Irresistible Baked Feta With Olives & Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe

Mediterranean magic happens when creamy baked feta meets zesty olives and sun-kissed tomatoes.

Unexpected flavor combinations dance on your plate, creating a sensational appetizer.

Salty cheese melts into golden perfection, releasing intense aromas that beckon you closer.

Texture and taste intertwine in this simple yet spectacular dish.

Olive oil glistens across the surface, promising rich and vibrant bites.

Casual yet elegant, this recipe screams summer gatherings and relaxed entertaining.

What Makes Baked Feta So Flavorful

• Savor Simplicity: A foolproof recipe that requires minimal cooking skills, perfect for beginners and seasoned home chefs alike.
• Quick Flavor Explosion: Delivers incredible Mediterranean-inspired taste with minimal preparation, transforming basic ingredients into a stunning appetizer in under 30 minutes.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Ideal for casual gatherings, wine nights, potlucks, and spontaneous entertaining, this dish impresses guests without complex techniques.
• Party-Ready Presentation: Creates a stunning, restaurant-style appetizer that looks professionally crafted but takes minimal effort, making you look like a culinary expert with zero stress.

Ingredients For Baked Feta Mix

• Feta: Tangy white Greek cheese with a crumbly texture.
• Olives: Salty Mediterranean fruit with rich flavor.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Sweet and intense tomato pieces with concentrated taste.

• Olive Oil, Garlic: Aromatic base for flavor enhancement.
• Oregano, Thyme, Rosemary: Classic Mediterranean herb blend.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasoning for balanced taste.

• Parsley: Fresh green herb for bright finishing touch.
• French Bread, Crostini: Crispy accompaniment for dipping.

Steps To Make Baked Feta Dish

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C), getting it ready for a flavor-packed adventure.

Step 2: Create The Cheese Canvas

Grab a small baking dish and nestle the feta block right in the center, creating a delicious foundation.

Step 3: Scatter Flavor Companions

Lovingly surround the feta with vibrant olives and sun-dried tomatoes, creating a colorful landscape.

Step 4: Craft The Magical Seasoning Blend

• Olive oil
• Crushed garlic
• Oregano
• Thyme
• Rosemary
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Step 5: Drench With Flavor

Generously pour the herbal oil mixture over the feta, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes, ensuring every inch gets a flavor bath.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and let it bake for 20 minutes.

For an extra golden crown, switch to broil for 1-2 minutes at the end.

Step 7: Finish With Fresh Flourish

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the bubbling, fragrant dish.

Serve piping hot alongside crusty French bread or crispy crostini for ultimate dipping pleasure.

Tips For Baked Feta Success

• Choose a block of authentic Greek feta cheese for the best creamy texture and tangy flavor.
• Adjust herb quantities to personal taste, ensuring a balanced and fragrant seasoning without overwhelming the delicate feta.
• Watch carefully during broiling to achieve a golden top without charring the cheese or accompaniments.
• Enjoy the dish hot and fresh to savor the melted, creamy feta and maximize the aromatic herb-infused olive oil.
• Swap French bread with gluten-free crackers or vegetable sticks for alternative serving options that suit different dietary requirements.

How To Save And Reheat Baked Feta

• Store leftover baked feta in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Keep the dish covered to maintain moisture and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Warm the feta gently in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes. Avoid microwaving to prevent rubbery texture and maintain the original creamy consistency.
• While possible, freezing is not recommended as the texture of feta and accompanying ingredients may become grainy and lose their original flavor profile.
• Let refrigerated feta sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before reheating to help restore its original creamy texture and enhance flavor release.

What Goes With Baked Feta

• Pair with Mediterranean Rustic Red Wine: Select a bold, fruity red like Grenache or Syrah that complements the rich, salty flavors of feta and sun-dried tomatoes, enhancing the dish's Mediterranean essence.
• Create Crisp Herb-Infused Cocktail Companion: Mix gin with fresh rosemary and lemon, matching the herbal notes in the baked feta and providing a refreshing counterpoint to the cheese's intense profile.
• Serve with Crusty Artisan Bread Selections: Choose sourdough, ciabatta, or rustic French bread to provide perfect textural contrast and absorb the flavorful olive oil and melted cheese.
• Match with Greek Appetizer Platter: Accompany the baked feta with small plates like hummus, tzatziki, marinated olives, and dolmas to create a complete Mediterranean-style dining experience.

