Description
This Baked Feta with Olives & Sun-Dried Tomatoes is an incredibly simple yet utterly satisfying appetizer or light meal that elevates the humble block of feta cheese into something truly special. Imagine the creamy, tangy feta, softened and warmed to perfection, swimming in a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired sauce of briny olives, sweet sun-dried tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and a generous glug of good quality olive oil. Each bite is a symphony of flavors and textures: the smooth, yielding feta, the burst of saltiness from the olives, the chewy sweetness of the sun-dried tomatoes, and the herbaceous warmth of the herbs. The garlic infuses the olive oil with a pungent aroma that permeates the entire dish, creating a truly irresistible experience. It’s quick to prepare, requires minimal effort, and is guaranteed to impress your guests or satisfy your own cravings for something flavorful and comforting. This recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create culinary magic. It’s perfect served with crusty bread for dipping, allowing you to soak up every last drop of the flavorful oil.
Why you will love this recipe
You will absolutely adore this Baked Feta with Olives & Sun-Dried Tomatoes for several compelling reasons:
- Effortless Elegance: It takes mere minutes to assemble, making it ideal for last-minute gatherings or when you’re short on time but still want to serve something impressive. The ease of preparation belies its sophisticated flavor profile.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of salty feta, briny olives, sweet sun-dried tomatoes, and aromatic herbs creates a complex and satisfying taste experience that will tantalize your taste buds. It’s a true Mediterranean flavor party in a single dish.
- Versatility: This recipe is incredibly versatile. It can be served as an appetizer, a light lunch, or even a vegetarian main course alongside a simple salad. You can also customize the ingredients to suit your preferences (more on that in the “Tips” section).
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves baked feta! It’s a guaranteed hit at parties and gatherings, and it’s a dish that people will be talking about long after the last bite. The warm, melty cheese and the flavorful toppings are simply irresistible.
- Comfort Food with a Twist: While it’s undeniably sophisticated, this recipe also has a comforting quality. The warm, cheesy, and flavorful combination is reminiscent of classic comfort food, but with a Mediterranean twist that makes it feel fresh and exciting.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely have many of the ingredients already in your pantry. The recipe relies on readily available items, making it easy to whip up whenever the craving strikes.
- Perfect for Sharing: This dish is designed to be shared, making it perfect for communal eating and creating a convivial atmosphere. Gathering around a warm baking dish of cheesy goodness is a great way to connect with friends and family.
Ingredients:
- 8-ounce block feta cheese
- 1 cup pitted olives, drained (kalamata, green, or a mix)
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped (reserve the oil for other uses)
- ⅓ cup olive oil (extra virgin is best)
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- Kosher salt (to taste, be mindful of the saltiness of the feta and olives)
- Fresh cracked black pepper (to taste)
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
- Sliced French bread or crostini, for serving
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This ensures even baking and prevents the feta from becoming overly browned before it’s heated through.
Step 2: Prepare the Dish: Place the feta block in the center of a small baking dish. Choose a dish that is just large enough to hold the feta and the olives and sun-dried tomatoes around it. This helps to concentrate the flavors and prevents the oil from spreading too thinly. A small cast iron skillet also works wonderfully.
Step 3: Arrange the Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Scatter the drained olives and chopped sun-dried tomatoes around the feta block in the baking dish. Distribute them evenly so that each bite will have a good balance of flavors. The sun-dried tomatoes should be drained of their oil to prevent the dish from becoming overly greasy.
Step 4: Mix the Seasonings: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, thinly sliced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined. The garlic slices should be thinly sliced to ensure they infuse the olive oil with their flavor without burning during baking. Be mindful of the salt content of the feta and olives when adding salt to the mixture. Freshly cracked black pepper adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
Step 5: Add Seasonings to Feta: Drizzle the seasoned olive oil mixture evenly over the feta, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes. Make sure the feta is well coated with the oil and herbs. The olive oil will help to soften the feta and infuse it with the flavors of the garlic and herbs.
Step 6: Bake: Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, check the feta. It should be softened and slightly melty around the edges.
Step 7: Broil (Optional): For a golden top, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking. Keep a close eye on the dish while broiling to prevent burning. The broiling will give the feta a beautiful golden-brown crust and enhance the flavors of the toppings.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle generously with freshly chopped parsley. The parsley adds a pop of freshness and color to the dish. Serve immediately while warm with slices of French bread or crostini for dipping and scooping up the melted feta and flavorful toppings.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Appetizer: Serve as a delightful appetizer at parties, gatherings, or before dinner.
- Light Lunch: Enjoy as a light and satisfying lunch with a side salad.
- Vegetarian Main Course: Serve as a vegetarian main course alongside roasted vegetables or a grain dish.
