Tangy Mediterranean Baked Feta Olives Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe

Crisp Mediterranean winds carry the aroma of savory feta baking with robust olives and tangy sun-dried tomatoes.

Salty cheese nestles perfectly among bright, colorful ingredients waiting to burst with flavor.

Mediterranean kitchens inspire this simple yet dramatic dish that speaks directly to comfort and celebration.

Fresh herbs sprinkle across the surface, promising intense Mediterranean sensations.

Olive oil glistens, creating a golden landscape of textures and tastes.

Unexpected combinations make this recipe a delightful adventure for anyone seeking bold, authentic flavors.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this incredible culinary journey.

What Makes Mediterranean Baked Feta So Flavorful

• Transforms basic feta into a stunning appetizer in minutes.
• Requires only 5 ingredients and simple baking technique that delivers restaurant-quality results.
• Serves as an impressive, shareable dish that impresses guests without complex preparation.
• Works brilliantly as a warm dip with crusty bread, or can be scattered over salads and grain bowls for instant gourmet upgrade.

What You Need for Mediterranean Baked Feta

• Feta Cheese: A tangy, salty Greek cheese that becomes creamy and soft when baked, perfect for a rich and indulgent appetizer.
• Olives: Mediterranean black or Kalamata olives add a briny, intense flavor that complements the feta beautifully.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Concentrated, sweet-savory tomatoes that bring a deep, complex taste to the dish.

• Olive Oil: High-quality extra virgin olive oil helps create a luxurious texture and adds a smooth, fruity base flavor.
• Fresh Herbs: Oregano or thyme provide a classic Mediterranean herbal note that enhances the overall taste profile.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves bring a warm, pungent depth to the baked feta.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy element that adds a gentle heat and complexity to the dish.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground pepper provides a subtle, sharp kick to balance the rich cheese.

Step Into the Kitchen: Mediterranean Baked Feta

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) and get ready for a flavor explosion.

Step 2: Prepare the Feta Base

Select a compact oven-safe dish or cast-iron skillet that’ll cradle your cheese perfectly.

Step 3: Dress the Feta with Flavor Boosters

• Kalamata olives
• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Fresh rosemary sprigs
• Cracked black pepper
• Extra virgin olive oil

Step 4: Create a Flavor Landscape

Generously drizzle olive oil over the feta, ensuring every nook gets a glistening coat.

Scatter the olives and sun-dried tomatoes around and on top of the cheese.

Sprinkle rosemary and crack some black pepper for an aromatic punch.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and let magic happen for 15-20 minutes.

Watch for the feta to turn golden and slightly puffy, with edges getting deliciously crispy.

Step 6: Serve with Flair

Pull out the sizzling dish and let it rest for a couple of minutes.

Grab some crusty bread or warm pita for dipping into this Mediterranean marvel.

Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or oregano for an extra pop of color and freshness.

Tips From the Oven: Mediterranean Baked Feta

• Boost Flavor Intensity: Add a sprinkle of dried oregano or za'atar spice blend directly on top of the feta for an extra burst of Mediterranean authenticity.
• Prevent Burning: Create a protective layer by drizzling high-quality olive oil over the feta before baking, which helps ensure even browning and prevents drying out.
• Customize Texture: For a softer, creamier result, remove the feta from the oven when it's just starting to melt and bubble around the edges, avoiding overcooking.
• Enhance Serving Options: Serve warm with crusty bread, pita chips, or fresh vegetable sticks to make this dish more versatile and accommodating for different dietary preferences.
• Make It Vegan-Friendly: Substitute traditional feta with plant-based feta alternatives made from tofu or nuts to create a similar dish for those avoiding dairy.

Keeping Mediterranean Baked Feta Tasty Later

• Store leftover baked feta in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping its rich Mediterranean flavors intact.
• Warm gently at 300F (150C) for 5-7 minutes to restore its creamy texture without drying out the cheese.
• Heat in short 15-20 second bursts, checking frequently to prevent cheese from becoming rubbery.
• Let cold feta sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to enhance its smooth, spreadable consistency.

