients needed to make this quick and easy, but super impressive Greek meze, or appetizer.

Greek feta This recipe is best with Greek feta, which is made sheep milk, or a combination of sheep and goat milk. Nothing beats it!

Figs I used fresh black mission figs for this recipe. I wash them well and then slice them into even slices.

Olive oil I only use Greek olive oil to brush onto the feta.

Honey I use Greek honey or locally sourced honey for this recipe. Nothing beats the flavour and I am sure that it is pure honey.

Rosemary I love the earthy fragrance and flavour of finely chopped fresh rosemary.

Walnuts Finely chopped walnuts add a wonderful texture and complement all the other flavours really well in this recipe.

How to make it

This recipe could not be simpler! Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, a bit of assembly and then bake. End it off with a little broil and serve!

Step 1
Pat the feta dry with paper towels and place it in an oven proof dish. Brush the top with olive oil.

Step 2
Slice your figs any way you like. I like to slice them lengthwise and place them on the feta, overlapping slightly.

Step 3
Drizzle with honey and then sprinkle with finely chopped fresh rosemary and finely chopped walnuts. Top with a sprig of rosemary.

Step 4
Bake for about 15 minutes and then broil for about 2 – 3 minutes until slightly caramelized on top.

Step 5
Serve immediately with bread or crackers.

Recipe substitutions

You can definitely make a few substitutions and still make a very delicious appetizer.

If you don’t have fresh rosemary, fresh thyme or oregano would also work well.

Instead of honey, you could use maple syrup.

If you prefer another nut to walnuts, try this appetizer with finely chopped pistachios or pecans. Or, keep this dish nut free and skip the walnuts and other nuts altogether!

Recipe variations

If you love the idea of a piece of feta that you dress up and then bake, there are variations to this recipe for baked Greek feta with figs. You should try Baked feta with orange and olives or Baked feta with honey. For something a little simpler, you can even try this Baked Feta.

How to serve

This baked feta appetizer is meant to be eaten warm, pretty much right out of the oven. I like to serve it with sliced baguette or pita wedges. It also pairs well with some nice crackers.

Although meant to be served warm, any leftovers stored in the refrigerator can be eaten cold as well. This is a different experience – the feta remains cold and firm. It is actually quite good this way too!

Storing

Any leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator in a covered container for up to 5 days. To reheat before serving you can place it in the microwave in increments of 10 seconds, until you get to the temperature you desire.

Related recipes

If you love this easy Greek appetizer, I think you will also love these recipes:

Baked feta with honey Another really simple appetizer with a touch of heat!

Feta and fig crostini The perfect appetizer to make with dry figs! This is as impressive as it is delicious.

Sesame coated fried feta with honey and walnuts A viral recipe! Nothing beats this amazing recipe with our special touch!

Grilled peaches with feta and honey Peach season meets creamy Greek feta! This is simply amazing and can even be served as dessert!

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