Greek Baked Feta with Honey

Feta Me Meli makes for an incredible starter or snack when you want a perfect balance of creamy salty cheese and shatteringly crisp layers with a sticky blanket of honey on top. I make this every time friends come over for a casual night and it always disappears the minute it hits the table.

The first time I baked this for my parents they could not believe how something so simple could feel so special. It is now my go to when I am craving a taste of Greece.

Ingredients

• Greek feta cheese: Use a firm authentic block for best texture Crumbly feta can leak
• Filo pastry: Paper thin and delicate creates those classic flaky layers Find it in the freezer or fridge section and check for tears
• Olive oil: Choose extra virgin for maximum flavor and brush each sheet well for an even golden bake
• Honey: Adds unmistakable sweetness Warm before pouring to bring out fragrant notes Go for Greek wildflower or aromatic blossom honey
• Sesame seeds: Add earthy crunch Lightly toast them for extra depth Buy fresh from a bulk bin or small bag
• Optional olive oil spray: Makes the air fryer method even lighter with less oil use
• Parchment paper or silicone liner: Keeps things crisp and prevents sticking during baking or air frying

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Filo and Feta:

Lay out one sheet of filo on the counter and brush it completely with olive oil Use a soft pastry brush so you do not tear the delicate pastry Layer a second sheet of filo right on top and brush with oil again Repeat if you want extra layers Cover remaining sheets with a damp towel at all times so they do not dry out and crack

Wrap the Feta:

Set the whole feta block in the center of your prepared filo sheets Fold up one edge then the other side then the remaining edges to create a snug little parcel Use gentle pressure to seal but do not squeeze too tightly or feta might break If you want two parcels cut the feta in half and repeat with more filo

Bake or Air Fry:

If baking place the parcel seam side down on a parchment lined baking tray Bake at a hot 375 F for 20 to 25 minutes Flip the parcel halfway through baking to ensure both sides are crisp and golden If using an air fryer preheat it Place the parcel seam side down on a piece of parchment or silicone liner Spray lightly with olive oil Air fry at 375 F for 10 to 12 minutes until golden with a crisp crust

Garnish and Serve:

While the feta bakes toast sesame seeds in a dry pan for a few minutes until fragrant Warm your honey gently on the stove or in the microwave Drizzle the hot feta parcel generously with the warm honey then scatter toasted sesame seeds on top Slice or tuck in while the cheese is hot and creamy

Save

One of my favorite moments is when the sesame seeds start toasting and fill the kitchen with their nutty aroma It always brings back memories of summer nights in Athens sharing snacks with cousins at a little taverna

Storage Tips

This dish is best eaten fresh from the oven or air fryer as filo loses its crispness when chilled If you have leftovers reheat them in a hot oven or air fryer to restore maximum crunch Never microwave it unless you like soggy filo

Ingredient Substitutions

Try halloumi or creamy goat cheese as a substitute but make sure it is a firm block style Softer cheeses will melt too much For the honey you can use maple syrup or a bold orange blossom honey for a twist Black sesame seeds also work beautifully if you want contrast

Serving Suggestions

Serve Feta Me Meli alongside olives sliced cucumber or tomato and crisp white wine for a classic Greek mezze table It also makes a beautiful topping for a light summer salad I always slice the parcels into triangles for easy sharing especially for a crowd

Cultural Note

This is a staple of traditional Greek cuisine especially at seaside tavernas and family gatherings The combination of filo cheese and honey dates back hundreds of years and reflects Greece’s love for balancing sweet and savory

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of feta works best?

Firm Greek feta is best, as it holds its shape and texture during baking, resulting in a creamy, not runny, bite.

→ How do you keep filo from drying out?

Keep unused filo sheets covered with a damp towel as you work to prevent them from becoming brittle.

→ Can I use an air fryer instead of an oven?

Yes, an air fryer delivers a wonderfully crisp pastry in less time. Use a liner and a spritz of oil for best results.

→ What can I flavor the honey with?

Enhance the honey with a touch of chili, thyme, or citrus zest for extra depth and a new aroma profile.

→ How should this dish be served?

Serve the warm parcels immediately after baking, drizzled with honey and sesame, to enjoy the best texture and flavor.

→ Can this be made ahead?

It is best enjoyed fresh, but you can assemble the parcels ahead and bake just before serving for optimal crispness.