If you’re looking to elevate your snack or appetizer game, this Baked Feta with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a delightful blend of tangy feta cheese, briny Kalamata olives, and sweet, chewy sun-dried tomatoes baked until creamy and bubbling. This dish is bursting with Mediterranean flavors and requires minimal effort, making it the perfect centerpiece for casual get-togethers or a simple, elegant treat for yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this dish lies in its simple but thoughtfully combined ingredients. Each item plays a vital role in delivering those irresistible tastes and textures—from the crumbly, salty feta cheese to the rich, fruity olives and the intense sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes. Plus, finishing touches like herbs and olive oil tie everything together beautifully.
- Feta cheese block: The star ingredient, creamy and crumbly with a tangy bite that softens gloriously in the oven.
- Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped: Adds a salty, slightly fruity depth that complements the feta perfectly.
- Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: Brings a chewy texture and concentrated sweetness to balance the saltiness.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the dish with an aromatic warmth that enhances all other flavors.
- Dried oregano: Adds a touch of earthy Mediterranean herbiness.
- Dried basil: Provides a subtle sweetness and complements the freshness of the other herbs.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): A pinch for those who like a gentle kick of heat.
- Olive oil: Drizzled generously to keep the feta moist and help the toppings meld.
- Freshly ground black pepper: To season and brighten the entire dish at the end.
- Fresh basil leaves (optional): For a fragrant, fresh garnish that brings the presentation and flavor home.
How to Make Baked Feta with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This moderate temperature will ensure the feta softens gently and the flavors meld without burning the delicate cheese or toppings.
Step 2: Prepare the Feta Base
Place the whole block of feta right in the center of a small baking dish. No need to crumble it—you want it to hold its shape while getting soft and luscious in the oven.
Step 3: Add the Flavorful Toppings
Sprinkle the chopped Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and the optional crushed red pepper flakes evenly around the feta block. This combination surrounds the cheese with a mix of savory, sweet, and aromatic elements that bake into a perfect harmony.
Step 4: Drizzle with Olive Oil and Season
Generously drizzle the olive oil over the feta and toppings. This not only adds richness but also helps the herbs and flavors infuse during baking. Finish by seasoning everything with freshly ground black pepper for a subtle spicy lift.
Step 5: Bake Until Soft and Golden
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the feta has softened significantly and starts to brown lightly on the edges—this is when it becomes irresistibly creamy and slightly caramelized.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the dish from the oven and if you like, add fresh basil leaves on top for a bright pop of color and fresh herbal notes. Serve warm and enjoy immediately for the best experience.
How to Serve Baked Feta with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh basil leaves is a wonderful way to brighten this dish, but you can also sprinkle chopped parsley or a handful of toasted pine nuts for extra texture and color. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil before serving will elevate the flavors even further.
Side Dishes
This baked feta pairs wonderfully with warm crusty bread for dipping or alongside crisp cucumber and cherry tomato salad for a refreshing counterbalance. It also shines as part of a larger mezze platter with hummus, roasted vegetables, and pita chips.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the baked feta topped with sautéed greens or spread on grilled flatbread as a flavorful appetizer. You can even spoon the softened feta mixture over roasted potatoes or use it as a filling in warm wraps for an irresistible Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from your Baked Feta with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep in mind the texture may firm up, but reheating will bring back that creamy goodness.
Freezing
Freezing is not ideal for this dish due to the change in texture feta undergoes when frozen and thawed. To preserve the best taste and texture, it’s recommended to enjoy this recipe fresh or refrigerated for short-term storage.
Reheating
To reheat, place the leftover baked feta and toppings in a small oven-safe dish and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes until heated through and soft again. Avoid microwaving to prevent uneven warming and loss of texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of feta?
While feta’s tangy and crumbly texture is ideal for this recipe, you could experiment with halloumi or goat cheese. Keep in mind these cheeses have different melting points and flavors, so the result will vary.
Are sun-dried tomatoes always packed in oil?
Not necessarily. Sun-dried tomatoes come in both dry and oil-packed varieties. For this recipe, oil-packed tomatoes add extra richness, but if you use dry ones, soak them briefly in warm water to rehydrate before chopping.
What if I don’t have Kalamata olives? What’s a good substitute?
If Kalamata olives aren’t available, black olives or green olives can work as alternatives. Just choose the ones with robust flavor to match the boldness Kalamatas bring to the dish.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Since feta is central to the dish’s flavor and texture, a vegan version would require a plant-based cheese substitute that melts similarly. Some vegan feta cheeses are available and could be baked with the same toppings, but taste and texture may differ.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! As long as you serve the dish with naturally gluten-free sides like vegetables or gluten-free bread, this recipe itself contains no gluten-containing ingredients.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so warm and inviting about this Baked Feta with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe. It’s incredibly easy to prepare yet impressively flavorful—a surefire way to make any occasion feel special. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or a cozy snack, I promise this dish will become a favorite you keep coming back to. Don’t hesitate to try it tonight and enjoy a little taste of Mediterranean sunshine at home!
Print
Baked Feta with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful Mediterranean-inspired appetizer featuring a warm block of baked feta cheese topped with flavorful Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. This dish is perfect for serving as a savory starter or a tasty addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Cheese
- 1 block feta cheese
Toppings
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Others
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare it for baking the feta and toppings evenly.
- Prepare the baking dish: Place the block of feta cheese in the center of a small baking dish to create a base for the toppings.
- Add toppings: Scatter the chopped Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) evenly around the feta cheese in the dish.
- Season and drizzle: Drizzle the olive oil over the feta block and its toppings. Add freshly ground black pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Bake the dish: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the feta softens and develops a slight golden-brown color around the edges.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the dish from the oven and optionally garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving warm.
Notes
- You can adjust the spiciness by varying the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or omitting them altogether.
- Serve with warm crusty bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables for dipping.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently before serving.
- Using high-quality extra virgin olive oil enhances the flavor of the dish.
