Baked Feta Dip with Fig Jam and Pecans Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the feta cheese.
- 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.
- 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.
- Bake Feta: Bake the feta at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes, or until it turns golden brown on top.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
