If you’re looking for a show-stopping appetizer that’s both effortless and packed with flavor, I’ve got just the thing for you. This Honey Whipped Feta with Garlic Herb Roasted Olives Recipe is one of my absolute favorites to whip up when friends come over, and I promise you’ll find it’s as easy as it is delicious. Creamy, tangy feta whipped to fluffy perfection pairs beautifully with warm, garlicky, herb-roasted olives—making every bite a little celebration on your palate!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Elegance: It looks and tastes fancy, but it comes together in under 35 minutes.
- Flavor Explosion: The roasted olives soak up garlic and herbs while the honey-whipped feta adds a creamy, sweet tang.
- Perfect Party Pleaser: Everyone swoons over this combo, trust me—I’ve made it for gatherings countless times.
- Versatile Serving: Works great with rustic bread, crunchy crackers, or as a tasty side to grilled meats.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To get that perfect balance of creamy, salty, tangy, and herby, it’s key to use good quality ingredients. Fresh herbs and a good extra virgin olive oil really elevate the dish, and you’ll want olives with a nice mix of flavor profiles.
- Mixed olives: I love using a variety like Kalamata, Castelvetrano, and green olives for complexity, and make sure they’re pitted for easy snacking.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Go for a fruity, high-quality one since it’s a star player in roasting the olives and flavor infusion.
- Garlic cloves: Smashed to release all their goodness but still keep that shape for roasting.
- Shallot: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when roasted, so don’t skip this.
- Lemon: Roasting it whole brings out the most mellow citrus flavor, which brightens up the olives.
- Fresh thyme and oregano: These herbs infuse that earthy, savory note you want in garlic herb roasted olives.
- Chili flakes: Just a pinch for a gentle heat that wakes up your taste buds without overpowering.
- Crumbled feta cheese: Use a salty, tangy feta—it’s the base for the whipped cheese spread.
- Cream cheese: Makes the feta luscious and smooth; be sure it’s softened to room temperature.
- Honey: This is the magic touch—adds sweetness and balance to the tangy feta and savory olives.
- Black pepper: Freshly cracked for a final kick in the whipped feta.
Variations
I love making this recipe my own depending on the season or mood, and you should absolutely feel free to do the same. It’s forgiving and fun to experiment with!
- Spicy Kick: Add a little extra chili flakes or a dash of smoked paprika to the olives before roasting; my friends start asking me to double the heat!
- Nutty Twist: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts over the whipped feta for added crunch and earthiness.
- Dairy-Free Version: Swap the feta and cream cheese with a plant-based ricotta and silken tofu blend for a creamy, vegan twist.
- Herb Switch-Up: Use rosemary or basil instead of oregano and thyme for a different flavor profile; both work beautifully roasted.
How to Make Honey Whipped Feta with Garlic Herb Roasted Olives Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Olives with Garlic and Herbs
Preheat your oven to 450°F—it’s a high temperature that helps release that amazing aroma and get those olives slightly blistered. Toss the pitted olives in a baking dish with extra virgin olive oil, smashed garlic cloves, quartered shallot, lemon wedges, sprigs of fresh thyme and oregano, plus a generous pinch of chili flakes. Roast everything for about 20 to 25 minutes until the garlic is golden and the oil is bubbling. Here’s a little trick I learned: don’t stir while roasting to let the garlic and herbs really infuse the oil deeply.
Step 2: Whip the Feta and Cream Cheese
While the olives roast, you can whip up the feta. Combine crumbled feta, softened cream cheese, honey, and freshly cracked black pepper in a food processor or blender. Pulse until it’s smooth and fluffy, which usually takes a minute or two. Sometimes it helps to scrape down the sides halfway through to make sure it’s perfectly creamy. This mixture is luxuriously creamy and you can make it and keep it refrigerated for a few days— I love having it ready to throw together a last-minute appetizer.
Step 3: Assemble and Serve
Spoon the whipped feta into a serving bowl, creating a nice mound, then ladle the warm garlic herb roasted olives on top. The warmth of the olives gently softens the honey whipped feta and creates a divine mingling of flavors and textures. Serve it immediately with crusty bread, pita chips, or your favorite crackers. Trust me, this combo disappears fast whenever I bring it out!
Pro Tips for Making Honey Whipped Feta with Garlic Herb Roasted Olives Recipe
- Choose Your Olives Wisely: Picking olives with different textures and intensities adds fun complexity—soft and mild Castelvetrano with punchy Kalamata makes a lively mix.
- Don’t Skip Room Temp Cream Cheese: It blends so much better with feta when softened; gives you that beautiful whipped texture without lumps.
- Let Olives Rest a Bit: After roasting, give the olives 5 minutes to cool slightly—hot oil can be intense and you still want the flavors to settle.
