Hey y'all! Looking for the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer for your backyard gatherings, potlucks, or cozy nights in? This Quick Baked Feta Cheese with Olives Recipe for Summer BBQ is an irresistible blend of salty feta, juicy cherry tomatoes, and briny olives—all baked to golden, creamy perfection. It's easy, fast, and truly bursting with bright Mediterranean flavors. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or just want a delectable snack, this cheesy dish is perfect for dipping with bread or crackers. Let’s get cooking!
Why You'll Love This
- Ready in just 20 minutes—perfect for last-minute parties or weeknight snacks.
- Creamy, tangy, and bursting with flavor thanks to the combination of feta, tomatoes, and olives.
- Minimal prep—just toss everything in a baking dish and relax while it cooks.
- Versatile serving options—serve with crusty bread, pita chips, or fresh veggies.
- Perfect for warm-weather entertaining—this dish shines at any summer BBQ or picnic.
Ingredients
- 1 (8 oz / 225g) block of feta cheese, drained
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons fresh oregano, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried oregano)
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Toasted baguette slices or pita chips, for serving
Directions
- Prep and Preheat: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly oil a small baking dish (about 6-inch square or similar).
- Assemble Ingredients: Place the feta block in the center of the baking dish. Scatter cherry tomatoes and olives around it.
- Add Seasonings: Drizzle the feta and veggies with olive oil. Sprinkle with oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), black pepper, and lemon zest.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 15 minutes, or until tomatoes are juicy and the feta is slightly golden at the edges.
- Broil for Finish: For extra golden, creamy feta, switch the oven to broil and broil for 2-3 minutes, watching closely until the top is lightly browned.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh basil, and serve immediately with toasted baguette slices or pita chips.
Notes & Tips
- Use a block of feta cheese, not crumbled, for the best creamy texture.
- If you prefer a milder flavor, substitute half the feta with ricotta or cream cheese.
- Add a clove of minced garlic or sliced shallots for extra depth of flavor.
Variations
- Vegan: Use plant-based feta and vegan-friendly olives.
- Spicy: Add extra crushed red pepper flakes or chopped fresh chili.
- Mediterranean Veggie Mix: Add diced bell pepper or zucchini with the tomatoes for extra color and crunch.
Required Equipment
- Small baking dish (about 6-inch square or similar)
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Zester or microplane
- Serving platter or shallow bowl
Storage Instructions
- Cool leftovers to room temperature and transfer to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts.
- Best enjoyed fresh—feta may become slightly firmer once chilled.
Serving Recommendations
- Serve with a basket of fresh pita chips, toasted baguette slices, or crunchy crostini.
- Pair with crisp white wines (Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio) or light summer cocktails.
- Round out your BBQ spread with dishes like Greek salad, grilled veggies, and lemony chicken skewers.
Pro Tips
- Score the surface of the feta with a knife before baking for extra flavor absorption.
- Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil—it makes a big difference with simple ingredients.
- Let the feta rest for 2 minutes after baking for the creamiest, spreadable texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can assemble the ingredients in the baking dish up to 4 hours ahead, cover, refrigerate, then bake just before serving for best results.
What type of feta should I use?
Opt for a high-quality block of feta preserved in brine for the creamiest, tangiest flavor—not pre-crumbled feta.
Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes! This recipe also works well with blocks of goat cheese or ricotta salata if you’d like to try something different.
Ingredients
- 1 (8 oz / 225g) block of feta cheese, drained
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons fresh oregano, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried oregano)
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Toasted baguette slices or pita chips, for serving
Instructions
-
1Prep and Preheat: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly oil a small baking dish (about 6-inch square or similar).
-
2Assemble Ingredients: Place the feta block in the center of the baking dish. Scatter cherry tomatoes and olives around it.
-
3Add Seasonings: Drizzle the feta and veggies with olive oil. Sprinkle with oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), black pepper, and lemon zest.
-
4Bake: Bake uncovered for 15 minutes, or until tomatoes are juicy and the feta is slightly golden at the edges.
-
5Broil for Finish: For extra golden, creamy feta, switch the oven to broil and broil for 2-3 minutes, watching closely until the top is lightly browned.
-
6Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh basil, and serve immediately with toasted baguette slices or pita chips.
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.
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