Name: Albanian Baked Feta with Honey and Sesame Seeds Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Albanian
Ingredients: 8 oz block of feta cheese; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish; Crusty bread or pita for serving (optional)

If you’re in the mood for a quick but show-stopping appetizer, an Albanian Baked Feta with Honey and Sesame Seeds Recipe is exactly what you want. It’s a cozy, melty cheese dish that comes alive with the sweet drizzle of honey and toasted sesame seeds, perfect for weeknights or sharing at gatherings. I love making this whenever I want something warm, comforting, and effortlessly elegant.

The image shows a white rectangular baking dish with two thick white cheese blocks inside, covered with a golden-brown toasted seasoning mix including sesame seeds and black pepper specks, with a little pool of olive oil around them. On top, a small green thyme sprig lies diagonally brightening the dish. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface, sprinkled with small bread crumbs and sesame seeds. In the background, part of a glass container with yellow olive oil is visible, along with a blurred green herb. A piece of crusty bread is slightly seen on the lower left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7 — Albanian Baked Feta with Honey and Sesame Seeds, baked feta cheese appetizer, honey sesame feta, Mediterranean baked cheese dish, easy feta appetizer

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Why You’ll Love This
Ingredient Snapshot
How to Make Albanian Baked Feta with Honey and Sesame Seeds Recipe
Smart Little Tips
Serving Ideas
Make-Ahead, Store & Reheat
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Print Recipe

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Why You’ll Love This

This recipe balances savory feta’s creamy tang with luscious honey sweetness and a toasty crunch of sesame seeds, all baked to gooey perfection. It’s deceptively simple but endlessly satisfying.

Reliable Texture, Great Flavor: The feta softens without losing shape, giving you a perfect creamy bite every time.
Crisp–Golden Finish: Toasted sesame seeds on top add a subtle nutty crunch that complements the honey’s richness beautifully.
Pantry-Friendly Ingredients: You probably already have all the ingredients on hand, making it an easy recipe to pull together quickly.
Weeknight Easy, Weekend Worthy: Whether for a casual snack or dinner party starter, this dish fits right in.

Ingredient Snapshot

The dish shows a white square ceramic dish filled with soft white cheese that has been baked until it is slightly browned on top in some areas. It is covered with a layer of golden yellow olive oil that pools around the edges and speckled with both black and white sesame seeds that add texture and contrast. On top of the cheese, there is a small green sprig of thyme placed as garnish, adding a fresh touch. In the blurred background, there are slices of bread and fresh herbs on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7 — Albanian Baked Feta with Honey and Sesame Seeds, baked feta cheese appetizer, honey sesame feta, Mediterranean baked cheese dish, easy feta appetizer

Choosing the right block of feta and pure honey really makes a difference here. I recommend picking a good-quality feta that’s firm but creamy, and a honey that’s not overly processed - wildflower or orange blossom types work wonderfully.

Feta Cheese: Look for a firm block of traditional Greek-style feta; it holds up best during baking.
Honey: Use raw or unfiltered honey for that rich floral sweetness and better texture.
Sesame Seeds: Toast lightly before baking to boost their nuttiness if you want extra flavor.
Olive Oil: A good, fruity extra virgin olive oil adds smoothness and depth.
Fresh Thyme: Optional but highly recommended for aromatic complexity.

Quick Note: Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.

How to Make Albanian Baked Feta with Honey and Sesame Seeds Recipe

Step 1 — Set Up & Season

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the block of feta in a small baking dish — something that fits it snugly but doesn’t crowd it. Drizzle olive oil evenly over the feta; this helps the top brown gently and adds a lovely silky richness. Then pour the honey generously over the cheese so it coats the surface well.

Step 2 — Sear, Toast, or Mix

Sprinkle sesame seeds evenly across the honey drizzle. Press them gently so they stick to the sticky surface but don’t press too hard — you want the seeds to stay on top and toast nicely in the oven. If you want an extra boost, you can toast the sesame seeds lightly in a pan beforehand to bring out their nutty flavor, but this is optional.

