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Baked Feta Bites with Red Peppers, Jam, and Chili Oil Recipe

Baked Feta Bites with Red Peppers, Jam, and Chili Oil Recipe

5 from 9 reviews

These Baked Feta Bites with Red Peppers, Jam, and Chili Oil are a delightful appetizer combining flaky puff pastry, savory feta, sweet jam, and a hint of spicy chili oil. Perfect for entertaining, they offer a harmonious blend of textures and flavors with the tanginess of roasted red peppers, sweetness from fig or apricot jam, and the herbal brightness of fresh thyme.

Ingredients

Scale

Pastry

  • All-purpose flour, for surface dusting
  • 1 (17.3-oz.) package puff pastry, thawed if frozen
  • Cooking spray

Filling

  • 2 Tbsp. fig jam, apricot jam, or peach jam
  • 2 Tbsp. sliced shallots
  • 1 (10-oz.) jar roasted red peppers, cut into 24 (2″ x 1/2″) pieces
  • 8 oz. feta cheese, cut into 24 (1″ by 1/2″) cubes
  • 1 Tbsp. fresh thyme leaves, plus more for serving
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Finishing

  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 Tbsp. chili oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare pastry: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly dust a clean surface with all-purpose flour. Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets gently to smooth out any creases, then cut the dough into 24 equal squares using a sharp chef’s knife.
  2. Prepare the muffin tin: Spray a 24-cup mini muffin tin with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Press each puff pastry square gently into a muffin cup, making sure the pastry extends slightly above the edges of the cup to form a cup shape once baked.
  3. Fill the pastry cups: Spoon a small amount of your chosen jam (fig, apricot, or peach) into each pastry cup. Add a sprinkle of sliced shallots and a piece of roasted red pepper to each. Place one cube of feta cheese on top, then sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves. Season each with a pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  4. Bake the bites: Place the filled muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the pastry is fully cooked, puffed, and golden brown. Remove from the oven and let the bites cool in the tin for about 5 minutes.
  5. Finish and serve: Carefully transfer the baked feta bites to a serving platter. Garnish with additional fresh thyme leaves, lemon zest, and a light drizzle of chili oil to add brightness and a touch of heat. Serve warm or at room temperature for a delicious appetizer.

Notes

  • You can substitute the jam with other fruit preserves according to your taste preference.
  • For a spicier kick, increase the amount of chili oil or add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes.
  • Make sure to cut feta into uniform pieces to ensure even filling and baking.
  • These bites can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat in the oven for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked feta bites, puff pastry appetizers, roasted red pepper bites, fig jam appetizer, chili oil snacks, easy party appetizers