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
Scale
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.