Step 3 — Finish for Best Texture

Bake the feta for about 15 minutes until it softens and just begins to turn a slight golden color around the edges. You’ll notice its texture go from blocky and firm to molten and irresistible. Take care not to overbake, or it can become crumbly and dry. Let it cool a minute or two before adding fresh thyme sprigs for a pop of fragrance and color before serving.

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Smart Little Tips

When I made this at my last dinner party, the easy warmth and sweetness really won everyone over. A few small tweaks made all the difference.

Doneness Cue: Look for a slightly puffed feta with just a hint of golden edges—this signals it’s perfectly melty without drying out.
Temperature Trick: Let the baked feta rest outside the oven for a couple of minutes; it will firm up slightly for easier scooping.
Make-Ahead Move: You can assemble the cheese with honey and sesame seeds up to 2 hours ahead, just keep it covered tightly in the fridge.
Avoid This Pitfall: Don’t skip the olive oil drizzle — it keeps the feta moist and prevents overbrowning.

Serving Ideas

Three thick white blocks of soft cheese sit side by side in a white baking dish filled with golden yellow oil. Each cheese block is topped with a mix of black and white sesame seeds, tiny crumbs, and a light brown sprinkle. A sprig of green herbs lies on top crossing two of the blocks. The cheese edges show slight browning, and the dish has some light brown toasted marks. The background is a white marbled surface with some bread pieces blurred in the distance. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7 — Albanian Baked Feta with Honey and Sesame Seeds, baked feta cheese appetizer, honey sesame feta, Mediterranean baked cheese dish, easy feta appetizer

Finishing Touches

Fresh thyme adds a lovely woodsy aroma and a splash of green that complements the sweet and salty notes perfectly. I often garnish with a few extra sesame seeds for crunch and a drizzle of a little more honey to brighten the flavors before serving.

Pair It With

This baked feta shines alongside crusty bread or warm pita to scoop up the gooey cheesy goodness. It also pairs beautifully with crisp salad greens or roasted vegetables, balancing rich and fresh textures for a complete bite.

Easy Plating Upgrades

For a quick upgrade, sprinkle some chili flakes on top for gentle heat or scatter pomegranate seeds for unexpected bursts of color and tartness — both add visual appeal and exciting flavors, especially for festive meals.

Make-Ahead, Store & Reheat

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover baked feta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The texture may firm up as it cools, but it’s still wonderful for reheating or enjoying cold with a salad.

Freezing Tips

I don’t usually freeze this recipe because the texture changes a bit with thawing. If you do freeze it, wrap tightly and thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently to preserve softness.

Reheating Albanian Baked Feta with Honey and Sesame Seeds Recipe Without Drying Out

To reheat, warming gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 8 minutes works best to avoid drying out. You can also use a microwave on medium power in short bursts, covering loosely to trap moisture but check often to keep it from becoming crumbly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of cheese instead of feta?

Feta is ideal because of its firm texture and salty tang which balances the honey’s sweetness. Softer cheeses like ricotta won’t hold up well when baked, but halloumi or aged goat cheese can be interesting alternatives if you want to experiment.

Should I soak feta before baking?

No need to soak. Use block feta in its natural, brined state to keep the cheese flavorful and moist while it bakes.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! The dish itself is naturally gluten-free, just watch your bread or pita accompaniments if that’s a concern.

Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

For a vegan twist, try using a firm plant-based cheese alternative and follow the same steps. Results will vary but honey and sesame seeds still complement many dairy-free cheeses nicely.

Final Thoughts

Whenever I whip up this Albanian Baked Feta with Honey and Sesame Seeds Recipe, it feels like a little celebration on the plate. It strikes that satisfying balance between salty, sweet, and crunchy, and the warm, melted cheese is pure comfort. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do — it’s one of those dishes that’s simple enough for a quick snack but impressive enough to share over good conversation and even better company.

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