Honey Whipped Feta with Garlic Herb Roasted Olives Recipe
This Honey Whipped Feta with Garlic Herb Roasted Olives recipe is a delightful Mediterranean-inspired appetizer featuring briny olives roasted with fresh herbs and garlic, paired with a creamy, sweet whipped feta cheese. The mix of warm, flavorful olives with smooth honey-infused feta creates a perfect balance, ideal for serving with bread or crackers at parties or casual gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Roasted Olives
- 2 cups mixed olives, pitted
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 shallot, quartered
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 sprigs fresh oregano
- Chili flakes, a big pinch
Honey Whipped Feta
- 1 cup (8 ounces) crumbled feta cheese
- 3 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 2-3 tablespoons honey
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Olives: Preheat your oven to 450° F. In a baking dish, combine the pitted olives, extra virgin olive oil, smashed garlic cloves, quartered shallot, quartered lemon, fresh thyme, fresh oregano, and a generous pinch of chili flakes. Mix well so everything is evenly coated.
- Roast the Olives: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Roast until the garlic turns golden brown and the olive oil is sizzling, creating a fragrant, flavorful infusion.
- Whip the Feta: While the olives are roasting, place the crumbled feta cheese, room temperature cream cheese, honey (start with 2 tablespoons and adjust to taste), and black pepper into a food processor. Pulse until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. Transfer the whipped feta to a serving bowl; it can be refrigerated for up to 3 days if made in advance.
- Serve: Once the olives are done roasting, spoon them warm over the bowl of honey whipped feta. Serve immediately with fresh bread, crackers, or your preferred dipping accompaniments for a perfect appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Use a variety of olives for a more complex flavor profile.
- Adjust the amount of chili flakes depending on your heat preference.
- The whipped feta can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator to save time.
- Serve with crusty bread, pita chips, or assorted crackers.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, blend the whipped feta a bit longer.