Baked Feta Combo Ideas

• Mediterranean Diet Version: Replace olive oil with avocado oil for heart-healthy fats. Add fresh basil leaves and reduce salt for a lighter, more nutritious approach.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap feta with firm tofu or vegan cheese block. Use nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor and coconut oil instead of olive oil.
• Low-Sodium Option: Select low-sodium olives and omit added salt. Use fresh herbs from garden to enhance flavor without increasing sodium content.
• Spicy Greek Style: Incorporate red pepper flakes and add chopped jalapeños around feta. Include smoked paprika in seasoning mix for extra heat and depth of flavor.

FAQs

• What is feta cheese, and why is it great for this recipe?

Feta is a tangy, crumbly Greek cheese made from sheep’s or goat’s milk. Its creamy texture and bold flavor make it perfect for baking, allowing it to become soft and spreadable while absorbing delicious Mediterranean seasonings.

• Can I substitute the herbs if I don't have all of them?

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for oregano, thyme, and rosemary, you can use dried or fresh herbs you have on hand. Mediterranean herb blends work well, or you can simply use what’s available in your spice rack.

• Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this baked feta recipe is completely vegetarian-friendly. It’s packed with flavor from the herbs, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes, making it a delicious appetizer or light meal for vegetarians.

• How can I tell when the feta is perfectly baked?

The feta should look golden and slightly puffy around the edges. When you remove it from the oven, it will be soft and creamy, with a rich, warm appearance that’s perfect for spreading on bread.

Baked Feta With Olives & Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean “Baked Feta with Olives & Sun-Dried Tomatoes” delivers rich, salty flavors straight from Greece’s culinary traditions. Melted cheese nestled among briny olives and tangy tomatoes creates an irresistible appetizer you’ll want to share with friends.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) feta cheese
• 1 cup pitted olives, drained
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Kosher salt
• Fresh cracked pepper

Liquid and Aromatics:

• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

Garnish and Serving:

• Fresh chopped parsley
• Sliced French bread or crostini

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Instructions

1. Craft a rustic Mediterranean appetizer by transforming a classic feta cheese block into a vibrant, aromatic dish bursting with herbal and tangy flavors.
2. Position the oven rack in the center and warm the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius), ensuring an even cooking environment.
3. Select a compact baking vessel and delicately nestle the feta block in its center, surrounding it with briny olives and richly textured sun-dried tomatoes.
4. Create a flavor-infusing elixir by whisking together fragrant olive oil with minced garlic, robust oregano, earthy thyme, resinous rosemary, and a calculated balance of salt and pepper.
5. Generously cascade the herbal oil mixture over the cheese, allowing it to embrace the olives and sun-dried tomatoes, creating a harmonious flavor landscape.
6. Slide the prepared dish into the preheated oven, allowing the ingredients to meld and transform for approximately 20 minutes until the feta softens and develops a slightly golden exterior.
7. For an enhanced caramelized finish, activate the broiler and let the dish dance under intense heat for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
8. Complete the culinary composition by scattering freshly chopped parsley across the surface, adding a bright, verdant note to the warm appetizer.
9. Present immediately alongside crusty French bread or crisp crostini, inviting guests to dive into the molten, herb-infused cheese with accompanying accompaniments.

Notes

• Choose full-fat, high-quality feta for the richest, creamiest texture that melts beautifully without breaking.
• Drain sun-dried tomatoes completely to prevent excess liquid from making the dish watery and ensuring intense concentrated flavor.
• Experiment with herb variations like adding fresh basil or swapping dried herbs for fresh to customize the taste profile.
• Allow feta to rest for 2-3 minutes after baking to help it stabilize and become more spreadable, preventing immediate crumbling when serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 22 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 9g
• Cholesterol: 30mg