Baked Feta Dip with Fig Preserves and Toasted Pecans Recipe
A delicious and creamy baked feta dip topped with sweet fig preserves and toasted pecans, perfect for serving warm with crusty bread or crackers. This easy appetizer combines tangy feta, rich avocado oil, aromatic herbs, and a sweet-nutty topping for a crowd-pleasing dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese and Oil
- 14 to 16 ounces block feta cheese
- 3 Tbsp avocado oil
Herbs and Spices
- ½ tsp dried oregano (or dried parsley)
- 1 pinch black pepper
- ½ tsp fresh thyme (optional)
Toppings
- ½ cup fig preserves
- ½ cup raw pecans, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the feta cheese to a golden brown.
- Toast the Pecans: Place chopped pecans in a small skillet over medium heat on the stovetop. Stir occasionally, toasting them until they become crunchy and aromatic, about 1 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat immediately and transfer them to a bowl or measuring cup.
- Mix Pecans with Fig Preserves: Add the fig preserves to the toasted pecans and mix thoroughly to combine the sweet and nutty flavors.
- Prepare the Feta for Baking: Remove feta blocks from packaging and place them in a small oven-safe dish like a casserole dish. Drizzle the avocado oil evenly over the feta and sprinkle with dried oregano and a pinch of black pepper for seasoning.
- Bake the Feta: Bake the feta at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is golden brown on top. Then, remove from the oven and reduce the oven temperature to 350°F.
- Create the Creamy Dip: Transfer the baked feta to your serving dish and stir with a spoon until the cheese becomes creamy and smooth.
- Add Toppings and Finish Baking: Spoon the fig and toasted pecan mixture over the creamy feta. Return the dish to the oven at 350°F and bake for an additional 12 to 17 minutes until the topping is hot and the cheese bubbles.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the baked feta dip from the oven. Place it on a trivet, towel, or baking sheet to protect your surface and warn guests that it is hot. Sprinkle fresh thyme over the top if using. Serve warm with toasted baguette slices, pita bread, or crackers.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, omit the pecans and top with additional fig preserves or seeds like pumpkin seeds.
- You can substitute dried oregano with dried parsley or your favorite herb according to taste.
- Be sure to toast the pecans lightly to enhance their flavor without burning.
- This dip is best served warm but can be reheated gently in the oven if needed.
- Use a high-quality block of feta for the creamiest texture and best flavor.
Keywords: baked feta dip, feta cheese appetizer, fig preserves dip, toasted pecans, easy baked dip, Mediterranean appetizer, party dip
