Spicy Baked Feta (Feta Psiti) Recipe

This spicy baked feta recipe offers a twist to the traditional cheese dish. It's simple to prepare yet deeply flavorful. The combination of creamy feta, olive oil, and red pepper flakes creates a dish that is both comforting and invigorating. It's perfect for an appetizer or as a unique side dish to elevate your meal.

Photos of Spicy Baked Feta (Feta Psiti) Recipe

The main ingredient you might not have at home is feta cheese. Feta is a brined curd cheese from Greece known for its tangy flavor and creamy texture. You can find it in the cheese section at the supermarket. Red pepper flakes are another ingredient to note. They can be found in the spice aisle. This recipe calls for a generous amount to create a spicy kick. If you prefer a milder taste, feel free to adjust the quantity.

Ingredients for Spicy Baked Feta

Feta cheese: A tangy and creamy cheese that melts beautifully, adding a flavorful base to this dish.

Olive oil: Adds a smooth and rich flavor, helping the red pepper flakes stick to the cheese.

Red pepper flakes: Brings heat to the dish. Feel free to adjust the quantity based on your preference for spice.

Dried oregano: A classic herb that adds a hint of earthy and minty flavor.

One reader, Ameline Paul says:

This spicy baked feta recipe is a game-changer! The feta becomes irresistibly creamy and the kick from the red pepper flakes is just perfect. It's so easy to make and pairs wonderfully with crusty bread. I can't get enough of it! Highly recommend giving it a try.

Ameline Paul

Techniques for Perfecting Spicy Baked Feta

How to prepare the feta: Cut the feta into a block or leave it as is, depending on your preference.

How to drizzle with olive oil: Slowly pour the olive oil over the feta to ensure even coverage.

How to cover with pepper flakes and oregano: Sprinkle the red pepper flakes and oregano generously over the feta, ensuring it is evenly coated.

How to bake the feta: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake until the feta is soft and creamy, about 10 minutes.

How to serve: Transfer the baked feta to a serving plate and enjoy with your favorite accompaniments.

How To Make Spicy Baked Feta (Feta Psiti)

Recreate this traditional Greek baked feta at home! It makes a spicy appetizer or as a tasteful dip for your favorite chips.

Preparation: 5 minutes

Cooking: 10 minutes

Total: 15 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

8ozfeta cheese
2tspolive oil
2tbspred pepper flakescrushed or as needed
1pinchdried oregano

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Place the feta in an ovenproof baking dish.
Drizzle with olive oil, then cover liberally with pepper flakes and oregano.
Bake, uncovered, in the preheated oven for 10 until the feta is soft.
Serve, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 173.36kcal
Fat: 14.38g
Saturated Fat: 8.79g
Monounsaturated Fat: 4.27g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.61g
Carbohydrates: 3.14g
Fiber: 0.34g
Sugar: 2.79g
Protein: 8.18g
Cholesterol: 50.46mg
Sodium: 521.03mg
Calcium: 280.32mg
Potassium: 56.99mg
Iron: 0.46mg
Vitamin A: 86.20µg
Vitamin C: 0.36mg

Pro Tip for Mastering Spicy Baked Feta

To enhance the flavor of the feta cheese, you can marinate it in the olive oil, red pepper flakes, and dried oregano for a few hours before baking. This allows the cheese to absorb the spices, resulting in a more flavorful and spicy dish.

Time-Saving Tips for Spicy Baked Feta Recipe

Plan ahead: Prepare a weekly meal plan to streamline your grocery shopping and cooking process.

Prep in advance: Chop vegetables, marinate meats, and measure out ingredients ahead of time to save time during meal preparation.

One-pot meals: Opt for recipes that require minimal dishes and cook everything in one pot or pan for easy cleanup.

Use kitchen gadgets: Utilize tools like a food processor, blender, or slow cooker to simplify meal prep and cooking.

Batch cooking: Cook large quantities of food and portion it out for multiple meals throughout the week to save time and effort.

Substitute Ingredients For Spicy Baked Feta (Feta Psiti) Recipe

feta cheese - Substitute with halloumi cheese: Halloumi has a similar texture and can be baked to achieve a crispy exterior while maintaining a creamy interior.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it suitable for baking and adding a healthy fat component to the dish.
red pepper flakes - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika provides a rich, smoky flavor with a mild heat, adding depth to the dish without overwhelming spiciness.
dried oregano - Substitute with dried thyme: Dried thyme offers a similar earthy and slightly floral flavor, complementing the other ingredients in the recipe.