What to Eat with Mediterranean Baked Feta

• Crisp, dry white wines like Greek Assyrtiko or Sauvignon Blanc perfectly complement the salty, tangy cheese, cutting through its richness with bright acidity.
• Serve warm, crusty sourdough or ciabatta slices alongside the baked feta, allowing guests to scoop up the melted cheese and vibrant Mediterranean ingredients for a delightful textural experience.
• Create a light Greek-inspired salad with cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and fresh herbs like oregano or mint to balance the dish's intense, bold flavors and provide a refreshing counterpoint.
• Add a selection of cured meats like prosciutto or Iberico ham to introduce a salty, savory dimension that harmonizes with the feta's creamy texture and sun-dried tomato richness.

Other Styles of Mediterranean Baked Feta

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace feta with firm tofu or vegan cheese block, using nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor and maintaining similar baking technique.
• Low-Sodium Option: Swap traditional feta for low-sodium cheese variant, reduce salt content by rinsing olives and selecting low-sodium sun-dried tomatoes.
• Herb Garden Remix: Experiment with fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary instead of traditional seasonings, adding unique Mediterranean aromatics to enhance overall flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Mediterranean Approach: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, serve with gluten-free crackers or roasted vegetable slices for complete meal compatibility.

Mediterranean Baked Feta: Common Questions

• What are the key ingredients for this Mediterranean Baked Feta dish?

The key ingredients include a block of feta cheese, Kalamata or green olives, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh herbs like oregano or thyme, extra virgin olive oil, and optional red pepper flakes for heat.

• Can I use different types of feta cheese?

Yes, you can use various types of feta, including Greek, Bulgarian, or Danish feta. Just ensure the cheese is firm and can hold its shape during baking. Sheep’s milk or goat’s milk feta work best.

• Is this dish healthy?

Mediterranean baked feta is relatively healthy. Feta is a good source of protein and calcium, olives provide healthy fats, and sun-dried tomatoes offer antioxidants. The dish is low-carb and fits well into Mediterranean diet principles.

• How do I know when the feta is perfectly baked?

The feta is done when it becomes soft and slightly golden around the edges, typically after 10-15 minutes in the oven. It should look creamy but not completely melted, maintaining its basic block shape while becoming warm and slightly bubbling.

Mediterranean Baked Feta With Olives And Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Mediterranean baked feta dazzles taste buds with rich, tangy flavors straight from Greece’s culinary landscape. Fragrant herbs, briny olives, and golden-baked cheese create a simple yet elegant appetizer that transports you to sun-drenched coastal dining.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese and Main Ingredients:

• 1 (8 ounces / 226 grams) block feta cheese (Greek feta, not crumbled)

Herbs and Spices:

• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Flavor Enhancers and Accompaniments:

• ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained & chopped)
• ¼ cup mixed olives (Kalamata, green, or a mix, pitted & halved)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon honey (for a hint of sweetness, optional)
• 2 cloves garlic (thinly sliced or minced)
• Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish, optional)
• Crusty bread, pita chips, or crackers (for serving)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Position the oven rack in the center and heat to 375°F (190°C), creating an ideal roasting environment for the Mediterranean-style cheese preparation.
2. Select a compact oven-safe ceramic dish or cast-iron skillet that will snugly accommodate the feta block without excessive extra space.
3. Arrange the feta cheese centrally in the chosen baking vessel, ensuring it sits flat and stable.
4. Generously scatter kalamata and green olives around the cheese, distributing them evenly to create visual texture and flavor intensity.
5. Sprinkle sun-dried tomatoes strategically across the surface, allowing their rich, concentrated flavor to complement the creamy feta.
6. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the entire composition, ensuring a light but thorough coating that will enhance the dish’s Mediterranean character.
7. Crush dried oregano between your fingertips and dust it over the cheese and accompaniments, releasing its aromatic essential oils.
8. Add freshly cracked black pepper and a delicate pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat and complexity.
9. Slide the prepared dish into the preheated oven, positioning it to ensure even heat circulation.
10. Bake for 15-18 minutes until the feta softens and turns slightly golden at the edges, developing a luxurious, creamy texture.
11. Remove from the oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes, allowing the intense flavors to meld and the cheese to stabilize.
12. Serve immediately with crusty artisan bread or warm pita for optimal enjoyment.

Notes

• Opt for high-quality Greek feta for the most authentic and rich Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Drain sun-dried tomatoes thoroughly to prevent excess liquid from making the dish watery and ensuring concentrated flavor.
• Choose kalamata or mixed Mediterranean olives for a more complex and robust taste experience.
• Experiment with adding fresh herbs like oregano or thyme directly on top of the feta for an extra aromatic dimension that elevates the entire dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg