How do you feel about appetizers? Errrm … not sure? Well, maybe I can help you answer the question.
Let’s say you go to a restaurant that has one of those ‘two courses for however many dollars or pounds or whatever’ deals on. Do you choose an appetizer and a main, or a main and a dessert? Or maybe you have all three, you sneaky one there, you.
I’m firmly in the ‘main and dessert’ camp, with the chocolaty-est dessert on the menu. I’ll share some tasty morsels like some nachos or some kind of stuffed little crispy things dipped in a nice bowl of sauce, but other than that, yup, I can definitely live without restaurant appetizers.
Fortunately, while living in Greece for so many years, this ‘appetizer or dessert’ thing was never really an issue because as you may know the style of eating there is a little different. Nine times out of ten, at a restaurant you’ll order lots of little plates of salads and dips and stews and potatoes and veggies (called ‘mezze’) and share them with the rest of your table. It’s wonderful because you never get that awful panicky feeling that you might have ordered the wrong thing or become a big green-eyed monster when your dining partner’s meal arrives and it looks more delicious than your own. Although (little tip coming up here), you can always say ‘oh, shall we share half and half?’ next time that happens. Works every time.
Aaaanyway, back to Greece where not only do they have this great sharing system that gives you the chance to have a little taste of everything (and sneak more of the dishes you really like), but it’s also perfectly acceptable to sit down at a little taverna or ‘ouzeria’ at 3 o’clock in the afternoon (or 3 o’clock in the morning if you like) and choose a little plate of whatever you like to nibble on with a glass of whatever you like to drink. It is also quite alright, if not encouraged, to stay there for three or four hours chatting the afternoon away while soaking up the afternoon sun and watching the antics of the neighbourhood ‘wildlife’ aka Athens’ thousands of canny neighbourhood cats.
Can a cat have ‘doggy eyes’? This one waited patiently by our table for a little taste of our beautiful Greek snack.
Meals and drinks are definitely not to be ‘done’ in a hurry in this sunny little corner of south-east Europe … which reminds me of a friend who had an acquaintance say to him when he first moved to Greece: ‘Terry, why you drink your frappe (iced coffee) so queeekly?’ But that of course is another story …
The reason I’m telling you all this is that these feta filo pies with honey are one appetizer that I wholeheartedly recommend that you try making, even if you aren’t an appetizer kind of guy or gal. In this post, I already told you what this humble but delicious little appetizer led to for me, so you never know what may come your way when you give this little snack a try along with an obligatory glass of ouzo or red wine and a warm lazy summer late afternoon. 😉
Best of all, this is probably one of the easiest little snacks you’ll ever make. I know, I know, I say something similar in every post, but I always mean it. Literally, all it involves is mashing up some feta cheese (good quality from a deli or similar if you can find it) with a little honey and dried oregano, spooning it onto two half sheets of filo pastry layered one on top of the other and wrapping it all up in a simple parcel. Bake or fry, then serve with more honey drizzled over the top and a few toasted sesame seeds. I brushed mine with a little olive oil and baked it but to be perfectly honest I think next time I’m going to try frying the parcels instead for a little bit more of an authentic ‘flavour’.
1 Brush a sheet of filo pastry with olive oil and lay a second sheet over the top. Cut the sheets in half across the width. 2 Spoon a quarter of the cheese, honey & oregano mixture into the centre of each half-sheet. 3 Wrap the cheese up like a parcel!
Just remember that the ouzo with this crispy feta snack isn’t optional. Oh, OK then, it is, but at least pour yourself a little glass of red wine to go with this very Mediterranean of appetizers. Wine and cheese = long-time match made in heaven, after all!
Oh, and one more little ‘thing’ (two, actually). If you like the idea of this feta in filo, you’ll love this baked feta recipe, too. I’m not sure which one is more delicious, so you’ll just have to try both to decide for yourself!
‘Thing’ number two is that I adapted this recipe very slightly from the great Jamie Oliver’s recipe from his latest book, Save With Jamie
Feta filo pies with honey
Ingredients
- 5 ounces feta cheese as good quality as you can find
- 1 tablespoon olive oil plus extra for brushing
- 2 teaspoons honey plus a couple of tablespoons extra to serve
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 4 sheets filo pastry
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- fresh crusty bread and a cold glass of ouzo to serve optional
Instructions
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Pre-heat the oven to 390F/200C if baking.
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Mash the feta with the 1 tablespoon of olive oil, the honey & the oregano.
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Lay one sheet of filo pastry onto your work surface and brush it lightly with olive oil. Lay another sheet on top. Cut the sheets in half across the width. Repeat this with the remaining two sheets of filo so that you have 4 rectangles of pastry.
