Baked Feta With Olives & Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe

Zesty Baked Feta With Olives & Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe

Mediterranean kitchens have long celebrated this delectable baked feta with olives & sun-dried tomatoes that brings rustic charm to your table.

Creamy cheese mingles with briny olive accents and sweet, concentrated tomato flavors.

Salt-packed ingredients create a vibrant harmony that feels both elegant and comforting.

Intense Mediterranean ingredients promise a sensory experience beyond typical appetizers.

Warm bread becomes the perfect companion for scooping up each rich, aromatic bite.

Quick preparation means you can serve this stunning dish in under thirty minutes.

Prepare to be transported through a simple yet luxurious culinary moment that celebrates Mediterranean simplicity.

Why Baked Feta with Olives & Sun-Dried Tomatoes Feels Fancy

  • Whip Up Effortless Elegance: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet appetizer without requiring professional cooking skills, making it perfect for home cooks of all levels.
  • Celebrate Mediterranean Flavors: Packed with sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and aromatic herbs, the dish brings vibrant Mediterranean tastes right to your table with minimal preparation.
  • Quick Party Showstopper: Impress guests with a stunning appetizer that takes less than 30 minutes to prepare, looks beautiful, and delivers incredible taste that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Excellent for casual gatherings, wine nights, potlucks, or as a delightful starter that pairs wonderfully with crusty bread and can be easily adapted to different dietary preferences.

Baked Feta with Olives & Tomatoes Ingredient List

Cheese:
  • Feta: Creamy Greek cheese that becomes soft and golden when baked.
Herbs and Seasonings:
  • Oregano, Thyme, Rosemary: Fresh herbs that add aromatic Mediterranean flavor.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings for enhancing overall taste.
Aromatics and Oil:
  • Garlic: Adds a pungent and warm flavor to the dish.
  • Olive Oil: Rich oil that helps distribute herbs and creates a golden surface.
Accompaniments:
  • Olives, Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Salty and tangy ingredients that complement the feta.
Garnish:
  • Parsley: Fresh herb for adding color and light herbal note.
Serving Suggestion:
  • French Bread, Crostini: Crispy bread for scooping and enjoying the baked feta.

How to Bake Feta with Olives & Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C) and get ready for a flavor explosion.

Step 2: Create A Flavor Canvas

Grab a small baking dish and nestle the feta block right in the center. Surround it with:
  • Briny olives
  • Tangy sun-dried tomatoes

Step 3: Whip Up A Flavor Bomb

In a mixing bowl, blend together:
  • Robust olive oil
  • Minced garlic
  • Dried oregano
  • Fresh thyme leaves
  • Crumbled rosemary
  • Pinch of salt
  • Generous crack of black pepper

Step 4: Drench In Deliciousness

Pour the aromatic oil mixture generously over the feta, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes, ensuring every morsel gets coated.

Step 5: Transform In The Oven

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. For a stunning golden crust, switch to broil for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Step 6: Beautify And Serve

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley across the top and serve piping hot alongside crusty French bread or crispy crostini. Watch your guests swoon with delight.

Advice That Helps with Baked Feta Dish

  • Customize Cheese Selection: Choose high-quality Greek feta for authentic flavor and best melting texture.
  • Prevent Oil Separation: Pat feta dry before seasoning to reduce excess liquid during baking.
  • Enhance Herb Intensity: Use fresh herbs instead of dried for more vibrant and robust flavors.
  • Adjust Baking Time: Watch carefully during broiling to prevent burning and achieve perfect golden color.
  • Create Diet Variations: Swap French bread with gluten-free crackers or vegetable sticks for low-carb options.

Best Way To Store Baked Feta With Sun-Dried Tomatoes

  • Store leftover baked feta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to preserve flavors and prevent absorption of other food odors.
  • Warm the feta at 325°F for 10-12 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. This method helps restore the original creamy texture and warm, melty consistency.
  • Quickly reheat in short 15-20 second intervals, checking between each burst to avoid overheating. Drizzle a little extra olive oil to maintain moisture and restore freshness.
  • Enjoy chilled as a spread on crackers or toast, which works great for picnics or quick snacks. The cold version still maintains delicious flavor profiles from the herbs and olives.