- Adjust Honey to Taste: Everyone’s sweetness preference varies, so start with less and add a little more if you want that perfect honey kiss.
How to Serve Honey Whipped Feta with Garlic Herb Roasted Olives Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle a few fresh thyme leaves or a drizzle of extra honey right before serving to amp up the freshness and sweetness balance. Sometimes, a quick crack of black pepper on top adds a lovely finishing touch. If I’m feeling fancy, a small handful of toasted almonds or pistachios gives it a satisfying crunch that everyone notices.
Side Dishes
This dish shines best paired with warm, crusty bread like a baguette or ciabatta, but I also love serving it alongside fresh vegetable crudités or even grilled flatbreads for a fuller spread. It also works surprisingly well as a side to roasted chicken or grilled lamb—a Greek-inspired feast, anyone?
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve layered this whipped feta and olives in mini jars or ramekins for a charming, individual presentation. You can also swirl the whipped feta across a rustic wooden platter and nestle the olives in little piles around it with scattered herbs—it’s beautiful and makes guests want to dive right in!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep any leftover whipped feta sealed tight in an airtight container in the fridge; it lasts beautifully for up to 3 days without losing creaminess. The roasted olives maintain their flavor well too, just bring them back to room temperature or briefly warm before serving again.
Freezing
I’ve found freezing whipped feta isn’t ideal because it changes texture, but you can freeze the roasted olives in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to a month. Just thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm gently in the oven to revive that roasted flavor.
Reheating
To reheat leftover roasted olives, pop them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until just warmed through. You don’t want to overheat and dry them out! The whipped feta is best served cold or at room temperature, so no reheating needed there.
FAQs
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Can I make the Honey Whipped Feta with Garlic Herb Roasted Olives Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the whipped feta up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The roasted olives can also be made a day ahead and gently warmed before serving, which makes entertaining super easy.
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What breads or crackers work best with this recipe?
I personally love pairing this dish with crusty baguette slices, pita chips, or even plain water crackers to let the flavors of the feta and olives shine through without competing.
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Can I use jarred olives for this recipe?
Yes, jarred olives work well; just rinse them briefly if they’re packed in brine that’s very salty, to balance out the overall flavor. Pitted olives are best for convenience.
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Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
Definitely! The Honey Whipped Feta with Garlic Herb Roasted Olives Recipe itself is gluten-free. Just be sure to serve it alongside gluten-free crackers or bread options if you’re catering to gluten-free guests.
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Can I add other herbs or spices to the olives?
For sure! Rosemary, basil, or even a touch of smoked paprika can add interesting twists. Feel free to experiment based on your preference and what you have on hand.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, the Honey Whipped Feta with Garlic Herb Roasted Olives Recipe has become my go-to for when I want something that feels special but won’t have me stuck in the kitchen for hours. It’s creamy, savory, herbaceous, and just a little sweet in the best way. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe brings a little joy to any table. I can’t wait for you to try it and hear how much your family and friends fall in love with it like mine did!
Print
Honey Whipped Feta with Garlic Herb Roasted Olives Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and effortless appetizer featuring garlic herb roasted mixed olives served warm alongside creamy honey whipped feta, perfect for entertaining and pairing with bread or crackers.
Ingredients
Roasted Olives
- 2 cups mixed olives, pitted
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 shallot, quartered
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 sprigs fresh oregano
- Chili flakes, to taste
Honey Whipped Feta
- 1 cup (8 ounces) crumbled feta cheese
- 3 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 2-3 tablespoons honey
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Olives: Preheat your oven to 450°F. In a baking dish, combine the mixed olives, olive oil, smashed garlic, quartered shallot, lemon quarters, fresh thyme, fresh oregano, and a generous pinch of chili flakes. Ensure everything is evenly distributed for roasting.
- Roast Olives: Bake the olive mixture for 20-25 minutes until the garlic turns golden and the olive oil is sizzling hot. This roasting intensifies the flavors and infuses the oil with aromatic herbs and spices.
- Whip the Feta: While the olives are roasting, place the crumbled feta, room temperature cream cheese, honey, and a few grinds of black pepper into a food processor. Pulse until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and well combined. This whipped feta can be refrigerated for up to 3 days if not served immediately.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy honey whipped feta into a serving bowl, then top with the warm, roasted olives. Serve alongside crusty bread or crackers for a perfect appetizer presentation.
Notes
- This appetizer is effortless to prepare and perfect for entertaining, reducing stress when hosting guests.
- The whipped feta can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Adjust the amount of chili flakes based on your preferred spice level.
- Pair with your favorite rustic bread or an assortment of crackers for a crowd-pleasing snack.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
- Calories: 255 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