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Spoon one quarter of the feta mixture into the centre of each piece of pastry. Fold one of the long edges into the centre, then repeat with the other edge. Fold the short edges into the centre, too, so that the cheese is wrapped up like a parcel.
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Brush the parcels lightly all over with olive oil, then either bake them on a baking sheet until light brown and crispy (for about 10 minutes) or, if you prefer, pan-fry them for a couple of minutes on each side.
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Meanwhile, toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet/frying pan until they are a light golden brown.
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Serve immediately with a big drizzle of honey and some toasted sesame seeds over each parcel - with a little crusty bread if you like.
Recipe Notes
This recipe was slightly adapted from Jamie Oliver's recipe in his latest book, Save With Jamie
You can bake or fry these little feta filo parcels. They are lovely baked, but I suspect even nicer fried (don't worry, you can use healthy olive oil!)
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Laura @ Raise Your Garden says
Hi Helen!
I love appetizers, I would love to see these served at a wedding as a prelude to dinner.
My definition of appetizer is heading to the frozen food section and popping pigs in a blanket, or something equally disgusting in the oven. And you said these are easy, well, they look easy from your pictures. I guess I’m out of excuses for making appetizers. And I always want to be one of those hosts who has an appetizer on hand…..lovely.
Love the cat pic. Have a wonderful week. Ok, I’m clicking my share button on this one. I don’t like admitting how bad I am with technology but I think I finally have it down, hehe.
Helen says
Haha … thanks for sharing, Laura! Don’t worry, I am totally learning as I go along, too. Fortunately I have a techy husband who is great with Photoshop in particular so I go to him to ask any questions but with a lot of the blog stuff I’m a little on my own.
Anyway … so glad you like these pies and that I’ve maybe encouraged you to have a go at making some of your own appetizers someday soon! This would be a good one to start with, although you have to eat it pretty much straight away to appreciate the deliciousness of the warm cheese.
Eva says
HHHHmmmm, c’est un super apéro! J’aime beaucoup cette idée et dans la famille, on adore la feta, ça tombe bien! Je crois que c’est un apéro à faire en urgence ! Les enfants vont se régalé, c’est sûre !
Le chat avec les yeux de chien, c’est trop rigolo !
Helen says
Haha … mais c’est vrai qu’il a les yeux de chien, non? Je suis ravie que tu aimes l’apero. C’est tres facile- c’est pour ca que je l’aime tant. 🙂
Allison says
Oh I love mezze! That’s kind of my go-to when I go out for greek or lebanese food. I love all of the little flavour-packed bites. Hummus, dolmades, etc. SO FREAKING GOOD. I have never tried ouzo before but I love licorice, so I’m sure I’d enjoy it. What a fun appetizer, Helen! The texture combo is divine.
Helen says
Thanks so much, Allison! I didn’t use to like ouzo at all, but I guess it grew on me as I was in Greece for so blimmin’ long … haha! The truth is, it does go very well with a lot of Greek food for some reason. So glad you like the pies … yes, the texture combo IS good!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
Oh this is so delicious looking and the crust looks so flaky!! I love filo!
Helen says
Glad you like it,Jocelyn! 🙂
Tina @ Tina's Chic Corner says
I love appetizers but more importantly I love this pie! I’d happily eat it any time of the day. I’ve not made a feta pie with honey before but I definitely have to try it because it sounds amazing!!
Yes, a cat can totally have doggie eyes! 😉
Helen says
Ha! I thought so! Well, that one in the picture definitely does, anyway!
I think I would eat this at any time of day, too … even for breakfast! (well, the Greeks often eat cheese pies for breakfast, so why not?)
Ashley says
We love appetizers! One of our favorite things to do is go out for a drink and order a bunch of appetizers for dinner : )
These sound awesome – I mean with feta and honey and sesame seeds…. I know I would love these!
Helen says
Sounds like you’re a Greek at heart, Ashley!! You’d better visit some time and ‘test out’ the theory!
So glad you like the pies … I LOVE them!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
I like the meal traditions of Greece! I think that’s why I love tappas so much too…just the right amount of food for sharing! These pies look delicious! What a great idea to wrap with feta and honey, two of my favorite ingredients! Pinned!
Helen says
Thanks so much for pinning, Gayle. And, you’re right, tapas are a similar idea. I lived in Spain for a few months once and loved the little bar down the road where you could actually place an ORDER for your free tapas! Got to go back there!
Mariana @The Candid Kitchen says
You ask tough questions, Helen! When I started reading your post I thought: yes, I am deffo a main-and-dessert girl, but yet I love the whole mezze idea…it makes food what it is supposed to be: a social piece, made to bring people together!
