Zesty Mediterranean Baked Feta with Olives & Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe

Mediterranean cuisine bursts with vibrant flavors that instantly transport you to sunny coastal landscapes.

Fragrant herbs and rich ingredients dance together in this baked feta dish.

Tangy cheese melts into a golden pool, surrounded by briny olives and sweet sun-dried tomatoes.

Each bite promises a delightful journey through Greek and Italian culinary traditions.

Rustic ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a sensory experience that feels both comforting and exciting.

Crisp bread or warm pita makes the perfect companion for scooping up this delectable spread.

You’ll want to savor every morsel and share this simple yet stunning creation with loved ones.

Why Mediterranean With Baked Feta, Olives And Sun-Dried Tomatoes Is A Flavor Burst

• Speedy Mediterranean Delight: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering dish in just 20 minutes, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or unexpected guests.
• Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: With only a few steps and basic ingredients, anyone can create a restaurant-quality appetizer that looks and tastes impressively gourmet without complex cooking techniques.
• Versatile Party Pleaser: Ideal for casual gatherings, wine nights, or as a stunning starter that encourages sharing and conversation, this baked feta creates an instant crowd-pleasing centerpiece.
• Customizable Culinary Adventure: Easily adaptable with different herbs, spices, or additional ingredients like cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers, allowing home cooks to personalize the dish to their taste preferences.

All You Need For Mediterranean With Baked Feta, Olives And Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Main Ingredients:

• Feta: Creamy Greek cheese that becomes soft and warm when baked, providing a rich tangy centerpiece for the dish.

• Olive Oil: Smooth Mediterranean liquid that helps soften the feta and adds rich flavor, best when using extra virgin quality.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Concentrated sweet-tangy tomatoes that bring intense Mediterranean flavor and chewy texture.
• Olives: Briny Mediterranean gems that complement the feta with their salty punch, kalamata or mixed varieties work best.

• Garlic: Pungent flavor booster that infuses the dish with depth and traditional Mediterranean character.
• Oregano: Classic Mediterranean herb that adds earthy and slightly peppery notes to the baked feta.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Spicy element that provides a gentle heat and warmth to the dish.
• Honey: Optional sweet touch that balances the salty feta and adds caramelization.

• Fresh Basil, Fresh Parsley: Bright green herbs that add fresh color and aromatic brightness to the final dish, either can be used.

• Crusty Bread, Pita Chips, Crackers: Crispy vehicles for scooping and enjoying the warm, melted feta mixture.

Steps To Make Mediterranean With Baked Feta, Olives And Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven and Set the Stage

Crank the oven to a toasty 375F (190C). Take a cozy oven-safe dish or trusty cast-iron skillet and nestle the feta block right in the center.

Step 2: Create a Flavor Explosion

• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Briny olives
• Minced garlic cloves

Splash a touch of golden honey (if you’re feeling adventurous) and shower the entire dish with fragrant oregano and fiery red pepper flakes.

Step 3: Transform in the Oven’s Embrace

Slide the dish into the heated oven and let magic happen. Watch as the feta softens and warms for 15-20 minutes. For extra pizzazz, switch to broil and let the top turn a gorgeous golden brown for 2-3 quick minutes.

Step 4: Bring the Mediterranean to Your Table

Rescue the bubbling dish from the oven and crown it with a sprinkle of vibrant fresh basil or parsley. Grab some crusty bread, crunchy pita chips, or crisp crackers – it’s time to dive in and scoop up this flavor-packed delight!

Tips For Mediterranean With Baked Feta, Olives And Sun-Dried Tomatoes

• Customize Cheese Selection: Swap feta for goat cheese or ricotta for a different flavor profile and creamy texture.
• Dial Up Spice Levels: Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat tolerance, from mild to fiery hot.
• Maximize Herb Freshness: Chop basil or parsley right before serving to preserve vibrant flavors and bright green color.
• Elevate Bread Choices: Toast pita chips or rustic sourdough to add extra crunch and complement the melted cheese.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Assemble ingredients in baking dish up to 4 hours before cooking, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.

How To Store Mediterranean With Baked Feta, Olives And Sun-Dried Tomatoes

• Refrigerate leftover baked feta in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Keep the cheese cool and covered to maintain its creamy texture and prevent drying out.
• Gently reheat in the oven at 350F for 5-7 minutes to restore its warm, soft consistency.
• Avoid microwaving, as this can make the feta tough and rubbery.
• For best flavor and quality, consume within 2 days of preparing.
• Separate any remaining herbs before storing to prevent wilting and maintain freshness.
• When ready to enjoy again, let the feta sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance its rich Mediterranean flavors.

Perfect Matches For Mediterranean With Baked Feta, Olives And Sun-Dried Tomatoes

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Elevate the baked feta's rich, salty flavor with a zesty Greek assyrtiko or a bright sauvignon blanc that cuts through the creamy cheese and complements the Mediterranean herbs.
• Match with Rustic Bread Combo: Grab a hearty sourdough or ciabatta to soak up the warm olive oil, melted feta, and tangy sun-dried tomato juices, creating a perfect texture and flavor explosion.
• Create Mediterranean Mezze Platter: Surround the baked feta with hummus, tzatziki, marinated olives, cucumber slices, and grilled vegetables to build a complete tapas-style dining experience that showcases the dish's vibrant flavors.
• Serve with Sparkling Aperitif: A chilled prosecco or Greek sparkling wine adds festive bubbles that refresh the palate between bites of the rich, savory baked feta, making the meal feel like a celebration.

New Ideas For Mediterranean With Baked Feta, Olives And Sun-Dried Tomatoes

• Spicy Moroccan Fusion: Swap oregano with ras el hanout spice blend and add harissa paste for extra kick, creating a North African-inspired version with deeper, warmer flavors.
• Greek Island Herb Blend: Incorporate fresh thyme, rosemary, and dill alongside the existing oregano, capturing the authentic essence of Greek island cooking with bright, aromatic herbs.
• Smoky Spanish Style: Replace sun-dried tomatoes with roasted red peppers, sprinkle smoked paprika, and add chorizo crumbles for a rich, intense Spanish-inspired transformation.
• Italian Rustic Remix: Mix in chopped artichoke hearts, swap honey for balsamic glaze, and garnish with fresh basil and toasted pine nuts for a northern Italian countryside feel.

FAQs On Mediterranean With Baked Feta, Olives And Sun-Dried Tomatoes

• What makes this baked feta dish so special?

This Mediterranean-inspired recipe transforms ordinary feta into a luxurious, warm appetizer that’s bursting with rich flavors from sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and herbs. The combination of tangy feta, sweet honey, and spicy red pepper flakes creates an incredible taste experience.

• Can I use different types of feta cheese?

Absolutely! While traditional Greek feta works best, you can experiment with other varieties like Bulgarian or French feta. Just ensure it’s a block-style cheese that will hold its shape during baking.

• Is this dish spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild kick, but you can easily adjust the heat level by reducing or increasing the amount. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a tiny pinch or omit them completely.

• How can I tell when the feta is perfectly baked?

The feta is ready when it becomes soft and warm, with slightly golden edges. It should look pillowy and slightly melted but still maintain its basic shape. The entire process takes about 15-20 minutes in the oven.

Mediterranean With Baked Feta, Olives And Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 28 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Mediterranean dreams come alive with this Baked Feta sensation, blending salty cheese, briny olives, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes. Fresh herbs and olive oil elevate this simple yet spectacular dish, promising a taste of Greek coastal charm that you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dairy and Cheese:

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

Herbs, Spices, and Seasonings:

• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 2 cloves garlic (thinly sliced or minced)
• 1 teaspoon honey (for a hint of sweetness, optional)
• Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish, optional)

Condiments and Additional Ingredients:

• ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained & chopped)
• ¼ cup mixed olives (Kalamata, green, or a mix, pitted & halved)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Serving Suggestions:

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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Arrange the creamy feta block in a petite ceramic or cast-iron vessel, ensuring it fits snugly and allows room for delectable accompaniments.
2. Lavishly coat the cheese with extra virgin olive oil, creating a glistening surface that promises rich flavor intensity.
3. Artfully distribute vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, briny Kalamata olives, and fragrant minced garlic around and atop the pristine feta block.
4. Enhance the Mediterranean profile by delicately drizzling amber honey, then generously dust with aromatic dried oregano and fiery red pepper flakes for a nuanced flavor landscape.
5. Position the prepared dish in a preheated oven set to 375F (190C), allowing the ingredients to meld and transform over 15-20 minutes until the cheese softens and becomes luxuriously warm.
6. For an optional golden-brown finish, activate the broiler for a swift 2-3 minute caramelization process, watching carefully to prevent burning.
7. Extract the bubbling dish, crowning it with freshly chopped basil or parsley to introduce a verdant, herbaceous note.
8. Serve immediately alongside rustic crusty bread, crisp pita chips, or artisan crackers, inviting guests to scoop and savor the warm, fragrant creation.

Notes

• Elevate the dish by choosing high-quality, creamy feta cheese from Greek or Bulgarian sources for authentic Mediterranean flavor.
• Opt for sun-dried tomatoes packed in olive oil to enhance the overall richness and depth of the recipe.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes – start with a pinch for mild warmth or add generously for spice lovers.
• Transform this appetizer into a gluten-free option by serving with gluten-free crackers or vegetable sticks like cucumber and bell pepper slices.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 11 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg