If you love the idea of a savory loaf bursting with rich flavors and a touch of sweetness, then you’re going to adore this Fetta, Thyme, and Honey Loaded Loaf Recipe. It’s one of those magical dishes that takes humble ingredients like sourdough bread, creamy fetta, fragrant thyme, and sweet honey, and combines them into an irresistible treat that’s perfect for sharing or savoring all by yourself. Each bite offers a crispy crust, gooey cheese, herbal brightness, and that just-right hint of honey that makes your taste buds sing with joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple but essential ingredients work together to create an unforgettable loaf that balances creamy, herby, sweet, and crispy elements with perfect harmony.
- 520g day-old sourdough loaf: Slightly stale bread holds up beautifully for loading and baking, giving great texture without getting soggy.
- 75g softened butter: Adds creamy richness and acts as a perfect base to infuse the garlic and thyme flavors.
- 2 tsp chopped fresh thyme leaves: Brings an earthy, aromatic note that lifts the entire loaf.
- 2 crushed garlic cloves: Provides a punch of hearty savory flavor that pairs wonderfully with the butter.
- 180g Persian fetta in oil, drained and crumbled: Soft, tangy, and creamy cheese that melts slightly, creating irresistible pockets of flavor.
- 1 cup grated Colby cheese: Melts beautifully to add gooey, mild cheesiness throughout the loaf.
- 1/2 tsp sesame seeds: Adds a gentle nutty crunch to the top for contrast.
- 1 tbsp honey: Balances the savory flavors with a touch of natural sweetness that ties everything together.
- 2 tbsp roughly torn fresh curly parsley leaves: Fresh herbal brightness to finish the loaf with a pop of color and freshness.
How to Make Fetta, Thyme, and Honey Loaded Loaf Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Loaf
Begin by preheating your oven to 200°C (or 180°C fan-forced) and lining a baking tray with paper to keep things clean. Take your sourdough loaf and make diagonal cuts about 3 cm thick, being careful not to slice all the way through. Then, make a second set of diagonal cuts in the opposite direction, creating a beautiful diamond pattern that allows you to stuff all those delicious fillings inside.
Step 2: Make the Butter Mixture
Grab a small bowl and mix together the softened butter, chopped thyme, and crushed garlic cloves. Season this aromatic mixture lightly with salt and pepper. This butter blend is the flavor foundation that will infuse every slice of bread with irresistible warmth and herbaceous richness.
Step 3: Stuff the Loaf
Place the cut loaf on your prepared tray. Using a spoon or your fingers, spread the garlic-thyme butter generously into the cuts, making sure every crevice gets coated. Then, gently stuff the crumbled Persian fetta and half of the grated Colby cheese into each diamond-shaped opening so you’ll have lovely pockets bursting with cheese. Sprinkle the remaining Colby on top and finish with a light shower of sesame seeds for texture and visual appeal.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden Perfection
Pop your loaded loaf into the oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes. You’ll want the bread to become golden and crispy around the edges while the cheese melts into gooey deliciousness. The aroma wafting through your kitchen at this point will be absolutely irresistible.
Step 5: Finish with Honey and Parsley
Once baked, take the loaf out and drizzle the top with a generous tablespoon of honey. The sweet contrast adds surprising depth and highlights the feta’s tanginess in the best way. Finally, sprinkle on the torn parsley leaves for a fresh herbal finish and let it rest for about two minutes before serving.
How to Serve Fetta, Thyme, and Honey Loaded Loaf Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of extra fresh thyme leaves or a light dusting of cracked black pepper on top right before serving can elevate this loaf even further. A drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil adds a touch of fruity richness that complements the honey beautifully.
Side Dishes
This loaf pairs wonderfully with simple sides that won’t compete with its flavors. Think crisp green salads dressed with lemon vinaigrette, roasted seasonal vegetables, or a light bowl of tomato soup for dipping. These sides keep the meal balanced and bright alongside the rich, cheesy bread.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress your guests, serve the Fetta, Thyme, and Honey Loaded Loaf Recipe as a centerpiece on a wooden board surrounded by small bowls of olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and nuts. You can also slice it into smaller pieces to make fun, shareable finger foods for parties or casual get-togethers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover loaf (and let’s be honest, it’s hard to resist), wrap it tightly in foil or place in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 2 days to keep the cheese and bread fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze the Fetta, Thyme, and Honey Loaded Loaf Recipe either before baking or after it cools down. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Reheating
Warm leftover slices in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 10 minutes to bring back the crispness and melty cheese. Avoid microwaving if possible to prevent the bread from becoming soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese instead of Persian fetta?
Absolutely! While Persian fetta adds a lovely creaminess and tang, you can substitute with any soft, crumbly cheese like traditional feta or goat cheese for a similar effect.
Is it necessary to use day-old bread?
Using day-old sourdough loaf is ideal because it’s firmer and can hold up to the stuffing and baking without becoming mushy. Fresh bread might get too soft but you can try it if fresh only is available.
Can I prepare the loaf ahead of time for a party?
Yes! You can assemble the loaf with all the cheese and butter mixture and keep it chilled in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Just add the honey and parsley after baking.
What is the best way to cut the loaf?
Make diagonal cuts about 3 cm thick across the loaf, but be careful not to slice all the way through. Then make another set of cuts diagonally to form a diamond pattern. This helps hold the fillings in place perfectly.
Can I make it vegan or dairy-free?
For a vegan twist, use plant-based butter, vegan cheese alternatives, and skip the honey or replace it with maple syrup. The herbs and garlic still shine through, making a tasty alternative.
Final Thoughts
This Fetta, Thyme, and Honey Loaded Loaf Recipe is one of those comforting, show-stopping dishes that bring people together and turn any meal into a celebration. It’s simple to make but packed with layers of flavor that everyone will love. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience the delightful combination of creamy fetta, fresh thyme, sweet honey, and crispy sourdough yourself. Happy baking!
Print
Fetta, Thyme, and Honey Loaded Loaf Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Australian
Description
This Fetta, Thyme, and Honey Loaded Loaf is a savory and slightly sweet pull-apart bread that combines creamy Persian fetta, aromatic thyme, melted Colby cheese, and a drizzle of honey. Perfect as a shareable appetizer or a delicious snack, this sourdough loaf is stuffed with buttery garlic herb mix and baked until golden and crispy.
Ingredients
Bread and Butter Mixture
- 520g day-old sourdough loaf (cut into 3 cm slices, not cutting all the way through)
- 75g butter (softened)
- 2 tsp chopped fresh thyme leaves
- 2 garlic cloves (crushed)
- Salt and pepper (to season)
Cheese and Toppings
- 180g Persian fetta (in oil, drained and crumbled)
- 1 cup grated Colby cheese
- 1/2 tsp sesame seeds
Finishing Touches
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp roughly torn fresh curly parsley leaves
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Bread: Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan-forced). Line a large baking tray with baking paper. Cut the sourdough loaf diagonally into 3 cm thick slices, being careful not to cut all the way through. Then make another set of cuts in the opposite direction to create a diamond pattern on the loaf.
- Make Garlic Thyme Butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, chopped fresh thyme, and crushed garlic cloves. Season this mixture with salt and pepper to taste, stirring well to mix the flavors.
- Stuff the Loaf: Place the loaf on the prepared baking tray. Spread the garlic thyme butter mixture generously into the cuts of the bread ensuring even distribution. Stuff the crumbled Persian fetta and half of the grated Colby cheese into the cuts so that the cheese peeks out from the top.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining grated Colby cheese and the sesame seeds evenly over the top of the loaf, enhancing the cheesy, nutty flavor and creating a wonderful crust when baked.
- Bake the Loaf: Place the loaded loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes until the bread turns golden and crispy and the cheese has fully melted into the bread.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the loaf from the oven and immediately drizzle it with honey. Sprinkle the torn fresh curly parsley leaves on top. Allow the loaf to rest for 2 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld and the bread cool slightly.
Notes
- Use day-old sourdough bread for better texture and to prevent it from becoming too soggy.
- Ensure not to cut the bread completely through to keep the loaf intact for easy pulling apart.
- You can substitute Colby cheese with mild cheddar or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
- For a stronger garlic taste, add extra crushed garlic to the butter mixture.
- Honey adds a subtle sweetness that balances the saltiness of the fetta and cheese; feel free to adjust the amount to your preference.