Presenting Spicy Baked Feta for Maximum Appeal

Elevate the feta: Place the baked feta on a wooden serving board to add a rustic touch and enhance the presentation.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle the baked feta with freshly chopped parsley and thyme to add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor.
Accompany with artisanal bread: Serve the spicy baked feta with slices of warm, crusty sourdough bread or baguette to complement the creamy and spicy flavors.
Add a drizzle of honey: Finish the dish with a delicate drizzle of honey to balance out the spiciness and add a touch of sweetness.
Serve with marinated olives: Arrange a side of marinated Kalamata olives and Castelvetrano olives to provide a contrast in flavors and textures.
Incorporate colorful accompaniments: Include vibrant cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, and capers to add visual appeal and a variety of flavors to the presentation.
Use a slate serving platter: Present the baked feta on a sleek slate serving platter to create a modern and sophisticated look.
Sprinkle with smoked paprika: Dust the baked feta with a touch of smoked paprika for a smoky aroma and an additional layer of flavor.
Serve with grilled vegetables: Accompany the spicy baked feta with a selection of grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers, to offer a well-rounded and visually appealing dish.
Incorporate edible flowers: Garnish the baked feta with delicate edible flowers, such as nasturtiums or borage, to add an elegant and whimsical touch to the presentation.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Baked Feta

Oven: A kitchen appliance used for baking and roasting food.
Ovenproof baking dish: A dish that can be used in the oven without being damaged by the heat.
Knife: A tool used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
Cutting board: A flat board used for cutting and preparing food.
Measuring spoons: Utensils used to measure small amounts of ingredients.
Measuring cups: Utensils used to measure larger amounts of ingredients.
Olive oil drizzler: A tool used to drizzle olive oil evenly over food.
Serving dish: A dish used for serving food.
Oven mitts: Protective gloves used when handling hot dishes and cookware from the oven.

Storing and Freezing Spicy Baked Feta

Let the spicy baked feta cool completely before storing to prevent condensation from forming inside the container.
Transfer the cooled feta to an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap.
Store the baked feta in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To freeze, wrap the cooled feta tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Place the wrapped feta in a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bag.
Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification.
Freeze the spicy baked feta for up to 2 months.
To thaw, transfer the frozen feta from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow it to defrost overnight.
Once thawed, consume the baked feta within 3-4 days and do not refreeze.
Note: Freezing may slightly affect the texture of the feta, making it slightly more crumbly upon thawing. However, the flavor should remain intact.

How To Reheat Leftover Spicy Baked Feta

To reheat leftover spicy baked feta, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the feta in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is heated through and slightly melty. This method helps to preserve the texture and flavor of the feta while ensuring it's evenly heated.
Another option is to use a microwave. Transfer the leftover feta to a microwave-safe dish and heat it on high power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the cheese is warm and softened to your liking. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the feta to become rubbery.
For a quick and easy appetizer, spread the reheated spicy feta on toasted bread or crackers. The warmth of the cheese will make it easily spreadable, and the contrast of the crispy base with the creamy feta is simply delightful.
If you want to incorporate the leftover feta into a main dish, try crumbling it over a warm pasta or grain salad. The residual heat from the pasta or grains will gently warm the feta, and the bold flavors of the cheese will add depth and complexity to the dish.
For a unique twist, use the reheated spicy feta as a topping for grilled vegetables or roasted potatoes. The creamy, spicy cheese will melt slightly, creating a delicious sauce that coats the vegetables and adds a burst of flavor to every bite.

Interesting Trivia About Spicy Baked Feta

Feta cheese is a staple in Greek cuisine and is believed to have been made for over 8,000 years. It is traditionally made from sheep's milk or a mixture of sheep and goat's milk.

Is Making Spicy Baked Feta at Home Cost-Effective?

This spicy baked feta recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. The main ingredient, feta cheese, is relatively affordable, and the addition of olive oil, red pepper flakes, and dried oregano doesn't significantly increase the cost. Feta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various dishes, making it a worthwhile investment. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $10-$12. Overall Verdict: 9/10

Is This Baked Feta Dish Healthy or Not?

The spicy baked feta recipe, while delicious, may not be the healthiest option due to its high saturated fat and sodium content. Feta cheese is made from sheep's or goat's milk and is naturally high in saturated fat, which can contribute to heart disease if consumed in excess. Additionally, feta is quite salty, and the recipe calls for a generous amount of red pepper flakes, which can further increase the sodium content.

