Mediterranean Hot Honey Feta & Olive Platter
This Mediterranean-inspired platter is simple yet bold, featuring warm, creamy feta paired with briny olives and a drizzle of spicy-sweet hot honey. It’s a crowd-pleasing appetizer that balances saltiness, sweetness, and heat in every bite. Serve it with crusty bread or crackers for an easy dish that looks impressive but takes minimal effort.
Total Time: ~15 minutes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
Servings: 4–6 (as an appetizer)
Ingredients
200 g block feta cheese (about 8 oz)
½ cup mixed olives (Kalamata, green, or your choice, pitted)
2–3 tbsp hot honey (store-bought or homemade, adjust to taste)
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
Fresh thyme or parsley, for garnish
Crusty bread or crackers, for serving (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Heat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the Feta
Place the block of feta in a small oven-safe dish or cast-iron skillet. Drizzle with olive oil.
Bake
Bake for 8–10 minutes until the feta softens slightly and becomes warm but still holds its shape.
Add Olives & Hot Honey
Remove from oven, scatter olives around the feta, and drizzle generously with hot honey.
Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if you want extra spice.
Garnish & Serve
Top with fresh thyme or parsley.
Serve warm with crusty bread or crackers to scoop up the creamy feta and honey-coated olives.
Tips & Variations
Grilled Feta: Instead of baking, grill the feta in foil with olive oil for a smoky flavor. Perfect for outdoor gatherings.
Hot Honey Alternatives: If you don’t have hot honey, mix regular honey with a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne. Harissa honey is another great twist.
Cheese Swaps: Try halloumi, goat cheese, or ricotta salata for a slightly different texture and flavor.
Olive Mix: Use a mix of marinated olives with herbs or citrus zest to add more depth.
Add Nuts: Toasted walnuts or pistachios sprinkled over the top add crunch and balance the creaminess of feta.
Make It a Board: Pair with hummus, roasted red peppers, and pita chips for a larger Mediterranean-style mezze platter.
Herb Upgrade: Fresh rosemary or oregano can replace thyme for a stronger herbal note.
Q&A
Q: Can I use crumbled feta instead of a block?
A: A block works best since it softens and holds its shape when baked, but crumbles can be used for a quick cold version—just drizzle with hot honey and add olives.
Q: How spicy is hot honey?
A: It depends on the brand or your homemade mix. You can control the heat by adjusting the chili flakes or type of chili used.
Q: Can this be served cold?
A: Yes. For a no-bake version, keep the feta chilled, top with olives, and drizzle with hot honey. It will be firmer but still delicious.
Q: What can I serve it with?
A: Crusty bread, pita chips, crackers, or even alongside grilled meats and roasted vegetables as part of a mezze spread.
Nutrition
(per serving, about 1/6 of recipe)
Calories: ~180
Protein: 6g
Carbohydrates: 9g
Fat: 14g
Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 6g
Sodium: ~370mg
(Values vary depending on honey amount, olive type, and bread/crackers served.)
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Hot Honey Feta & Olive Platter is the perfect mix of sweet, salty, and spicy. The warm feta and briny olives pair beautifully with the drizzle of hot honey, creating an appetizer that feels both rustic and elegant. It comes together in under 15 minutes, making it a go-to option for entertaining, holiday spreads, or even a cozy night in with a glass of wine.