Mediterranean Baked Feta with Tomatoes & Olives

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 2–4)

• 200–250g feta cheese (block, not crumbled)
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes (or chopped ripe tomatoes)
• ½ cup olives (black or green, pitted)
• 3–4 cloves garlic (sliced or minced)
• 2–3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
• Black pepper to taste
• Pinch of salt (optional, feta is already salty)

🔪 Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

• Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F)
• Rinse and halve cherry tomatoes if large
• Slice garlic thinly
• Drain olives if brined

🥘 Step 2: Assemble in Baking Dish

1. Add tomatoes, olives, and garlic to a baking dish
2. Drizzle with olive oil
3. Sprinkle oregano, black pepper, and chili flakes
4. Toss lightly to coat

👉 Create a small space in the center for the feta block

🧀 Step 3: Add the Feta

• Place the block of feta cheese in the center
• Drizzle a little olive oil on top
• Sprinkle a pinch of oregano and pepper

🔥 Step 4: Bake

• Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes

👉 You’ll know it’s ready when:

• Tomatoes burst and soften
• Garlic becomes golden
• Feta is soft and slightly golden on edges

🍽️ Step 5: Mix & Serve

1. Remove from oven
2. Gently mash feta into the roasted tomatoes and olives
3. Stir everything together into a creamy, saucy mixture

🍞 Serving Ideas

• With toasted bread or pita
• Over pasta or couscous
• As a dip or spread
• Alongside grilled chicken or fish

💡 Pro Tips

• Use a block of feta, not crumbled → it melts better but holds structure
• Don’t over-salt → olives and feta are already salty
• Roast until tomatoes are jammy for best flavor
• Add lemon zest at the end for brightness

🌿 Variations

1. Extra Mediterranean flavor

• Add capers + fresh basil

2. Spicy version

• Increase chili flakes or add fresh chilies

3. Creamy upgrade

• Stir in a spoon of Greek yogurt after baking

⚠️ Common Mistakes

• ❌ Using too little oil → dish becomes dry
• ❌ Overbaking feta → it becomes rubbery
• ❌ Skipping garlic → loses depth of flavor