Best Flavors to Pair with Baked Feta

  • Pairing Pleasure: Mediterranean Delight
  • Uncork a crisp white wine like Assyrtiko from Greece to complement the tangy feta and herbal notes, creating a harmonious flavor profile that dances on your palate.
  • Rustic Bread Companion: Grab a crusty French baguette or homemade crostini to scoop up the melted feta, providing a perfect textural contrast and absorbing all those delicious olive oil and herb flavors.
  • Fresh Herb Salad Sidekick: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the baked feta, adding a peppery freshness that balances the dish's intense Mediterranean flavors.
  • Mediterranean Mezze Moment: Create a small spread with hummus, tzatziki, and marinated olives to transform this baked feta into a full appetizer experience that transports you straight to a Greek island taverna.

New Takes on Baked Feta with Olives

  • Mediterranean Goat Cheese Swap: Replace feta with soft goat cheese for a tangier flavor profile and creamy texture.
  • Vegan Herbed Tofu Alternative: Substitute feta with firm tofu, marinate in similar herbs, and use nutritional yeast for cheesy essence.
  • Low-Sodium Option: Reduce salt, use low-sodium olives, and add fresh lemon zest to boost flavor without extra sodium.
  • Gluten-Free Serving Suggestion: Serve with gluten-free crackers or roasted vegetable slices instead of traditional bread for celiac-friendly adaptation.

FAQs

  • What ingredients make this baked feta dish flavorful?

The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary creates a rich Mediterranean flavor profile that enhances the creamy feta cheese.

  • Can I use different types of feta cheese?

Yes, you can use either traditional Greek feta or Bulgarian feta. Just ensure the block is whole and can withstand baking without completely melting.

  • Is this recipe considered vegetarian?

Absolutely! This baked feta dish is completely vegetarian and can easily be served as an appetizer or light meal for vegetarian guests.

  • How spicy or mild is this dish?

The recipe is mild with herbal notes. If you prefer more heat, you can add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the olive oil mixture for extra kick.

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Baked Feta With Olives & Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe

Baked Feta With Olives & Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe


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4.8 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Mediterranean “Baked Feta with Olives & Sun-Dried Tomatoes” delivers a flavor explosion of salty, tangy goodness straight from Greek kitchens. Elegant yet simple, this dish brings Mediterranean warmth to your table with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness for you to savor.


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

Additional Ingredients:

  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
  • Sliced French bread or crostini, for serving

Instructions

  1. Arrange the feta block centrally in a compact baking vessel, creating a scenic Mediterranean landscape with scattered olives and vibrant sun-dried tomatoes surrounding the cheese.
  2. Craft an aromatic seasoning blend by whisking together fragrant olive oil with minced garlic, dried herbs, and a delicate balance of salt and freshly cracked pepper.
  3. Lavishly cascade the herb-infused olive oil mixture over the cheese and accompaniments, ensuring every element is kissed with the flavorful liquid.
  4. Transfer the prepared dish into a preheated oven calibrated to 350°F, allowing the ingredients to transform and meld together through gentle heat.
  5. After 20 minutes of patient roasting, activate the broiler to create a golden, slightly caramelized exterior that adds textural complexity to the dish.
  6. Extract the bubbling, aromatic creation and embellish with freshly chopped parsley, adding a final burst of verdant freshness.
  7. Present immediately alongside crusty French bread or crisp crostini, inviting guests to dive into this warm, Mediterranean-inspired delicacy.

Notes

  • Swap fresh herbs with dried alternatives if needed, maintaining the same proportions for robust flavor.
  • Use high-quality Greek feta for the most authentic and creamy texture in this Mediterranean-inspired dish.
  • Choose pitted olives to prevent unexpected bites and make the appetizer easier to enjoy.
  • Customize the heat level by adding red pepper flakes or adjusting the amount of black pepper in the seasoning mix.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 330
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 19g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg
Marcus Hale

Marcus Hale

Founder & Recipe Storyteller

Expertise

  • Demystifying knife work, sauce emulsification, and pastry basics.
  • Curating seasonal guides that adapt global recipes to local, in-season produce.
  • Crafting blog posts, videos, and social media tips.

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on global cuisine training emphasizes sustainable cooking and recipe development under accredited chefs.

Marcus grew up surrounded by maple trees, farm stands, and the smell of Sunday stew simmering on the stove. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from the HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he knew he didn’t want to work in fancy kitchens, he wanted to cook for real people.

At Whip Up Cook Up, Marcus is the guy turning memories into meals. His recipes are fast, full of flavor, and built for home cooks who want big taste without the drama.

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