๐Ÿง€๐Ÿ… Baked Feta with Olives & Sun-Dried Tomatoes ๐Ÿ…๐Ÿง€

This Baked Feta with Olives & Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a simple yet flavorful appetizer that’s perfect for entertaining. The warm, creamy feta pairs beautifully with the briny olives and tangy sun-dried tomatoes.

๐Ÿ“‹ Ingredients:

  • ๐Ÿง€ 1 block (8 oz) feta cheese
  • ๐Ÿ… 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
  • ๐Ÿซ’ 1/2 cup mixed olives (Kalamata, green, etc.), pitted and halved
  • ๐Ÿง„ 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • ๐ŸŒฟ 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • ๐ŸŒฟ 1 tablespoon fresh oregano leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried oregano)
  • ๐Ÿ‹ Zest of 1 lemon
  • ๐Ÿซ’ 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • ๐ŸŒถ๏ธ 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • ๐ŸŒฟ Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • ๐Ÿฅ– Crusty bread or crackers, for serving

๐Ÿ“ Directions:

  1. Preheat Oven:
  • Preheat your oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC).
  1. Prepare the Baking Dish:
  • Place the block of feta cheese in a small ovenproof dish.
  1. Add Toppings:
  • Scatter the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, halved olives, and sliced garlic over and around the feta.
  • Sprinkle the fresh thyme, fresh oregano, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes (if using) over the top.
  • Drizzle the extra-virgin olive oil evenly over everything.
  • Finish with a few grinds of freshly ground black pepper.
  1. Bake:
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the feta is soft and slightly golden on the edges.
  1. Serve:
  • Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
  • Serve warm with crusty bread or crackers for dipping.

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 200 kcal per serving

๐Ÿ’ก Notes:

  • For a variation, you can add a handful of cherry tomatoes to the dish before baking.
  • This dish pairs wonderfully with a glass of crisp white wine or a light rosรฉ.
  • If you prefer a milder flavor, you can substitute the sun-dried tomatoes with roasted red peppers.