Baked Feta with Olives, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Herbs Recipe
Introduction
Baked feta is a warm, flavorful appetizer that’s perfect for sharing. Creamy feta cheese baked with olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and fragrant herbs creates a deliciously savory dip. Serve it with crusty bread or crostini for a simple yet impressive treat.
Ingredients
- 8-ounce block feta
- 1 cup pitted olives, drained
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Kosher salt
- Fresh cracked pepper
- Fresh chopped parsley
- Sliced French bread or crostini
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Step 2: Place the 8-ounce block of feta in a small baking dish.
- Step 3: Arrange the olives and sun-dried tomatoes around the feta in the dish.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, sliced garlic, dried oregano, thyme, rosemary, and a couple pinches of salt and pepper.
- Step 5: Pour the herb and oil mixture over the feta, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Step 6: Bake for 20 minutes, then broil for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Step 7: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve with sliced French bread or crostini.
Tips & Variations
- Use a mix of your favorite olives for a more complex flavor.
- Add a splash of lemon juice before baking for a bright, fresh note.
- Try using fresh herbs if available, adjusting the quantities to taste.
- Serve with assorted crackers or pita chips for variety.
Storage
Store any leftover baked feta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave to avoid drying out the cheese. It tastes best fresh but can also be enjoyed cold as part of a salad or spread.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Feta is the best choice due to its texture and flavor, but you could experiment with halloumi or goat cheese for a different twist.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake just before serving to keep the cheese warm and creamy.
PrintBaked Feta with Olives, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Herbs Recipe
This Baked Feta recipe features a warm, creamy block of feta cheese paired with tangy olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. Baked to perfection and finished with a quick broil, it’s a simple yet flavorful appetizer served with crispy crostini or sliced French bread, perfect for entertaining or an easy snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Cheese and Produce
- 8-ounce block feta
- 1 cup pitted olives, drained
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
Oils and Herbs
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Kosher salt, to taste
- fresh cracked pepper, to taste
Serving
- sliced French bread or crostini, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, preparing it to bake the feta and other ingredients evenly.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Place the 8-ounce block of feta in a small baking dish, ensuring it sits comfortably for even cooking.
- Add Olives and Tomatoes: Arrange 1 cup of pitted olives and 1/2 cup of sun-dried tomatoes around the feta in the baking dish for a balanced mixture of flavors.
- Make Herb Oil Mixture: In a small bowl, combine 1/3 cup olive oil, 3 thinly sliced garlic cloves, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, plus a couple of pinches of kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper. Stir well to blend the flavors.
- Pour Over Feta: Drizzle the herb and olive oil mixture evenly over the block of feta, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes, ensuring everything is well coated.
- Bake and Broil: Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to soften the feta and meld flavors. Then, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes to achieve a lightly browned top.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately with sliced French bread or crostini for dipping.
- Enjoy and Review: If you love this recipe, consider leaving a 5-star rating and review to share your experience.
Notes
- Choose a good-quality feta cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Draining the olives and sun-dried tomatoes helps prevent the dish from becoming too watery.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the herb oil mixture.
- Serve immediately for the best texture; reheating might cause the feta to dry out.
- This appetizer pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine or light rosé.
Keywords: baked feta, Mediterranean appetizer, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, crostini, easy appetizer, herb baked cheese
