Mediterranean Baked Feta with Olives & Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe
A delightful Mediterranean appetizer featuring a block of baked feta cheese surrounded by Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and garlic, all drizzled with olive oil and seasoned with oregano and red pepper flakes. Served warm with crusty bread or pita, this dish is flavorful, creamy, and perfect for sharing.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 block feta cheese
- 0.5 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- 0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, chopped
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian herbs
- 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 loaf crusty bread or pita, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the feta.
- Prepare Feta: Place the block of feta cheese in a small baking dish that fits it snugly, ensuring even cooking.
- Add Olives and Tomatoes: Surround the feta with the sliced Kalamata olives and chopped sun-dried tomatoes to infuse flavors during baking.
- Add Garlic: Scatter thin slices of fresh garlic around the feta to add aromatic depth.
- Drizzle with Olive Oil: Pour extra virgin olive oil over the feta and surrounding ingredients to enhance richness.
- Season: Sprinkle dried oregano and optional crushed red pepper flakes evenly on top for herbaceous and spicy notes.
- Bake: Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until the feta turns golden and soft, becoming creamy inside.
- Cool Slightly: Remove from the oven and let the baked feta cool for 2–3 minutes to firm up slightly and make it easier to serve.
- Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the warm feta for a fresh, colorful finish.
- Serve: Serve the baked feta warm alongside crusty bread or pita for dipping and scooping the cheesy, flavorful mixture.
Notes
- Allow the baked feta to rest for 2–3 minutes after baking to firm slightly before serving, improving texture.
- Use high-quality feta cheese made from sheep’s or goat’s milk for the best flavor and optimal melting.
- Avoid pre-crumbled feta as it does not melt as well and loses creaminess when baked.
Keywords: Mediterranean baked feta, baked feta cheese, feta appetizer, olives and sun-dried tomatoes, easy Mediterranean appetizer, baked cheese dip
