Mediterranean Baked Feta with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Description:

This Mediterranean Baked Feta with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a delicious, easy appetizer packed with bold Mediterranean flavors. Creamy, tangy feta cheese is baked with juicy sun-dried tomatoes, savory olives, fresh garlic, aromatic herbs, and extra virgin olive oil. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or a simple snack!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 22 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Course: Appetizer

Ingredients

• 1 block (8 oz) feta cheese

• 1 cup pitted Kalamata or mixed olives, drained

• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes

• ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil

• 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

• ½ tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp dried thyme

• ½ tsp dried rosemary

• Salt to taste

• Freshly cracked black pepper

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

• French bread slices or crostini for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Choose a small oven-safe baking dish.

3. Lightly grease the dish with olive oil.

Step 2: Arrange the Ingredients

1. Place the feta cheese block in the center of the baking dish.

2. Scatter the pitted olives around the feta.

3. Add the sun-dried tomatoes evenly throughout the dish.

4. Spread the sliced garlic over the olives and tomatoes.

Step 3: Prepare the Herb Oil

1. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary.

2. Add a pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

3. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 4: Add the Olive Oil Mixture

1. Pour the seasoned olive oil over the feta, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes.

2. Make sure the garlic and herbs are evenly distributed.

3. Gently spoon some of the oil over the feta.

Step 5: Bake the Feta

1. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.

2. Bake for approximately 20 minutes.

3. The feta should become warm and soft, while the tomatoes and olives release their delicious flavors.

4. Switch the oven to broil for 1–2 minutes to lightly brown the top.

5. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Remove the dish carefully from the oven.

2. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top.

3. Add a little extra black pepper if desired.

4. Serve warm with sliced French bread or crispy crostini.

5. Spoon the flavorful olive oil, tomatoes, and olives over each serving.

Healthy Benefits

• Feta Cheese: Provides protein and calcium.

• Olives: Contain heart-friendly monounsaturated fats.

• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Provide antioxidants, including lycopene.

• Olive Oil: Rich in healthy unsaturated fats.

• Garlic and Herbs: Add flavor and beneficial plant compounds.

Pro Tips

• Use a good-quality block of feta for the best creamy texture.

• Kalamata olives provide a rich, authentic Mediterranean flavor.

• Drain oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes slightly before adding them.

• Don’t overbake the feta; it should soften without completely losing its shape.

• Serve immediately while warm for the best flavor.

• Use crusty bread to soak up the delicious herb-infused olive oil.

How Often Can You Enjoy It?

This baked feta dish makes a wonderful occasional appetizer or side dish. Enjoy moderate portions alongside fresh vegetables and other Mediterranean foods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! Arrange the feta, olives, tomatoes, garlic, and herbs in the baking dish. Refrigerate and bake just before serving.

Q: Which olives work best?

Kalamata olives are excellent, but green olives or a mixture of black and green olives also work beautifully.

Q: Can I make this recipe spicy?

Absolutely! Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the olive oil mixture.

Q: Can I make it vegan?

Yes. Substitute traditional feta with a suitable plant-based feta alternative.

Q: How should I store leftovers?

Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Serving Suggestions

• Toasted French bread

• Crispy homemade crostini

• Warm pita bread

• Mediterranean cucumber salad

• Grilled vegetables

• Crackers and fresh vegetable sticks

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Baked Feta: Add chili flakes for a little heat.

2. Extra Mediterranean: Add artichoke hearts and capers.

3. Creamy Cheese Version: Replace feta with Brie or Camembert.

4. Fresh Herb Version: Add fresh basil and parsley.

5. Garlic Lovers’ Version: Add extra roasted garlic cloves.

Related Recipe Ideas

• Greek Baked Feta Pasta

• Mediterranean Olive Salad

• Sun-Dried Tomato Bruschetta

• Creamy Garlic Feta Dip

• Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables

Final Thoughts

This Mediterranean Baked Feta with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes is simple, flavorful, and perfect for sharing. The combination of warm feta, savory olives, sweet tomatoes, garlic, and aromatic herbs creates an irresistible appetizer. Serve it with crusty bread and enjoy every delicious bite.