If you are craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and Mediterranean sunshine, the Mediterranean Baked Feta with Olives & Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe is an absolute must-try. This savory delight combines creamy, tangy feta cheese with the rich, briny notes of olives and the sweet, chewy intensity of sun-dried tomatoes, all roasted together to melty perfection. Whether it’s a casual gathering or an impressive appetizer for guests, this recipe feels like a warm invitation to indulge in simple ingredients that sing in harmony.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Mediterranean Baked Feta with Olives & Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to elevate the dish’s taste, texture, and color. It’s a small lineup that packs a serious punch, creating a wonderfully balanced and inviting flavor profile.
- Feta cheese: Use a good-quality block for that creamy, tangy base that melts beautifully when baked.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Opt for those packed in oil and chopped to bring sweetness and a chewy texture that contrasts the feta.
- Mixed olives: A mix of Kalamata, green, and Castelvetrano delivers assorted briny and fruity flavors that lift the dish.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Drizzle generously for richness and a luscious finish.
- Garlic cloves: Minced garlic adds an aromatic punch that infuses the entire dish with warmth.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley introduces a fresh, green note that brightens the heavy flavors.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): A pinch turns up the heat for those who love a little kick.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds subtle depth and a touch of spice.
How to Make Mediterranean Baked Feta with Olives & Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Feta
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Meanwhile, take the block of feta cheese and gently pat it dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This helps the feta bake evenly without becoming watery. Place your feta snugly in a small oven-safe baking dish or skillet, which will hold all the delicious toppings perfectly.
Step 2: Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Olives
Scatter the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and mixed olives all around and slightly over the feta. This layering ensures each bite carries the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and briny flavors. Their gorgeous colors also start creating an inviting Mediterranean palette right before baking.
Step 3: Garlic and Olive Oil Drizzle
Sprinkle minced garlic over the top of the cheese and toppings so that each piece gets infused with that deep, fragrant garlicky flavor. Then, drizzle a generous amount of extra virgin olive oil across everything. This step is key to ensuring a luscious, silky texture and that unmistakable richness that Mediterranean cooking is known for.
Step 4: Season and Add Fresh Herbs
Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes and freshly ground black pepper evenly over the dish, customizing the heat to your preference. Follow this with chopped fresh parsley, saving a little for garnish after baking. The fresh herbs add an uplifting contrast, balancing the rich and intense flavors.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place your baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the feta is soft and gently golden around the edges—creamy in the center and bursting with flavor. For an extra-special touch, you can switch to broil for 2-3 minutes to caramelize the top lightly, but watch closely to avoid burning.
Step 6: Final Touch and Serve
Remove the baked feta from the oven and garnish with the remaining fresh parsley. Serve immediately while warm, paired beautifully with crusty bread, warm pita, or even crunchy veggie sticks for dipping into the melty, savory goodness.
How to Serve Mediterranean Baked Feta with Olives & Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your presentation with a sprinkle of extra fresh parsley or a few whole olives on top. For a vibrant twist, add a handful of fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of balsamic glaze to bring additional color and flavor contrast.
Side Dishes
This Mediterranean Baked Feta with Olives & Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe shines best alongside simple, complementary sides. Think warm pita bread for dipping, crunchy cucumber slices, or a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon and olive oil to balance the richness of the cheese.
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic picnic vibe, serve the baked feta directly in a cast iron skillet accompanied by an assortment of artisan breads and grilled vegetables. Alternatively, use it as a flavorful topping for toasted baguette slices or as a creamy center in a Mediterranean-inspired antipasto platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers from this delightful Mediterranean Baked Feta with Olives & Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for 2 to 3 days, maintaining most of the flavor and creaminess.
Freezing
Although feta doesn’t freeze perfectly in terms of texture, you can freeze the baked dish if needed. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. For best taste, consume within 1 month. Thaw slowly overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) until warmed through to preserve the texture and prevent the feta from drying out. Microwaving is possible but may cause uneven heating—stir gently after to reincorporate flavors.
FAQs
Can I use any type of feta for this recipe?
Yes, but for the best melting and flavor, use a block of firm, Greek-style feta rather than crumbled supermarket varieties. This ensures the texture holds well during baking without becoming too dry or crumbly.
Are sun-dried tomatoes necessary?
While sun-dried tomatoes add a unique sweet and tangy flavor, you can substitute with cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers if needed, though the overall taste will be slightly different.
Can I make this dish vegan or dairy-free?
To make a vegan version of this Mediterranean Baked Feta with Olives & Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe, try using a plant-based feta alternative. There are many options available that melt and bake similarly.
Is this dish suitable for entertaining?
Absolutely! Its vibrant flavors, beautiful presentation, and effortless prep make it ideal for casual gatherings or dinner parties. It’s always a crowd-pleaser that pairs well with wine and conversation.
What can I serve alongside this baked feta?
Great accompaniments include warm pita bread, fresh vegetable crudités, crusty baguette slices, or even a light Mediterranean salad that enhances the fresh and zesty flavors.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sharing this Mediterranean Baked Feta with Olives & Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe with friends and family. Its simple ingredients come together in a way that feels luxurious yet approachable, delivering mouthwatering flavor in every bite. I can’t recommend enough giving this recipe a try—it’s the perfect dish to brighten any meal and bring a little Mediterranean sunshine into your kitchen.
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Mediterranean Baked Feta with Olives & Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Mediterranean Baked Feta with Olives & Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a flavorful and easy-to-make appetizer featuring a warm, soft block of feta cheese baked with tangy sun-dried tomatoes, savory mixed olives, garlic, and a hint of crushed red pepper flakes, all drizzled with rich extra virgin olive oil and garnished with fresh parsley. Perfect for serving with bread, pita, or fresh vegetables, it brings a delicious Mediterranean flair to any table in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Cheese
- 1 block feta cheese (about 7 oz)
Vegetables & Olives
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained and chopped)
- 1/2 cup mixed olives (pitted, such as Kalamata, green, Castelvetrano)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
Seasonings & Oil
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare it for baking the feta dish.
- Prepare the feta: Pat the block of feta cheese dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, then place it in a small oven-safe baking dish or skillet.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and olives: Scatter the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and pitted mixed olives around and slightly over the feta block to infuse it with their rich flavors.
- Sprinkle garlic: Evenly distribute the minced garlic over the top of the feta and surrounding ingredients to add aromatic depth.
- Drizzle olive oil: Pour the extra virgin olive oil evenly over the feta, tomatoes, and olives to enhance the richness and help with baking.
- Season with spices: Sprinkle the crushed red pepper flakes (if using) and freshly ground black pepper over the dish for a subtle heat and flavor balance.
- Add parsley: Scatter chopped fresh parsley over the top, saving some for garnishing after baking.
- Bake the dish: Place the dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the feta becomes soft and golden around the edges.
- Optional broiling: For an extra lightly caramelized top, broil the baked feta for 2 to 3 minutes—keep a close eye to prevent burning.
- Serve and garnish: Remove the dish from the oven, garnish with the remaining fresh parsley, and serve warm with bread, pita, or fresh vegetables for dipping.
Notes
- Patting the feta dry helps prevent excess moisture from making the dish watery during baking.
- If you prefer milder flavors, you can omit the crushed red pepper flakes.
- Use a baking dish or oven-safe skillet that fits the feta block snugly to keep the ingredients close for better flavor melding.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor, as the feta is delightful warm and soft fresh from the oven.
- Pairs exceptionally well with warm crusty bread, pita, or crisp vegetable sticks like cucumber and bell pepper.