- Party Platter Addition: Add to a mezze platter with other Mediterranean-inspired dishes like hummus, baba ghanoush, and olives.
- Brunch: Include on a brunch spread for a unique and flavorful option.
- Wine Pairing: Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, or a light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir.
- Accompaniments: Serve with other accompaniments such as roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Tips:
- Feta Quality: Use a good quality block of feta cheese for the best flavor and texture. Look for feta that is creamy and tangy, not dry and crumbly.
- Olive Varieties: Experiment with different types of olives, such as Kalamata, Castelvetrano, or a mix of your favorites.
- Sun-Dried Tomato Options: Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for the best flavor and moisture. Drain them well before chopping. You can also use dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes, but rehydrate them in hot water for about 15 minutes before using.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the olive oil mixture for a touch of heat.
- Fresh Herbs: Substitute fresh herbs for dried herbs for an even more intense flavor. Use about 1 tablespoon of each fresh herb, chopped finely.
- Other Vegetables: Add other vegetables to the dish, such as roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or cherry tomatoes.
- Lemon Zest: Grate a little lemon zest over the baked feta for a bright and zesty flavor.
- Honey Drizzle: Drizzle a little honey over the baked feta just before serving for a touch of sweetness.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add a few minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.
- Reserved Sun-Dried Tomato Oil: Don’t discard the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes! It’s infused with their flavor and can be used in salad dressings, marinades, or for sautéing vegetables.
- Bread Options: While French bread or crostini are classic choices, you can also serve this dish with pita bread, crackers, or even vegetable crudités.
- Spice Adjustment: Adjust the amount of garlic and herbs to suit your personal preferences.
- Cheese Alternatives: While feta is the star, you could experiment with other cheeses like halloumi for a different texture.
Prep Time:
5 minutes
Cook Time:
20 minutes
Total Time:
25 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Approximate, will vary based on specific ingredients used)
- Calories: 350-450 per serving
- Protein: 15-20 grams
- Sodium: 700-900 mg (can vary greatly depending on the feta and olives used)
Conclusion
This Baked Feta with Olives & Sun-Dried Tomatoes is more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of Mediterranean flavors and a testament to the beauty of simple cooking. It’s a dish that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a quiet evening at home. With its creamy texture, vibrant flavors, and effortless preparation, this baked feta is destined to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the deliciousness of this Mediterranean masterpiece. Enjoy!
Questions and Answers about this Recipe
Q1: Can I use a different type of cheese instead of feta?
A1: While feta is the star of this recipe, you can certainly experiment with other cheeses. Halloumi, a semi-hard, brined cheese, would be a good substitute, as it holds its shape well when heated. You could also try using a softer cheese like goat cheese, but be aware that it will melt more quickly and may not have the same distinct tang as feta. If using goat cheese, reduce the baking time slightly. Keep in mind that the flavor profile will change depending on the cheese you choose, so consider how the new cheese will complement the olives and sun-dried tomatoes.
Q2: I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes. What can I substitute?
A2: If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes on hand, you can use roasted red peppers as a substitute. Their sweetness and slightly smoky flavor will complement the feta and olives nicely. You could also use marinated artichoke hearts, which will add a tangy and slightly briny flavor to the dish. In a pinch, you could even use a small amount of tomato paste for a concentrated tomato flavor, but be sure to use it sparingly as it can be quite intense. Keep in mind that sun-dried tomatoes provide a unique chewy texture that other substitutions may not replicate.
Q3: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A3: Yes, you can definitely prepare this recipe ahead of time. Simply assemble the dish according to the instructions, but don’t bake it. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before placing it in the oven. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure that the feta is heated through.
Q4: My feta is very salty. How can I reduce the saltiness of the dish?
A4: Feta cheese can vary greatly in saltiness depending on the brand and type. To reduce the saltiness of the dish, you can try a few different approaches. First, soak the feta in cold water for about 30 minutes before using it. This will help to draw out some of the excess salt. Second, use a lower-sodium feta cheese if available. Third, be mindful of the amount of salt you add to the olive oil mixture. Taste the feta before adding any salt and adjust accordingly. Finally, use fewer olives, as they can also contribute to the overall saltiness of the dish.
Q5: What can I do with the leftover baked feta and toppings?
A5: Leftover baked feta and toppings can be used in a variety of creative ways! You can spread it on toast or crackers for a quick and flavorful snack. You can also toss it with cooked pasta for a simple and satisfying meal. Crumble it over salads for a burst of flavor and texture. Add it to omelets or frittatas for a Mediterranean-inspired breakfast. You can even use it as a topping for grilled chicken or fish. Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before using.
