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
Scale
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
