Mediterranean Baked Feta with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a warm, cheesy, and flavorful dish that brings together briny olives, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy feta cheese. Baked until soft and bubbly, this dish is perfect as an appetizer, dip, or side dish. Serve it with crusty bread, pita chips, or fresh veggies for an irresistible Mediterranean-inspired treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy & Elegant – A simple dish with bold, gourmet flavors.
- Rich & Savory – The perfect balance of salty, tangy, and herby goodness.
- Great for Sharing – Ideal for dinner parties, gatherings, or a cozy night in.
- Versatile – Serve as a dip, topping, or side dish.
- Healthy & Nutritious – Packed with Mediterranean flavors and wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Block of feta cheese (full-fat for best texture)
- Cherry tomatoes (halved)
- Sun-dried tomatoes (chopped, packed in oil)
- Kalamata olives (pitted and halved)
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Garlic (minced)
- Dried oregano
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
- Crusty bread or pita (for serving)
Directions
- Preheat Oven – Set to 375°F (190°C).
- Assemble the Dish – Place the block of feta in a small baking dish. Surround it with cherry tomatoes, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Season & Drizzle – Sprinkle with garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Drizzle generously with olive oil.
- Bake – Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until the feta is soft and the tomatoes are blistered.
- Broil for Extra Browning – Optional: Broil for 2-3 minutes for a lightly golden top.
- Garnish & Serve – Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley and serve warm with bread or pita.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add sliced chili peppers or more red pepper flakes.
- Lemon Zest: Add fresh lemon zest before serving for brightness.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts or almonds.
- Herb Swap: Try rosemary, thyme, or dill for different flavor notes.
- Vegan Alternative: Use dairy-free feta or hummus for a plant-based version.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or microwave in short bursts.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as feta changes texture when frozen.
FAQs
Can I use crumbled feta instead of a block?
A block of feta holds up better when baked, but crumbled feta can work for a softer, more spreadable texture.
What’s the best type of olives to use?
Kalamata olives add great Mediterranean flavor, but green olives or Castelvetrano olives also work well.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! Roasted red peppers, artichokes, or zucchini would make great additions.
How do I make this dish creamier?
Mash the baked feta slightly with a fork and mix with a little extra olive oil.
What’s the best bread for serving?
Crusty baguette, warm pita, or toasted ciabatta are perfect for scooping up the feta.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish in advance and bake just before serving.
What wine pairs well with this?
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the flavors beautifully.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Just serve with gluten-free bread or crackers.
Can I grill this instead of baking?
Yes! Wrap everything in foil and grill for about 15 minutes over medium heat.
Can I serve this cold?
Yes! Baked feta tastes great at room temperature, but it’s best enjoyed warm.
Conclusion
Mediterranean Baked Feta with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings the best of Mediterranean cuisine to your table. Whether served as an appetizer, dip, or side, this dish is sure to impress. Try it today and enjoy the rich, creamy, and tangy flavors of baked feta!
Print
Mediterranean Baked Feta with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Greek
Description
This Mediterranean Baked Feta is a warm, creamy, and flavor-packed appetizer, featuring briny olives, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and a touch of honey for balance. Baked until soft and spreadable, this dish is perfect for serving with crusty bread, pita, or crackers—a simple yet elegant appetizer for any occasion! 🇬🇷🧀🍅
Ingredients
- 1 (8 oz) block feta cheese (Greek feta, not crumbled)
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained & chopped)
- 1/4 cup mixed olives (Kalamata, green, or a mix, pitted & halved)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp honey (for a hint of sweetness, optional)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 cloves garlic (thinly sliced or minced)
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish, optional)
- Crusty bread, pita chips, or crackers (for serving)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare the Dish
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the feta block in a small oven-safe dish or cast-iron skillet.
Step 2: Assemble the Toppings
- Drizzle the olive oil over the feta.
- Scatter the sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and garlic around and on top of the feta.
- Drizzle with honey (if using) and sprinkle with oregano and red pepper flakes.
Step 3: Bake the Feta
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the feta is soft and warm.
- For a golden top, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley.
- Serve immediately with crusty bread, pita chips, or crackers for scooping.
Notes
- Make it a Meal: Serve over grilled chicken, pasta, or roasted vegetables.
- Extra Flavor: Add capers, roasted red peppers, or chopped artichokes.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven before serving.