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.
๐ Ingredients:
- ๐ง 1 block (8 oz) feta cheese
- ๐ 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
- ๐ซ 1/2 cup mixed olives (Kalamata, green, etc.), pitted and halved
- ๐ง 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- ๐ฟ 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- ๐ฟ 1 tablespoon fresh oregano leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried oregano)
- ๐ Zest of 1 lemon
- ๐ซ 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- ๐ถ๏ธ 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- ๐ฟ Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ๐ฅ Crusty bread or crackers, for serving
๐ Directions:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC).
- Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Place the block of feta cheese in a small ovenproof dish.
- 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.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the feta is soft and slightly golden on the edges.
- 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
๐ก 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.