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Baked Feta Fig Pecan Dip

Category: Kick Off Your Meal Right

Creamy feta is baked until golden, then swirled to a smooth texture. Fig preserves and toasted pecans are combined for a sweet, crunchy topping that is baked again to infuse flavor. Finished with fresh thyme, this warm appetizer pairs beautifully with toasted bread or crackers. The contrast of tangy cheese, sweet figs, and nutty pecans creates a unique experience, making this a crowd-pleasing starter. Try swapping preserves or nuts for a new twist every time.

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Updated on Fri, 22 Aug 2025 21:09:01 GMT
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A bowl of food with a spoon in it. | sweetbyemma.com

This baked feta dip combines creamy feta cheese, sweet fig preserves, and crunchy pecans for an appetizer that disappears fast at every gathering. The combination of tangy, salty, and sweet flavors makes it a star on any snack table. Whether you are hosting friends for game night or needing a quick treat for your family, this dip always impresses.

I made this for a holiday party, and even the pickiest eater ended up asking for the recipe. Now everyone expects me to show up with this dish.

Ingredients

  • Feta cheese: The base of the dish Look for whole blocks and not crumbled for the creamiest result
  • Avocado oil: Helps the cheese brown and adds subtle flavor Choose fresh oil with a mild scent
  • Dried oregano or dried parsley: Adds earthy herby notes Use high quality herbs for the fullest flavor
  • Black pepper: Adds gentle background heat Freshly cracked makes a difference
  • Fig preserves: Lends a natural sweetness Try to find a jar with minimal added sugar for best flavor
  • Raw pecans: Give crunch and richness Choose fresh whole pecans and chop just before using
  • Fresh thyme: Provides a final hit of brightness Optional but really brings all the flavors together Try to pick up vibrant green sprigs

Step-by-Step Instructions

Toast the Pecans:
Toast pecans in a small skillet over medium heat for about three minutes stirring until fragrant and golden. Immediately remove from the pan to prevent burning and stir them together with the fig preserves in a bowl
Prep the Feta:
Remove feta blocks from packaging and lay in a small oven safe dish. Generously drizzle with avocado oil and sprinkle with dried oregano and black pepper to evenly coat the surface
Bake the Cheese:
Bake feta at four hundred degrees Fahrenheit for twenty five minutes or until golden brown. This step helps create that crave worthy creamy texture and a toasty top
Top and Bake Again:
Reduce oven temperature to three fifty. Spoon fig and pecan mixture over warm feta. Return to oven and bake for fifteen minutes until topping is bubbling and the cheese is hot and spreadable
Garnish and Serve:
Once out of the oven set dish on a trivet or towel and warn guests it is hot. Finish with fresh thyme if using and serve with warm bread or crackers
A bowl of food with a cracker on the side. Save
A bowl of food with a cracker on the side. | sweetbyemma.com

I have a soft spot for pecans in this recipe because their rich buttery flavor contrasts beautifully with the tangy cheese. The very first time I served this at my mom’s birthday, my whole family hovered over the dish before dinner even started.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. Gently reheat in a low oven or microwave until just warm before serving again. The dip stays surprisingly creamy even after chilling.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have fig preserves try apricot or cherry preserves for a similar sweet finish. Walnuts or hazelnuts work in place of pecans if you have them on hand. For oil try olive oil instead of avocado oil for a different but equally delicious base.

Serving Suggestions

Serve baked feta dip fresh from the oven with toasted baguette slices pita triangles or sturdy crackers. It also pairs nicely with crunchy vegetables like carrots and celery for a lighter option. Sometimes I tuck small bowls of olives or roasted red peppers nearby for a Mediterranean theme.

Cultural Context

Baked feta has roots in Greek cooking where cheese baked with herbs and olive oil is a common appetizer. The introduction of fruit preserves and nuts is a tasty American twist that brings together sweet salty and savory on a single bite.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use different types of preserves?

Absolutely! Try apricot, cherry, or orange preserves for a different flavor profile.

→ What's the best bread for serving?

Toasted baguette slices, pita chips, or sturdy crackers complement the creamy texture perfectly.

→ Is it possible to use a different cheese?

While feta offers unique tang, soft goat cheese or ricotta could be used for a milder alternative.

→ How can I make this nut-free?

Omit the pecans or substitute with sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a crunchy nut-free option.

→ Should the feta cheese be in block or crumbled form?

Use block feta for a creamier texture after baking. Crumbled feta will be less smooth.

→ Can I prepare this in advance?

You can toast nuts and mix with preserves ahead, but bake the feta just before serving for best results.

Baked Feta Fig Pecan Dip

Creamy baked feta topped with fig preserves and crunchy pecans. Enjoy with warm bread or crisp crackers.

Prep Time
5 min
Cook Time
40 min
Total Time
45 min
By: Emma

Category: Appetizers

Skill Level: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 20 Servings

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian

What You'll Need

01 14 to 16 ounces block feta cheese
02 3 tablespoons avocado oil
03 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or dried parsley
04 1 pinch black pepper
05 1/2 cup fig preserves
06 1/2 cup raw pecans, chopped
07 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme (optional)

How to Make It

Step 01

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 02

Transfer the pecans to a small skillet and heat them over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until toasted and crunchy, about 1 to 3 minutes. Remove the pecans from the stove and transfer them to a bowl or measuring cup. Mix the fig preserves with the toasted pecans.

Step 03

Remove the blocks of feta from their packaging and place them in a small oven-safe dish. Drizzle avocado oil over the feta, then sprinkle with dried oregano and black pepper.

Step 04

Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 to 25 minutes or until the cheese is golden brown. Remove the dish from the oven and decrease the oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 05

Transfer the baked feta to the serving dish. Stir the feta until creamy. Pour the fig preserves and pecans mixture on top of the feta. Bake for another 12 to 17 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit or until the topping is hot and the cheese is bubbly.

Step 06

Remove the dish from the oven and alert guests that it is very hot. Sprinkle fresh thyme over the dip. Serve warm with toasted baguette slices, pita bread, and/or crackers.

Additional Notes

  1. For best results, use two 7-ounce blocks of feta cheese to achieve the ideal texture and flavor.

Tools Required

  • Small baking dish
  • Small skillet
  • Measuring cup or small bowl

Allergen Information

Double-check each ingredient for allergens and reach out to a healthcare professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains dairy (feta cheese)
  • Contains nuts (pecans)

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

These nutrition details are provided as a guide and are not a substitute for professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 110
  • Fats: 8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Proteins: 4 g