Helen says
You’re totally right – meals in the east are usually more social than ours. I find I’m more inclined to share various dishes with Mr. Scrummy these days rather than having my own dish. I guess it’s the years in Greece!
cheri says
Hi Helen, this looks like my kind of appetizer, I love sitting around with others and sharing small plates. The conversation is always fun and you know your going to talk a little bit about the food. great post!
Helen says
Ahh, that’s so true that you talk more over a mezze-style meal! Great observation. So glad you like this!
Olivia - Primavera Kitchen says
We love appetizers, Helen. Yours looks so delicious and the crust looks so flaky!! Amazing combo feta and honey. Great recipe. Thanks for sharing 😉
Helen says
So glad you like it, Olivia! You must try this combo some time… it goes so well! 🙂
[email protected] says
I’m definitely an appetizer girl. Well, and a dessert girl too! Love the combination of feta and honey. Great summer appetizer!
Helen says
Thanks, Christin, and glad you like it! 🙂
Fish Fingers for tea says
If pushed I’ll say I’m a main and dessert girl but I’m happiest with mezze when I can pick away to my hearts content! These look delicious, I love feta (any cheese if I’m honest) and it goes so well with honey.
Helen says
Cheese goes so well with sweet things in general, doesn’t it? I love cheese and fruit as well. I wonder how the western style of eating where you just have your own plate came from? I think it’s definitely better to share smaller plates, for quite a few reasons. So glad you like my little pies!
Alyssa @ My Sequined Life says
I’m drooling over this, Helen!! I can just about hear the crispness of the pastry when taking a bite. I love the concept of little plates as I’m usually very indecisive when it comes to ordering off a restaurant menu. Sharing smaller portions means I can get little tastes of everything! Once we settle into our new place, I’m going to make it my business to find a nice cheese shop as soon as I can! 🙂
Helen says
How’s the trip going, Alyssa? Amazing, I bet! Definitely do find that cheese shop when you arrive. The filo was indeed really crispy when I bit into it, although not so much after I’d done messing around with my photos … you know how it is, I’m sure! 🙂
Bintu @ Recipes From A Pantry says
I am greedy and tend to go for all three curses even thought I give myself a talking to before hand. These look so gorgeous.
Helen says
Well, if I’M honest I could probably go for all 3 courses, but my tummy isn’t big enough these days. I hate that super full feeling. Glad you like these, Bintu! 🙂
Bintu @ Recipes From A Pantry says
Three curses????? Lol.
Helen says
Hahaha! I do that all the time when I’m texting … oops!
Norma | Allspice and Nutmeg says
This is so reminiscent of a Middle Eastern favorite of mine. Cheese wrapped I FILO sweetened with syrup or honey. Yum!
Helen says
There’s so much overlap between Greek food and Middle Eastern … I’d never had the cheese and honey combo before going to Greece, but it’s amazing, isn’t it?
Cindy @ Pick Fresh Foods says
I love appetizers, but if I have to choose between appetizer or dessert. I’ll save room for dessert. 😀
These little pies look delicious and I love the ingredients. I’d love to have one of these tonight! Pinning!
Helen says
Thanks, Cindy, and thanks so much for pinning. 🙂
Medha @ Whisk & Shout says
Yum! Filo is everything. I was just at dinner with my friend’s Greek grandparents and they would be all over this 🙂
Helen says
Yup, they would definitely approve! Glad you like the pies, Medha. What did you get served at your friend’s grandparents’? Was it a Greek dish?
marcie says
I love appetizers and can make a meal out of them easily! These look so delicious, Helen, and you really make me want to enjoy one of these pies in outside a taverna while soaking up the Greek sun. Love that cat, too! 🙂
Helen says
Yeah, he (or she!)’s a cutie, that’s for sure! You definitely need to enjoy this outdoors with a nice cool glass of something. Being in Greece helps, but I’m sure a nice sunny spot where you live will do just fine! 🙂
[email protected] The Gastronomic Bong says
Hi Helen, this appetizers look delicious. .. and love the fact that they are incredibly simple to make… love it… 🙂
Helen says
That’s my favourite thing too, Arpita. I don’t do ‘complicated’ … haha! So glad you like these little pies!
Annie @Maebells says
I am so in love with this! Tangy feta paired with sweet honey? YUM! I wouldn’t have thought to pair those two together, but it makes perfect sense! Sweet and savory!
Helen says
Feta and honey is a common combination in Greece, Annie. Trust me, it goes so well and I hope you give it a try! So glad you like it! 🙂
whatjessicabakednext says
I love feta filo pies- I used to eat these all the time when I was on holiday in Greece! So delicious, can’t wait to try the recipe out!
Helen says
I really hope you do, Jess. It’s so so easy!
