What kind of feta should I use?

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!

My feta didn't get soft - what happened?

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.

Can I make this with brie instead of feta?

Yes, you sure can! Just decreased the cook time to 10 minutes.

Is it safe to bake feta cheese?

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!

Baked Feta Cheese with Cranberries

Name: Baked Feta Cheese with Cranberries
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
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

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

Units Scale

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

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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.