If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with vibrant Mediterranean flavors and brings warmth and comfort to any table, then you’re going to absolutely love this Baked Feta with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe. It’s this perfect blend of creamy, tangy feta cheese baked until soft and golden, mingling beautifully with the briny punch of mixed olives and the intense sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes. Every bite is a joyful celebration of texture and taste that effortlessly elevates any gathering or cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are uncomplicated yet essential, each playing a vital role in delivering the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and slightly spicy notes. They come together to create not just a dish, but an experience full of color, texture, and Mediterranean sunshine in every bite.
- Feta cheese (8 ounces): This creamy, crumbly block is the star, melting into a luscious base that carries all the flavors.
- Mixed olives (½ cup, pitted): A variety of olives adds a briny, salty punch that complements the feta beautifully.
- Sun-dried tomatoes (â…“ cup, oil-packed, drained and chopped): These bring intense sweetness and chewy texture that contrast perfectly with the cheese.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps meld the flavors together during baking.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon) or fresh oregano (1 tablespoon): Provides an earthy, aromatic herbaceous note that brightens the dish.
- Red pepper flakes (¼ teaspoon, optional): For those who love a subtle touch of heat that livens up every bite.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): Infuses the dish with its unmistakable savory depth.
- Fresh cracked black pepper: Adds a hint of sharpness and complexity.
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): A fresh, vibrant finish that lifts the whole dish visually and in flavor.
- Crusty bread or crackers (for serving): Essential for scooping up every last delicious bit.
How to Make Baked Feta with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Feta
Start by warming your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the block of feta cheese in a small baking dish — this simple step sets the stage for a warm, molten cheese experience that’s irresistible.
Step 2: Add the Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Scatter your pitted mixed olives and chopped sun-dried tomatoes both around and atop the feta. Their vibrant colors will turn the plain white cheese into an appetizing mosaic of Mediterranean delights.
Step 3: Drizzle and Season
Drizzle everything generously with olive oil to ensure a glossy, rich finish. Then sprinkle the dried oregano (or fresh), red pepper flakes if you like a little kick, minced garlic, and fresh cracked black pepper evenly over the dish. This combination infuses layers of flavor that meld beautifully during baking.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You want to see the feta soften and take on a slight golden hue on top — this signifies that it’s ready to be the luscious, warm centerpiece of your plate.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve warm with crusty bread or crackers, perfect for scooping up that gooey, flavorful cheese and its tangy companions.
How to Serve Baked Feta with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few thoughtful touches like a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a light drizzle of honey can elevate this dish even further by introducing a surprising brightness or gentle sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the salty and savory ingredients.
Side Dishes
This warm, inviting dish fits beautifully alongside a Mediterranean mezze spread. Think fresh pita bread, crunchy vegetables, olives, roasted chickpeas, or even a crisp green salad to keep things light and fresh alongside the richness of the baked feta.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not serve the Baked Feta with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe as part of an elegant appetizer platter with an array of colorful fresh vegetables and artisanal bread? Or use it as a decadent topping for warm, fluffy flatbreads or pizza bases to add a burst of Mediterranean flavor that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover Baked Feta with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen over time, making it an even tastier treat for the next day, although it’s best enjoyed within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze portions in a sealed container. Keep in mind that the texture of the feta may change slightly upon thawing, but the bold flavors will remain delicious. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, reheat leftovers in a low oven (about 300°F/150°C) for 10-15 minutes. This prevents drying out and helps keep the feta soft and creamy, while reviving the aromas of garlic and oregano.
FAQs
Can I use regular tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
While fresh tomatoes offer juiciness, sun-dried tomatoes provide a concentrated, sweet-tart flavor and chewy texture that are essential to the character of this dish. If you substitute, try roasting fresh tomatoes to intensify their flavor, but sun-dried tomatoes truly give this recipe its signature taste.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The Baked Feta with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe itself is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to serve it with gluten-free crackers or bread if you need to keep the entire meal gluten-free.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
This particular recipe centers on feta cheese, so it’s not vegan. However, you can experiment with plant-based feta alternatives and bake them the same way, though the flavor and texture experience will differ from traditional feta.
How spicy is the dish with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth that balances the rich creaminess and salty brine. You can adjust or omit them according to your heat preference for a mild or more kicked-up flavor profile.
What’s the best way to serve this as an appetizer?
Serve it warm with plenty of crusty bread or assorted crackers so everyone can dive in and scoop up the decadent, melted feta, olives, and tomatoes. Pairing it with a fresh Mediterranean salad or a light white wine will create an inviting start to any meal.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend enough giving this Baked Feta with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe a try. It’s one of those dishes that effortlessly brings people together, whether for a casual snack or a special occasion. The combination of creamy cheese, bold olives, and sun-dried tomatoes baked to gooey perfection is simply irresistible. Once you taste it, I’m sure it’ll become a beloved favorite in your kitchen, too!
Print
Baked Feta with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Description
This Baked Feta with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes recipe is a warm, savory Mediterranean appetizer that combines creamy, tangy feta cheese with briny olives and flavorful sun-dried tomatoes. Drizzled with olive oil and seasoned with garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes, it bakes to a soft, slightly golden perfection. Served with crusty bread or crackers, this dish makes an elegant and easy party starter or addition to a mezze platter.
Ingredients
Cheese
- 1 block (8 ounces) feta cheese
Olives and Vegetables
- ½ cup mixed olives (pitted)
- â…“ cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained and chopped)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
Seasonings and Oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- fresh cracked black pepper to taste
Garnish and Serving
- chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- crusty bread or crackers (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to fully preheat to ensure even baking.
- Prepare the feta and toppings: Place the block of feta cheese in a small baking dish. Scatter the pitted mixed olives and chopped sun-dried tomatoes evenly around and on top of the feta for a flavorful blend.
- Add seasonings and oil: Drizzle the olive oil over the feta and toppings. Sprinkle dried oregano, optional red pepper flakes, minced garlic, and freshly cracked black pepper evenly to add aromatic and spicy flavors.
- Bake the dish: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes until the feta softens and becomes slightly golden on top, indicating it is perfectly warmed through.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a fresh color and flavor contrast. Serve warm with crusty bread or crackers to dip into the melty feta mixture.
Notes
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a drizzle of honey before serving to introduce a bright or sweet contrast to the savory flavors.
- This dish is an excellent appetizer or part of a Mediterranean-style mezze platter, perfect for sharing.
