A Savory Mediterranean Delight Bursting with Flavor
Craving a simple, vibrant dish that brings the Mediterranean to your table? Let’s make this crowd-pleasing baked feta with tomatoes and olives—warm, creamy, and ready in just 30 minutes!
Introduction
Baked feta with tomatoes and olives is a comforting and flavorful dish that showcases the magic of Mediterranean ingredients. With its bold, tangy feta cheese, sweet roasted cherry tomatoes, and rich Kalamata olives, this dish is both rustic and elegant. Whether you’re preparing an easy appetizer for a gathering, a light vegetarian meal, or a side dish to accompany grilled meats or fish, this baked feta recipe checks all the boxes.
The best part? It’s quick, uses just a few wholesome ingredients, and requires minimal prep. The oven does most of the work, transforming simple elements into a bubbling, savory masterpiece perfect for scooping up with crusty bread or spooning over pasta or grains.
Tools Needed, Servings, and Cooking Time
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need:
- 1 small baking dish (ceramic or glass)
- Measuring spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Spoon or spatula for stirring
- Oven mitts
Servings:
This recipe serves 2 to 4 people as a main or appetizer.
Time Required:
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this rich and satisfying baked feta dish:
- 200g block of feta cheese (preferably full-fat)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, whole
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Preheating is essential so that your feta bakes evenly and achieves that golden finish.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
Place the block of feta cheese in the center of a small baking dish. Arrange the cherry tomatoes and Kalamata olives around the feta, spreading them out evenly so everything roasts uniformly.
Step 3: Season the Ingredients
Drizzle the olive oil generously over the feta, tomatoes, and olives. Sprinkle dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper across the top. The garlic and herbs give depth to the dish, while the olive oil helps everything caramelize in the oven.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the baking dish to the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the feta becomes soft and slightly golden, the tomatoes burst open, and the olives start to shrivel slightly. The kitchen will fill with the delicious aroma of roasting garlic, tomatoes, and warm cheese.
Step 5: Stir and Garnish
Remove the dish from the oven carefully using oven mitts. Let it sit for a minute or two. Then gently stir everything together—this combines the creamy melted feta with the juicy tomatoes and rich olives to create a saucy, scoopable mixture.
Top with fresh basil leaves before serving to add a touch of freshness and color.
Recommendations for Recipe Success
- Use full-fat feta in block form: Avoid crumbled feta—it won’t bake and melt the same way. A firm block gives you the ideal creamy texture after baking.
- Don’t overbake: Remove the dish once the feta is softened and lightly golden. Overbaking can make the cheese rubbery and dry.
- Customize the olives: Kalamata olives are traditional and flavorful, but you can experiment with green olives or a mixed olive medley.
- Add a little heat: If you like some spice, sprinkle red pepper flakes before baking.
- Use fresh herbs when possible: Dried oregano is excellent for baking, but fresh basil or thyme added after baking really elevates the flavor.
Serving and Storage Tips
How to Serve:
- Serve with toasted crusty bread or warm pita for scooping.
- Spoon over cooked pasta, quinoa, or couscous to create a balanced vegetarian meal.
- Pair with a green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete dinner.
- Enjoy as part of a mezze platter alongside hummus, tzatziki, and olives.
How to Store:
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes or microwave for 1–2 minutes until warm.
- Note: The texture of the feta may become slightly more crumbly after refrigeration, but the flavor remains intact.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use crumbled feta instead of a block?
It’s not recommended. Crumbled feta won’t hold up in the oven the same way a block will. A block of feta softens and browns beautifully, creating a creamy texture that’s essential to this dish.
2. What type of tomatoes work best?
Cherry tomatoes are ideal because they’re sweet, juicy, and roast quickly. You can also use grape tomatoes or quartered Roma tomatoes if needed.
3. Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, you can substitute the feta with a plant-based feta alternative. Just make sure it’s suitable for baking and melts well.
4. What can I serve this dish with besides bread?
Try it over cooked grains, with grilled chicken or fish, or alongside a Greek salad. It also pairs well with pasta or roasted potatoes.
5. Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You can assemble the ingredients in the baking dish ahead of time and refrigerate. Just cover tightly and bake when ready. Add an extra 5 minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Conclusion
Baked feta with tomatoes and olives is a simple yet sensational dish that captures the essence of Mediterranean cooking. It’s loaded with savory flavor, requires just a handful of ingredients, and comes together with almost no effort. Whether you serve it as an appetizer for guests, a meatless main for yourself, or a side dish to complement your dinner spread, this baked feta is always a hit.
If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful dish that delivers big on taste and looks beautiful on the table, this recipe is for you. Give it a try tonight—and don’t forget the crusty bread!
Now it’s your turn—fire up the oven, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the incredible flavors of baked feta with tomatoes and olives. Let us know how it turned out and what you paired it with!
