This simple yet elegant appetizer is perfect for any occasion. Thinly sliced cucumbers are topped with crumbled feta cheese, chopped red onion, and fresh dill, then drizzled with olive oil and baked until the feta is golden brown. The result is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds.
The origins of this recipe can be traced back to the ancient Greeks, who were known for their love of fresh, seasonal ingredients. Cucumbers were a staple in their diet, and they often paired them with feta cheese, a salty, crumbly cheese made from sheep's or goat's milk. Over the centuries, this dish has evolved to include other ingredients, such as red onion and dill, which add a bit of sweetness and acidity to the mix. Today, cucumber and feta bites are a popular appetizer in many parts of the world, and they're especially popular in the Mediterranean region.
Prep time: 10 | Cook time: 15 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
1 English cucumber, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup chopped red onion
1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place the cucumber slices on the prepared baking sheet.
Top each cucumber slice with crumbled feta cheese, red onion, and dill.
Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the feta cheese is golden brown.
Serve immediately.
Why It Works
The combination of cucumber, feta cheese, red onion, and dill is a classic combination that works well together.
The cucumber provides a refreshing, crisp base for the other ingredients.
The feta cheese adds a salty, savory flavor that complements the cucumber.
The red onion adds a bit of sweetness and acidity, which balances out the other flavors.
The dill adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor that brightens up the dish.
Baking the bites until the feta is golden brown gives them a slightly crispy exterior and a warm, melted interior.