Baked Feta Dip with Fig Jam and Pecans Recipe

Introduction

This baked feta dip with fig jam and pecans is a warm, savory, and slightly sweet appetizer perfect for any gathering. Creamy feta cheese is baked until golden and topped with toasted pecans and sweet fig preserves for a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

• 14 to 16 ounces block feta cheese *
• 3 Tbsp avocado oil
• ½ tsp dried oregano or dried parsley
• 1 pinch black pepper
• ½ cup fig preserves
• ½ cup raw pecans, chopped
• ½ tsp fresh thyme (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Step 2: Toast the pecans by heating them in a small skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 1 to 3 minutes until crunchy. Remove from heat and transfer to a bowl. Mix in the fig preserves with the toasted pecans.
3. Step 3: Place the feta blocks in a small oven-safe dish or casserole dish. Drizzle with avocado oil and sprinkle with dried oregano and a pinch of black pepper.
4. Step 4: Bake the feta at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese turns golden brown. Remove from the oven and reduce the temperature to 350°F.
5. Step 5: Stir the baked feta in the dish until creamy. Spread the fig and pecan mixture evenly on top of the feta.
6. Step 6: Return the dish to the oven and bake at 350°F for another 12 to 17 minutes, until the topping is hot and the cheese is bubbly.
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and sprinkle fresh thyme over the hot dip, if using. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
8. Step 8: Serve warm with toasted baguette slices, pita bread, or crackers.

Tips & Variations

• Use goat cheese or cream cheese for a milder, creamier dip if you prefer.
• Try walnuts or almonds instead of pecans for a different nutty flavor.
• For extra herbal aroma, sprinkle fresh rosemary or basil on top before serving.
• If you like spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the feta before baking.

Storage

Store any leftover baked feta dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or oven until warmed through. This dip is best enjoyed warm but can also be served at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use pre-crumbled feta for this recipe?

It’s best to use a block of feta for baking to retain its creamy texture. Pre-crumbled feta might dry out and won’t melt as well.

Can I prepare this dip ahead of time?

You can toast the pecans and mix them with the fig preserves a day ahead. Assemble and bake the dip just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Baked Feta Dip with Fig Jam and Pecans Recipe

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This Baked Feta Dip with Fig Jam and Pecans is a rich and flavorful appetizer featuring creamy baked feta cheese drizzled with avocado oil and seasoned with oregano and black pepper. Toasted pecans mixed with sweet fig preserves are layered on top and baked again to create a warm, bubbly dip that pairs perfectly with toasted baguette, pita bread, or crackers.

• Author: Naya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Feta Cheese Base

• 14 to 16 ounces block feta cheese
• 3 Tbsp avocado oil
• ½ tsp dried oregano or dried parsley
• 1 pinch black pepper

Fig Jam and Pecans Topping

• ½ cup fig preserves
• ½ cup raw pecans, chopped
• ½ tsp fresh thyme (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the feta cheese.
2. Toast Pecans: Place the chopped pecans in a small skillet over medium heat on the stovetop. Stir occasionally and toast them for about 1 to 3 minutes until they become crunchy and fragrant. Once toasted, transfer the pecans immediately to a bowl or measuring cup and mix with the fig preserves.
3. Prepare Feta for Baking: Remove the feta block from its packaging and place it into a small oven-safe dish or casserole dish. Drizzle the feta with avocado oil and then sprinkle dried oregano and black pepper evenly over the cheese.
4. Bake Feta: Bake the feta at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes, or until it turns golden brown on top.
5. Mix and Reduce Heat: Remove the feta from the oven and reduce the oven temperature to 350°F. Stir the baked feta in the oven-safe dish until it becomes creamy and smooth.
6. Add Toppings and Bake Again: Pour the fig preserves mixed with toasted pecans over the creamy feta. Return the dish to the oven and bake at 350°F for an additional 12 to 17 minutes until the topping is heated through and the cheese is bubbly.
7. Finish and Serve: Remove the baked feta dip from the oven. Place it on a trivet or kitchen towel to protect your counter as the dish will be very hot. Sprinkle the dip with fresh thyme if using. Serve warm with toasted baguette slices, pita bread, or crackers for dipping.

Notes

• Using avocado oil provides a mild flavor and healthy fats that complement the feta without overpowering it.
• Toasted pecans add a crunchy texture contrast to the creamy feta and sweet fig preserves.
• Fresh thyme is optional but adds a lovely herbaceous aroma and flavor.
• For a vegetarian diet, ensure the feta cheese is made with vegetarian rennet.
• The dip is best served warm and fresh out of the oven but can be reheated gently.

Keywords: baked feta dip, fig jam dip, appetizer, feta cheese, vegetarian appetizer, pecan dip, party dip, Mediterranean appetizer, baked cheese dip