Baked Feta with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe

Nothing beats the cozy, savory delight that comes from this Baked Feta with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe. Imagine velvety, warm feta cheese melting gently under a golden crust, surrounded by tangy sun-dried tomatoes and briny olives that bring a burst of robust Mediterranean flavor in every bite. It’s one of those dishes that feels effortlessly fancy yet is unbelievably simple to whip up, perfect for a casual gathering or an indulgent weeknight treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients may seem straightforward, but each one brings something special to the table, combining to create a dish that’s balanced in flavor, texture, and color. From the creamy tang of feta to the vibrant chewiness of sun-dried tomatoes, every bite tells a story of thoughtful simplicity.

• Block of Feta Cheese: Choose a firm block rather than crumbled feta to ensure a luscious, melty texture after baking.
• Olives (black and green): Kalamata olives are perfect for their bold, distinctive taste that complements the feta beautifully.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Use oil-packed for convenience, or soak dry-packed tomatoes beforehand to soften their intense flavor.
• Fresh Herbs (parsley, oregano, thyme or rosemary): These add refreshing herbal notes and an earthy layer to the dish’s complexity.
• Garlic: Mince finely to infuse the entire dish with rich, savory aromatics.
• Olive Oil: A generous drizzle enhances the richness and helps the feta bake to silky perfection.
• Red Pepper Flakes (optional): A pinch gives a subtle warmth that lifts all the flavors without overpowering them.
• Crusty Bread: Essential for soaking up the luscious cheese and flavorful juices—think baguette, ciabatta, or sourdough.

How to Make Baked Feta with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Kick things off by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature creates the perfect environment for melting feta without drying it out while allowing the olives and sun-dried tomatoes to release their full flavors into the cheese.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Grab a small oven-safe dish that’s just the right size to snugly hold your feta block. Place the feta in the center — this keeps it cozy and ready to soak up all those delicious flavors as it bakes.

Step 3: Add the Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Scatter a mix of black and green olives around the cheese, then scatter chopped sun-dried tomatoes on top. This is the flavor powerhouse stage, where the salty olives and sweet-tart sun-dried tomatoes start mingling with the creamy feta.

Step 4: Season the Dish

Drizzle olive oil generously over everything to help meld the ingredients and create that irresistible silky texture. Sprinkle minced garlic, fresh herbs, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick and aromatic flair. Feel free to experiment with your favorite herbs — each brings its own personality to the dish.

Step 5: Bake the Feta

Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the feta softens, becomes slightly golden on top, and the olive oil bubbles invitingly around it. If you like your feta extra creamy and spreadable, give it a few extra minutes; patience here is rewarded with pure indulgence.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Once baked to perfection, bring your creation out of the oven and serve immediately with slices of warm crusty bread. Dip generously, letting the creamy feta, briny olives, and sun-dried tomatoes flood your palate with irresistible Mediterranean goodness.

How to Serve Baked Feta with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few extra red pepper flakes on top just before serving for a pop of color and brightness. A light drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil at the end can also elevate the dish’s richness and sheen.

Side Dishes

This baked feta pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil, or alongside roasted vegetables for a colorful, balanced meal. It also works wonders served with grilled pita or alongside a mezze platter featuring hummus and tabbouleh.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving this Baked Feta with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe as a topping for crostini or mix the creamy baked feta into warm pasta as a flavorful sauce base. You can even stuff it inside roasted peppers for a show-stopping appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it rests, making it just as delightful the next day.

Freezing

Though best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze baked feta by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then placing it in a freezer-safe bag. Use within 2 months for best quality, but note the texture might slightly change upon thawing.

Reheating

To reheat, place the baked feta in a small ovenproof dish and warm at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and creamy again. Avoid the microwave to maintain that luscious texture.

FAQs

Can I use crumbled feta for this recipe?

For best results, it’s recommended to use a block of feta so it holds its shape and melts evenly during baking — crumbled feta tends to dry out and won’t create the same creamy texture.

What types of olives work best?

Kalamata olives are a fabulous choice due to their rich, tangy flavor, but you can also mix black and green olives for a more complex taste profile.

Do I need to soak dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes?

Yes! If you’re using dry-packed tomatoes, soaking them in warm water for about 10 minutes helps soften them and releases their sweetness, which melds beautifully with the other ingredients.

Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

This recipe centers around feta cheese, but you could experiment with vegan cheese alternatives that melt well; just keep in mind the flavor and texture will be different from the traditional version.

Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild warmth, but they’re optional. Feel free to adjust the amount or omit them altogether based on your spice preference.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Feta with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe is such a wonderful way to bring vibrant Mediterranean flavors into your kitchen with minimal fuss. Creamy, tangy, and bursting with herbal and savory notes, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser you’ll come back to time and time again. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

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