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
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)
Instructions
- Arrange the creamy feta block in a petite ceramic or cast-iron vessel, ensuring it fits snugly and allows room for delectable accompaniments.
- Lavishly coat the cheese with extra virgin olive oil, creating a glistening surface that promises rich flavor intensity.
- Artfully distribute vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, briny Kalamata olives, and fragrant minced garlic around and atop the pristine feta block.
- 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.
- 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.
- For an optional golden-brown finish, activate the broiler for a swift 2-3 minute caramelization process, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Extract the bubbling dish, crowning it with freshly chopped basil or parsley to introduce a verdant, herbaceous note.
- 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