Natalie @ Tastes Lovely says
These sound delicious! Just last night we went out to my favorite pita restuarant and got it packed with Greek goodies, and split a baklava for dessert. It had me thinking how much I love phyllo dough, and I should really cook with it more. And here you are, giving me a delicious phyllo dough appetizer! I can’t wait to try this : )
Helen says
Ooh, baklava! It’s lovely fresh and just a little bit warm still … there are plenty of lovely things you can make with filo pastry, that’s for sure. I hope you do have a go at this, Natalie. If you like Greek food, I’m pretty sure you’ll love it! 🙂
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says
I love that picture of the kitty! And I prefer ordering mezze style too. The friends that I eat out with prefer that too-that way we get to try more!
Helen says
Exactly! No point risking getting all jealous! The kitty is gorgeous, isn’t he? I don’t remember if we fed him in the end, but I bet we did!
Mary Frances says
I am an appetizer kind of gal! Greece sounds amazing. I definitely could live there … my waistline and wallet might not agree, but it would be so fun! If you are not an appetizer person and you liked these, I can only imagine how much I would enjoy them. Filo dough is the best! We get it every once and a while for spinach and cheese filo pies, but I might have to let those take a backseat in favor of these. You had me at honey!
Helen says
Aw, so glad you like these little pies, Mary Frances! Don’t stop making your spinach and cheese pies, though. They’re wonderful, too!
You should definitely at least visit Greece some day. It’s worth it just to taste all the yummy food, and the more traditional food is pretty healthy, too. Plus once you get there it isn’t so expensive, either, so don’t worry about the wallet too much!
Skye says
Helen! Snap! Love that we’re both having a filo pastry moment…though dying to try this honey and feta filling (Oh. My. Goodness – can’t think of anything scrummier!). Love that you’re a dessert girl too. And love these beautiful photos of Greece (and adorable cat).
Love. Love. Love. Simply gorgeous post.
Helen says
Thanks so much for saying so, Skye! I’m looking forward to heading on over to your blog to check out your ‘filo moment’, too. I have quite a lot of filo left over in the fridge that I need to find something to make with …
Chrissy says
Yum! I’m in the main and dessert camp too, but I’d happily order this one!
Helen says
🙂
Jessica @ Jessiker Bakes says
These filo pies look so so so good. I LOVE mezzes and I’m the kind who orders the appetiser in a main dish portion (oops). There’s a Greek restaurant here that Mr. Bakes and I went to that had baked feta with honey and UH I ate half of his appetiser hahaha it was sooo good! I can just imagine that combination in this! YUM! Pinning this for sure!
Helen says
Thanks for pinning, Jessica! So glad you like these pies. You’ve given me an idea now – order appetizers I like the look of in a main dish size! 😉
Shikha @ Shikha la Mode says
These look so so good! I admit, I never use phyllo dough, but I freakin’ LOVE spanakopitas and baklava. Some Greek restaurants here in San Francisco do offer a “mezze” way of serving and it’s the best!
Helen says
Thank you, Shikha! Spanakopita is my favourite, too! Do have a go at using filo dough some time – it’s not that all that scary, honestly!
[email protected] Olives & Garlic says
I’m looking forward to visiting Greece one day. Hubby and I love Mediterranean food so much, I’m sure we would eat (and drink) everything in sight. These pies sound AMAZING. I am so making these.
Helen says
Ooh, I’m really excited that you’re going to make these, Kathy! Do let me know how you go. You should DEFINITELY visit Greece some day soon but be warned … you WILL eat everything in sight! 🙂
Liz says
Your filo pies look fantastic! I could nibble on these and certainly eat a whole meal’s worth! I love the small plates idea….tasting bits of lots of dishes is my idea of heaven!
Helen says
Thanks, Liz! I’ll definitely be making these again. And yes, whoever first though of that little plates idea is a bit of a genius, I reckon. 🙂
Isadora @ she likes food says
I’m definitely an appetizer kind of gal. I think I like them so much because you can have a little of this and little of that. I’m also pretty obsessed with nachos and those always seem to be on the appetizer part of the menu. I also really love filo! I don’t like cooking with it as much as I love eating it though, haha! I always get scared that it is going to dry out before I get to it, but it is so crispy and yummy that it is worth the stress, and stuffing it with feta makes it that much better! Also, as you probably could have guessed, I love the cat photo! He really does have doggy eyes!
Helen says
Actually, Isadora, after saying I’m NOT an appetizer kind of girl, I could definitely eat one right about now – especially a big plate of nachos! I used to be a bit scared of filo, too, for the reasons you describe, but since I’ve used it a few times lately and it’s gone well I’m totally relaxed around it now … haha!Thanks for the lovely comment! 🙂
Lilli @ Sugar and Cinnamon says
These look so tasty and fresh! I love the combination of cheese and honey 🙂
Helen says
Thank you, Lilli!