Hey y'all! If you're looking to bring a burst of Mediterranean sunshine to your table, this Mediterranean Baked Feta Appetizer is calling your name. Creamy, tangy feta melds with juicy tomatoes, briny olives, fresh herbs, and a drizzle of olive oil to create a gooey, flavor-packed appetizer that's truly irresistible. It's quick enough for a weekday snack, impressive enough for guests, and always a crowd-pleaser. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This
- Bursting with savory Mediterranean flavors in every bite.
- Perfectly gooey, warm feta cheese with juicy, roasted vegetables.
- Effortless prep and ready in under 30 minutes.
- Ideal for sharing at gatherings, parties, or cozy nights in.
- Easy to customize with your favorite herbs or add-ins.
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225g) block of feta cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ⅓ cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved
- ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- To serve: toasted baguette slices or pita chips
Directions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the block of feta cheese in the center of a small oven-proof baking dish.
Step 2: Add Veggies and Seasonings
Scatter the cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and red onion around and partly over the feta. Sprinkle the minced garlic, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) evenly over everything. Drizzle the olive oil over the cheese and vegetables. Season with freshly ground black pepper.
Step 3: Bake
Bake uncovered for 20-22 minutes, until the feta is soft and slightly golden at the edges and the tomatoes are juicy and just bursting.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve immediately with toasted baguette slices or pita chips for scooping up that melty, flavorful feta!
Notes
- If your feta releases a lot of brine, gently dab away excess liquid before baking for best texture.
- Use a high-quality extra-virgin olive oil for the most robust flavor.
- Try stirring the feta and veggies together before serving for a creamy spread.
Variations
- Roasted Red Pepper: Add strips of roasted red pepper for smoky sweetness.
- Lemon Zest: Sprinkle lemon zest over the Baked feta for a zesty lift.
- Spicy Harissa: Stir a teaspoon of harissa paste into the olive oil for a fiery kick.
Required Equipment
- Oven-proof baking dish (small or medium-sized)
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring spoons
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover Mediterranean Baked Feta Appetizer in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a 325°F (160°C) oven until warm and creamy again. Freezing is not recommended, as feta’s texture may change.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Serve warm with toasted baguette slices, pita chips, or fresh vegetable crudités.
- Pair with crisp white wine, rosé, or sparkling lemonade for a refreshing combo.
- Enjoy alongside hummus and other Mediterranean dips for a party platter.
Pro Tips
- Use block-style feta for best texture—crumbled feta will melt too much and lose its shape.
- For extra browning, broil the dish for 1-2 minutes at the end, but watch closely to prevent burning.
- Add fresh basil or mint as a garnish for an extra layer of aroma and flavor.
FAQ
Can I use crumbled feta instead of a block?
It’s best to use a block of feta, as crumbled feta can become grainy and won’t hold its texture as well when baked.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep everything ahead and assemble the dish, then bake it right before serving for the freshest results.
Is this appetizer gluten-free?
The baked feta itself is gluten-free, just be sure to serve with gluten-free dippers if needed.
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225g) block of feta cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ⅓ cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved
- ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- To serve: toasted baguette slices or pita chips
Instructions
-
1Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the block of feta cheese in the center of a small oven-proof baking dish.
-
2Scatter the cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and red onion around and partly over the feta. Sprinkle the minced garlic, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) evenly over everything. Drizzle the olive oil over the cheese and vegetables. Season with freshly ground black pepper.
-
3Bake uncovered for 20-22 minutes, until the feta is soft and slightly golden at the edges and the tomatoes are juicy and just bursting.
-
4Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve immediately with toasted baguette slices or pita chips for scooping up that melty, flavorful feta!
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
Did you make this recipe?
Please consider Pinning it!
Leave a Reply