Mediterranean Baked Feta with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

🧄 Full Recipe with Description

This Mediterranean Baked Feta with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a warm, flavorful appetizer or side dish that brings the sun-kissed tastes of Greece straight to your table. Creamy feta cheese is baked to golden perfection and paired with briny olives, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and fragrant herbs—perfect for dipping crusty bread or spooning over grilled meats and veggies.

🍽️ Ingredients for Mediterranean Baked Feta with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

• 1 block (200g) feta cheese

• 1/3 cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved

• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, sliced

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 1 garlic clove, thinly sliced

• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (or 1 tsp fresh)

• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

• Zest of 1 lemon

• Fresh thyme or parsley (for garnish)

• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• Crusty bread, pita, or crackers (for serving)

🔥 Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare Baking Dish: Place the feta block in a small oven-safe dish or cast iron skillet.

3. Add Toppings: Scatter olives, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic slices, oregano, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes over and around the feta.

4. Drizzle Olive Oil: Pour olive oil over everything.

5. Bake: Place in oven and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the feta is soft and slightly golden around the edges.

6. Broil (optional): Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end for a golden top.

7. Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with fresh herbs and black pepper. Serve warm with bread.

📝 Notes:

• Use Greek feta in brine for best flavor and texture.

• You can substitute with goat cheese or halloumi for variation, though baking time may change.

• Sun-dried tomatoes in oil add extra flavor; drain excess oil before using if desired.

• Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently.

💡 Tips:

• Serve it with warm pita, sourdough, or veggie sticks as a dip.

• Add a handful of cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers for more color and juiciness.

• Great addition to a mezze platter or tapas spread.

• For a deeper flavor, marinate feta with the olives and tomatoes for 30 mins before baking.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Servings:

Serves 4 as an appetizer or 2 as a light meal with bread or salad.

🔢 Nutritional Info (Per Serving — Approximate):

• Calories: 220

• Protein: 6g

• Fat: 20g

• Saturated Fat: 7g

• Carbs: 3g

• Fiber: 1g

• Sodium: 500mg

• Sugar: 1g

🌿 Health Benefits:

• Feta cheese is rich in calcium and lower in fat than many other cheeses.

• Olives and olive oil offer heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants.

• Sun-dried tomatoes are a great source of lycopene and vitamin C.

• This dish supports anti-inflammatory and Mediterranean diet principles.

❓ Q&A:

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble the dish and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for the best texture.

Q: What can I serve this with?
A: It pairs well with pita, focaccia, grilled chicken, or even pasta.

Q: Is it vegetarian?
A: Yes, as long as the feta is made with vegetarian-friendly rennet.

Q: Can I make it spicy?
A: Absolutely—just increase the red pepper flakes or add sliced chili.