Description
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.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 405
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg