Warm, creamy Baked Feta Cheese with Cranberries will be your new gathering go-to for the holidays!
Simple to prepare with a tart-and-sweet flavor combination, this gluten free recipe makes an amazing holiday appetizer.
What you'll love about this baked feta recipe
EASY: This recipe is as simple as adding the ingredients to a dish and and baking, with very little hands-on time!
PARTY PLEASER: Baked feta is perfect for guests and parties. This cranberry version makes it ideal for fall charcuterie boards or holiday parties.
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Ingredients of note
FETA CHEESE: Grab a good-quality block of soft feta cheese. Don't use crumbly, drier feta - it simply won't melt.
CRANBERRIES: You can use fresh or frozen cranberries! If using frozen, thaw them a bit on the counter OR put them in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for in 20-second increments until softened.
MAPLE SYRUP: This is optional; I don't think you need sweetener with the feta if you serve with sweeter crackers or apples! If you opt for it, use real maple syrup, not a maple-flavored syrup.
OLIVE OIL: You'll need a decent amount of olive oil to encourage browning on the feta and prevent it from drying out.
Top tips for baked feta
Use good quality soft feta. Crumbled feta or feta that is too dry simply won't get soft and creamy. Better quality feta tends to be creamier!
Bake with high heat. Setting the oven temperature to 400 degrees bakes the feta relatively quickly without drying it out.
Use olive oil you like! While we aren't using a boatload of olive oil for this baked feta, you do brush the block of feta all over with it. If you use a strong-tasting olive oil, that flavor will come through - so make sure you use one you enjoy!
Serve immediately. As the feta cools, it'll harden - so serve this baked feta cheese as soon as it's out of the oven. If it's done but guests have yet to arrive, tent it with foil or pop it back in the oven for a minute or two once ready to serve.
FAQs
Grab a block of feta that isn't too dry - a soft feta cheese will melt; a crumbly feta will simply get tough.
I used Mt Vikos Traditional Feta and it worked beautifully!
Most likely, the brand you used was too dry. See the above question! Unfortunately I can't test all brands, so there's a bit of trial and error.
Yes, you sure can! Just decreased the cook time to 10 minutes.
If you're only used to baking shredded cheese, tossing a whole block of feta in the oven might seem strange. But it's totally safe, and traditionally a Greek staple!
Serving suggestions
Now that you've got your baked feta, what do you serve with it?
- Crackers (sweet or savory)
- Crostini or baguette
- Sliced apples
As far as brands go, I gravitate towards Simple Mills crackers and used their cracked pepper variety for the photos here.
However, for a sweeter spin, you could use graham crackers, gingersnaps, or shortbread.
If you'd like to serve this baked feta cheese recipe with more appetizers, consider putting together a Fall Charcuterie Board!
Did you make baked feta with cranberries? How did it go? I'd love to hear what you think! Comment below or tag me on Instagram.
Print📖 Recipe
Baked Feta Cheese with Cranberries
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Luscious and creamy, Baked Feta Cheese with Cranberries makes an excellent appetizer for the holidays! Make it with maple syrup if serving on its own, but if you're including it with a fall charcuterie board you may want to omit the maple syrup so your board doesn't become too sweet.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh cranberries (or frozen and thawed)
- 2-3 sticks cinnamon
- 3 or 4 fresh thyme sprigs, divided
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided, plus more for brushing
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional)
- 1 8-oz. block feta cheese
- For serving: Crackers, crostini, or sliced apples
Instructions
- Adjust oven rack so it is in the center of the oven. Preheat to 400 degrees F.
- Arrange cranberries in a 6-to-8 inch ovenproof skillet or baking dish. Add 2 to 3 thyme sprigs and cinnamon sticks. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and, if using, maple syrup.
- Remove feta from the package and pat as dry as possible with paper towels. Place the feta on top of the cranberry mixture. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil and brush the sides to cover the entire visible surface of feta with oil.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until cheese softens and starts to turn a golden brown. If the cheese has softened but you'd like a bit more color, turn the oven to broil on high and broil for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully.
- Tear thyme leaves from the remaining sprig of thyme and sprinkle over feta. Serve immediately with crackers, crostini, or sliced apples.
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