Zesty Mediterranean Baked Feta with Olives & Sun-dried Tomatoes Recipe
Bubbling hot feta with olives and sun-dried tomatoes delivers a Mediterranean explosion of flavor that instantly transports you to a sunny coastal kitchen.
Mediterranean ingredients dance together in this simple yet elegant dish.
Bold, briny olives mingle with tangy cheese and sweet sun-dried tomatoes, creating a harmonious blend of tastes.
Herbs scattered across the top add a fresh, aromatic dimension to this irresistible appetizer.
Minimal ingredients and quick preparation make this recipe a go-to for spontaneous gatherings or a luxurious solo treat.
The rich, warm cheese melts into a creamy texture that begs to be scooped up with crusty bread.
Dive into this delectable recipe and let your taste buds embark on a delightful Mediterranean adventure.
Serving Baked Feta with Olives & Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Serve with Crusty Bread: Tear chunks of warm French bread or crispy crostini to scoop up the melted, herby feta and juicy olives, creating a perfect Mediterranean-style appetizer.
Create a Mezze Platter: Arrange the baked feta alongside hummus, tzatziki, sliced cucumbers, and pita chips for a stunning sharing spread that celebrates Greek flavors.
Pair with Crisp White Wine: Complement the rich, tangy feta with a chilled glass of Assyrtiko or Sauvignon Blanc, enhancing the dish's herbal and savory notes.
Top Fresh Salad: Crumble the warm baked feta over a mixed green salad with cucumber and red onion for a delightful warm dressing and protein boost.
Best Way to Store Baked Feta with Olives & Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Refrigerate Smartly: Store leftover baked feta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Wrap tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
Freeze for Later: Carefully transfer cooled feta to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 weeks, ensuring you place parchment between layers to prevent sticking. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated feta in a 325°F oven for 10-12 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating to maintain the original creamy texture and prevent rubbery consistency.
Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the dish components ahead of time. Chop herbs and measure seasonings in advance, storing them separately. Keep ingredients refrigerated until ready to assemble and bake, saving precious cooking time during busy weekdays.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Calories: 405 kcal
Servings: 5
What You Need for Baked Feta with Olives & Sun-Dried Tomatoes
For Main Ingredient:
Feta Cheese: Rich, tangy Greek cheese that creates a creamy centerpiece, select a high-quality block with smooth texture and vibrant white color.
For Flavor Enhancers:
Olives, Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Mediterranean jewels that add robust, intense taste, choose plump, glossy olives and deeply colored sun-dried tomatoes for maximum flavor complexity.
For Aromatic Seasonings:
Olive Oil: Silky base that helps infuse flavors and creates beautiful golden sheen, opt for extra virgin variety with fresh, peppery notes.
Garlic: Pungent aromatic that deepens overall taste profile, select firm, tight-skinned cloves without sprouts.
Oregano, Thyme, Rosemary: Herbaceous Mediterranean blend that brings earthy, woodland essence, use fresh herbs when possible for maximum fragrance.
Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning agents that heighten and balance dish's natural flavors, choose sea salt and freshly ground black pepper for best results.
For Finishing Touches:
Parsley: Bright, fresh herb that adds color and light herbal brightness, select crisp, vivid green leaves.
French Bread/Crostini: Perfect vehicle for scooping and enjoying the melted cheese, choose crusty, artisan-style bread for authentic experience.
Tools for Baked Feta with Olives & Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Baking Dish: Small ceramic or glass dish to hold and bake the feta.
Mixing Bowl: Small bowl for combining olive oil and seasonings.
Measuring Spoons: To measure herbs and salt precisely.
Chef's Knife: For slicing garlic and chopping fresh parsley.
Cutting Board: Surface for chopping ingredients safely.
Broiler-Safe Dish: Ensures the dish can withstand high broiling temperatures.
Oven Mitts: Protect hands when handling hot dishes.
Steps for Baked Feta with Olives & Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Oven Warmup Cozy your kitchen by heating the oven to a gentle 350 degrees, creating the perfect environment for your culinary adventure.
Cheese Stage Nestle a creamy block of feta into a welcoming baking dish, surrounding it with briny olives and sweet sun-dried tomatoes that promise bursts of Mediterranean flavor.
Flavor Symphony Whisk together a magical blend of golden olive oil, fragrant garlic slivers, and an herbal dance of oregano, thyme, and rosemary, seasoned with a whisper of salt and pepper.
