Rustic Mediterranean Bread with Hot Honey Feta
This Rustic Mediterranean Bread with Hot Honey Feta is the perfect balance of creamy, salty, and sweet with just a touch of heat. A crusty loaf of ciabatta or sourdough is topped with rich crumbled feta, drizzled with olive oil and hot honey, and finished with thyme and cracked black pepper. It’s simple yet elegant, making it ideal as an appetizer, side dish, or even a light meal paired with a salad or mezze platter.
Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
1 rustic Mediterranean-style loaf (ciabatta or sourdough)
6 oz (170 g) feta cheese, crumbled
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp hot honey (or honey + pinch of chili flakes)
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
½ tsp cracked black pepper
Optional garnish: pomegranate seeds, chopped fresh parsley, or toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
Preheat Oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the Bread: Slice the loaf in half lengthwise. Place cut sides up on the baking sheet. Brush lightly with olive oil.
Add the Feta: Evenly sprinkle crumbled feta over the bread halves.
Bake: Transfer to the oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the feta softens and the bread is crisp around the edges.
Finish with Flavor: Remove from the oven and drizzle generously with hot honey. Sprinkle with fresh thyme and cracked black pepper.
Garnish & Serve: Top with optional garnishes like pomegranate seeds for brightness, parsley for freshness, or sesame seeds for crunch. Slice into pieces and serve warm.
Tips & Variations
Bread Choice: Ciabatta and sourdough are great, but you can also use a baguette for smaller appetizer-style pieces or pita bread for a softer base.
Cheese Swap: Try creamy goat cheese, ricotta, or burrata instead of feta for a milder flavor. A mix of feta and mozzarella works well if you want a more melty texture.
Make it Spicier: Add extra chili flakes, a drizzle of chili oil, or use spicy harissa honey instead of regular hot honey.
Herbal Touch: Swap thyme with fresh oregano, rosemary, or basil depending on what you have on hand.
Sweet Twist: Add sliced figs, grapes, or dates before baking for a fruity balance with the salty feta.
Add Protein: Layer on prosciutto, roasted chicken, or chickpeas for a more filling version.
Vegan Option: Use a plant-based feta alternative and agave or maple syrup mixed with chili flakes in place of honey.
Serving Idea: Slice into small squares and serve as a party appetizer, or keep larger pieces and pair with a crisp green salad for a light meal.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: It’s best enjoyed warm straight out of the oven. You can prepare the bread and toppings in advance, then bake just before serving.
Q: What if I don’t have hot honey?
A: Simply mix regular honey with a pinch of red chili flakes or cayenne. Chili-infused olive oil also works as a drizzle.
Q: Can I grill the bread instead of baking?
A: Yes, grilling gives it a smoky flavor. Toast the bread on the grill, then top with feta and warm briefly until the cheese softens. Finish with hot honey and herbs.
Q: What can I serve this with?
A: This works well as an appetizer, a side with roasted meats, or part of a mezze spread with olives, hummus, and fresh salad.
Nutrition
(per serving, based on 6 servings)
Calories: ~260
Protein: 8g
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 470mg
(Values are approximate and will vary with bread type and garnishes.)
Conclusion
Rustic Mediterranean Bread with Hot Honey Feta is a simple yet flavor-packed recipe that balances creamy, salty feta with sweet heat from the honey. The crusty bread makes it hearty, while the fresh herbs and optional garnishes add brightness and texture. Serve it warm for gatherings, as a side dish, or as a quick and impressive snack — it’s a versatile recipe that delivers big flavor with little effort.