However, the recipe does have some redeeming qualities. Feta is a good source of protein and calcium, which are essential for maintaining strong bones and muscles. The olive oil used in the recipe is a healthy fat that can help reduce inflammation and improve heart health. The oregano and red pepper flakes also have some health benefits, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce the amount of feta cheese used or opt for a lower-fat variety
Use less olive oil or replace it with a cooking spray to reduce the overall fat content
Incorporate more vegetables into the dish, such as cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini, to increase the fiber and nutrient content
Serve the baked feta with whole-grain bread or crackers instead of refined carbohydrates
Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley to add flavor without increasing the sodium content

Editor's Take on This Spicy Baked Feta Dish

This spicy baked feta recipe is a delightful and simple way to elevate the flavors of feta cheese. The combination of the creamy feta with the heat from the red pepper flakes and the earthy oregano creates a harmonious and bold flavor profile. The baking process allows the feta to soften and develop a rich, creamy texture, making it perfect for spreading on crusty bread or crackers. This dish is a wonderful addition to any appetizer spread or a flavorful topping for salads. It's a quick and easy recipe that is sure to impress your guests with its vibrant and zesty flavors.

Enhance Your Spicy Baked Feta (Feta Psiti) Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears roasted to perfection with a crispy garlic parmesan topping.

Honey Sriracha Glazed Chicken Wings: Crispy chicken wings coated in a sweet and spicy honey sriracha glaze, perfect for pairing with the spicy baked feta.

Mango Avocado Salsa: A refreshing and colorful salsa made with ripe mangoes, creamy avocados, and a zesty lime dressing, adding a tropical twist to the spicy baked feta appetizer.

Similar Recipes to Try If You Love Baked Feta

Spicy Baked Feta: This is a spicy and flavorful appetizer that is perfect for entertaining or enjoying as a snack. The combination of feta, olive oil, and red pepper flakes creates a delicious and unique dish that is sure to impress your guests.

Mouthwatering Stuffed Bell Peppers: These stuffed bell peppers are filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, and seasonings, then baked to perfection. They make for a hearty and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

Decadent Chocolate Lava Cake: This rich and indulgent dessert features a warm, gooey chocolate center that oozes out when you cut into it. It's the perfect way to end a special meal or treat yourself to something sweet.

Perfect Main Courses and Desserts to Pair With Baked Feta

Main Courses:

Grilled Salmon: Marinate the salmon in a zesty lemon and herb mixture before grilling to perfection. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables for a healthy and delicious meal.

Stuffed Bell Peppers: Create a flavorful filling with ground turkey, quinoa, and a variety of spices. Stuff the mixture into bell peppers and bake until tender. Top with melted cheese for an extra indulgent touch.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and creamy chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder for an elegant and decadent dessert experience.

Strawberry Cheesecake: Savor the sweet and tangy flavors of a classic strawberry cheesecake, with a buttery graham cracker crust and a luscious layer of fresh strawberries on top.

Why trust this Spicy Baked Feta (Feta Psiti) Recipe:

This recipe for baked feta cheese is a must-try for all cheese lovers. The combination of creamy feta, aromatic olive oil, and fiery red pepper flakes creates a tantalizing flavor explosion. The simplicity of this recipe allows the feta cheese to shine, while the dried oregano adds a hint of earthy freshness. Trust in the quality of the ingredients, including the rich olive oil and flavorful red pepper flakes, to deliver a dish that's sure to impress. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe promises to elevate your culinary experience.

Want to share your own twist on this Spicy Baked Feta (Feta Psiti) Recipe? Head over to the Recipe Sharing section of our forum and let us know how you made this dish your own!

FAQ:

What type of feta cheese should I use for this recipe?

You can use either traditional Greek feta or a milder, creamier feta, depending on your preference. Both work well for this recipe.

Can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?

Absolutely! You can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your taste. If you prefer a milder flavor, simply reduce the amount of red pepper flakes.

What can I serve this spicy baked feta with?

This spicy baked feta pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, pita chips, or even fresh vegetables. It also makes a great addition to a mezze platter.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

While the feta is best served fresh out of the oven, you can prepare the dish ahead of time and bake it when you're ready to serve. Just be sure to adjust the baking time if the feta has been refrigerated.

Can I add other herbs or spices to the dish?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor to your liking. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can be a great addition, as well as a touch of garlic for extra flavor.