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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Craft a rustic Mediterranean appetizer by transforming a classic feta cheese block into a vibrant, aromatic dish bursting with herbal and tangy flavors.
- Position the oven rack in the center and warm the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius), ensuring an even cooking environment.
- 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.
- 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.
- Generously cascade the herbal oil mixture over the cheese, allowing it to embrace the olives and sun-dried tomatoes, creating a harmonious flavor landscape.
- 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.
- 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.
- Complete the culinary composition by scattering freshly chopped parsley across the surface, adding a bright, verdant note to the warm appetizer.
- 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