Herbal Embrace Lovingly drizzle your aromatic oil mixture over the cheese and companions, allowing each ingredient to mingle and share its unique personality.
Transformation Magic Slide the dish into the oven, letting it bake for 20 minutes until the feta softens and the edges turn gloriously golden. A quick broil will add a delightful crispy finish.
Gorgeous Finale Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across the top, creating a vibrant green contrast. Serve immediately with crusty bread for an irresistible shared experience.
Baked Feta Tips & Pairings
Swap feta for creamy goat cheese or tangy halloumi to create delightful flavor variations that match your taste preferences.
Experiment with fresh herbs like basil, dill, or marjoram to enhance the Mediterranean-inspired profile and add unexpected brightness to the dish.
Sprinkle red pepper flakes or drizzle chili-infused olive oil for an extra kick that transforms the appetizer into a zesty, warming starter.
Try different bread options like rustic sourdough, whole wheat pita, or crispy lavash crackers to discover exciting texture combinations that complement the melted cheese perfectly.
Mediterranean Pasta with baked feta creates a perfect one-pan meal that balances tangy cheese and rich Mediterranean flavors. Mediterranean herbs and roasted ingredients deliver quick comfort for home cooks seeking authentic Greek-inspired cuisine.
Ingredients
Scale
⅓ cup olive oil
8 oz (226 g) feta cheese
1 cup pitted olives, drained
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes
3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp dried thyme
½ tsp dried rosemary
Kosher salt
Fresh cracked pepper
Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
Sliced French bread or crostini, for serving
Instructions
Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) with rack positioned in middle, selecting a small ceramic or glass baking dish that fits the feta block precisely.
Composition: Center the feta block in the dish, strategically arranging kalamata and green olives around the cheese, then interspersing sun-dried tomatoes to fill vacant spaces.
Flavor Infusion: Craft a harmonious olive oil blend by combining extra virgin olive oil, garlic, dried oregano, fresh thyme, crushed rosemary, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper, whisking thoroughly to integrate ingredients.
Seasoning: Generously drizzle the aromatic oil mixture over the feta and surrounding components, ensuring comprehensive coverage and flavor penetration.
Baking: Slide the dish into the preheated oven, allowing 20 minutes for cheese to soften and ingredients to meld, then activate broiler for 1-2 minutes to achieve a golden, slightly crisp exterior.
Finishing: Immediately garnish with freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley and serve piping hot alongside crusty French bread or homemade crostini for an enticing appetizer experience.
Notes
Cheese Selection Matters: Choose a high-quality, authentic Greek feta block for the best tangy flavor and creamy texture.
Oil Infusion Technique: Whisk the olive oil mixture thoroughly to ensure all herbs and spices distribute evenly, creating a robust flavor profile.
Broiling Precision: Watch the dish closely during the final 1-2 minutes to prevent burning, as the high heat can quickly transform golden to charred.
Serving Suggestion: Serve immediately while the feta is warm and molten for the most luxurious and appetizing presentation.
The French Culinary Institute (now part of the International Culinary Center)
Program: Classic Culinary Arts
Focus: An intensive curriculum rooted in classical French techniques, artisanal bread production, and contemporary culinary methods.
Michael Rivera is a seasoned chef and culinary instructor based in San Francisco, CA. Trained in Classic Culinary Arts at The French Culinary Institute, he refined his skills in Michelin-starred kitchens, mastering classic French techniques and artisanal bread baking.
Passionate about making gourmet methods accessible, Michael co-founded thatsmyhome.com to share his expertise through interactive online lessons and innovative, plant-based recipes. He loves blending traditional techniques with modern ideas, encouraging home cooks to enjoy the art of cooking in a relaxed, fun environment.
Michael Rivera
Co-Founder & Culinary Instructor
Expertise
Education
The French Culinary Institute (now part of the International Culinary Center)
Michael Rivera is a seasoned chef and culinary instructor based in San Francisco, CA. Trained in Classic Culinary Arts at The French Culinary Institute, he refined his skills in Michelin-starred kitchens, mastering classic French techniques and artisanal bread baking.
Passionate about making gourmet methods accessible, Michael co-founded thatsmyhome.com to share his expertise through interactive online lessons and innovative, plant-based recipes. He loves blending traditional techniques with modern ideas, encouraging home cooks to enjoy the art of cooking in a relaxed, fun environment.