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Baked Feta with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe

4 from 68 reviews

This Baked Feta with Olives & Sun-Dried Tomatoes recipe combines a block of creamy feta cheese baked to perfection with the bold flavors of Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs. Drizzled with olive oil and seasoned with garlic and red pepper flakes, it creates a warm, melty, and flavorful dish perfect as a savory appetizer served with crusty bread for dipping.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 block of feta cheese (about 78 ounces)
  • 1/3 cup Kalamata olives (pitted and halved)
  • 1/3 cup green olives (pitted and halved)
  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed or hydrated if dry-packed, chopped)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh parsley (chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh oregano (chopped)
  • Optional herbs: 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary (chopped)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1 loaf crusty bread (baguette, ciabatta, or sourdough, sliced for serving)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), the ideal temperature to gently bake the feta and allow the flavors of the olives and sun-dried tomatoes to infuse the cheese.
  2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Select a small oven-safe dish just large enough to fit the block of feta. Place the feta block in the center of the dish, ensuring it sits flat and stable.
  3. Add the Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Scatter the pitted and halved olives evenly around the feta. Chop the sun-dried tomatoes into small pieces and sprinkle them over and around the cheese to distribute flavor evenly.
  4. Season the Dish: Drizzle two tablespoons of olive oil over the feta, olives, and tomatoes. Add the minced garlic along with fresh herbs such as parsley and oregano, and optionally thyme or rosemary. Sprinkle red pepper flakes over the top to add a subtle spicy kick.
  5. Bake the Feta: Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the feta softens and turns slightly golden on top. The olive oil should bubble gently, and the aroma of herbs and garlic will fill the kitchen.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the baked feta from the oven and serve immediately. Provide slices of warm crusty bread for dipping into the creamy, melted cheese and flavorful olive-tomato mixture. Scoop up generously and enjoy the rich blend of tastes and textures.

Notes

  • Use a block of feta rather than crumbled feta for the best texture when baking.
  • If using dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes, hydrate them in warm water before chopping for a tender texture.
  • You can adjust red pepper flakes according to your spice preference or omit them entirely for a milder dish.
  • Feel free to experiment with different herbs like basil or rosemary for varied flavor profiles.
  • Serving with warm crusty bread is essential to fully enjoy the dish as a dip.
  • Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator and gently reheated.

Keywords: baked feta, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, Mediterranean appetizer, easy cheese dip, baked cheese, savory dip, herb feta bake