If you’re in the mood for a vibrant, flavorful dish that effortlessly combines tangy, salty, and herbal notes, then this Baked Feta with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine a warm, melty block of feta cheese infused with the rich flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and briny olives, all brought together with luscious olive oil. It’s a dish that’s as simple as it is stunning, perfect for sharing with friends or elevating an everyday meal with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh, and pantry-ready ingredients make this dish incredibly easy to pull together while delivering a punch of Mediterranean flavor. Each component plays a crucial role, from the creamy feta to the herbal olive oil blend, creating a perfect balance of taste and texture.
- 8-ounce block feta cheese: The creamy, tangy star that melts beautifully when baked.
- 1 cup pitted olives, drained: Adds a briny, salty bite that complements the feta perfectly.
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes: Brings sweetness and chewiness, balancing the saltiness.
- ⅓ cup olive oil: Helps infuse the herbs and garlic and keeps everything luscious and moist.
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced: Adds aromatic warmth and depth to every bite.
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano: Classic Mediterranean herb that adds a slightly peppery, minty flavor.
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme: Earthy and subtle, it rounds out the herb mix beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary: Gives a fragrant pine-like note that pairs well with the cheese and olives.
- Kosher salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors.
- Fresh cracked pepper: Adds a mild kick and freshness.
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish: Provides a bright, fresh finish.
- Sliced French bread or crostini, for serving: Perfect for scooping up the melty goodness.
How to Make Baked Feta with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Cheese
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place that beautiful block of feta cheese in a small baking dish — this will be the canvas for all those vibrant flavors to come together.
Step 2: Add the Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Scatter the pitted olives and sun-dried tomatoes evenly around the feta. These juicy pockets of flavor will mingle with the cheese as it melts, creating a wonderful texture and taste contrast.
Step 3: Mix the Herb and Garlic Oil
In a small bowl, combine your olive oil with thinly sliced garlic, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and a pinch of kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper. This fragrant oil mixture is what will lift the whole dish to the next level, infusing everything with herbal warmth and richness.
Step 4: Drizzle and Bake
Pour the seasoned olive oil over the block of feta, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes, making sure everything gets well coated. Transfer the dish to your preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes until the feta is warm and starting to soften.
Step 5: Broil for a Perfect Finish
Switch over to your broiler for 1 to 2 minutes. This last step adds a lovely golden blush to the top of the feta, giving it a slightly crisp texture on the surface that contrasts beautifully with the creamy inside.
How to Serve Baked Feta with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds the perfect pop of color and fresh flavor that brightens the rich, savory notes of the dish. It’s a simple touch that makes a big impact visually and taste-wise.
Side Dishes
This baked feta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or lightly toasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. Serving it alongside a basket of sliced French bread or crunchy crostini is essential — you want something sturdy enough to scoop up every creamy, flavorful bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this Baked Feta with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe in small individual ramekins for a personal appetizer. Alternatively, top it with a handful of toasted pine nuts or drizzle with a bit of honey for an added layer of sweetness to contrast the saltiness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, and the feta will remain deliciously creamy when gently reheated.
Freezing
Because of the texture, freezing baked feta is not ideal as it can become crumbly and lose creaminess. It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh or within a few days of preparation.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a low oven or microwave just until warmed through to keep that luscious, melty texture intact. Avoid overheating, which can cause the cheese to dry out.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried?
Fresh tomatoes won’t have the concentrated sweetness and chewiness that sun-dried tomatoes provide, but you can use them if you prefer. Just roast or drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
What type of olives work best?
Pitted Kalamata or green olives are fantastic choices because of their robust flavor. Feel free to mix varieties for a more complex taste.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The baked feta itself is gluten-free, but be sure to serve it with gluten-free bread or crackers if you have dietary restrictions.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe isn’t spicy at all, but it’s bursting with savory and herbal flavors. You can add a pinch of chili flakes into the oil for some heat if you like.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Since feta cheese is the centerpiece, this is not suitable for vegans. However, you can try a vegan feta alternative if you want a dairy-free version.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Feta with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe is one of those magical dishes that’s both stunning and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re entertaining or just craving a comforting snack, it’s guaranteed to impress with its bold flavors and creamy texture. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a beloved part of your recipe repertoire!
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Baked Feta with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Baked Feta with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a simple yet flavorful appetizer perfect for entertaining. Creamy feta cheese is baked with briny olives, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, then finished under the broiler for a lightly browned top. Drizzled with garlic-infused olive oil and garnished with fresh parsley, this warm dish is best enjoyed scooped onto sliced French bread or crostini.
Ingredients
Cheese and Vegetables
- 8-ounce block feta cheese
- 1 cup pitted olives, drained
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes
Herbs and Seasonings
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Fresh cracked pepper, to taste
Oils and Garnishes
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
Serving
- Sliced French bread or crostini, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare it for baking the feta cheese mixture.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Place the entire 8-ounce block of feta cheese in a small baking dish, ensuring it sits securely in the center.
- Add Olives and Tomatoes: Scatter the 1 cup of pitted olives and ½ cup of sun-dried tomatoes evenly around the feta cheese in the dish.
- Make the Olive Oil Mixture: In a small bowl, combine ⅓ cup olive oil with thinly sliced garlic cloves, dried oregano, dried thyme, dried rosemary, plus a pinch of kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper. Stir well to blend the flavors.
- Pour Mixture Over Ingredients: Drizzle the olive oil and herb mixture evenly over the feta, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes in the baking dish.
- Bake the Feta: Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, allowing the cheese to soften and flavors to meld.
- Broil for Browning: Switch your oven to broil and cook the feta for an additional 1-2 minutes to lightly brown the top, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve warm with sliced French bread or crostini for dipping.
Notes
- Keep an eye on the broiling step as the cheese can brown quickly.
- Use good quality olive oil for the best flavor infusion.
- Adjust herbs to your preference for a customized taste.
- Serve immediately for best texture and warmth.
- Sun-dried tomatoes can be either oil-packed or dry; if dry, consider rehydrating briefly.
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
