Introduction
Oh, the cozy kitchen aromas! There’s something truly magical about gathering around a plate of warm, bubbly goodness. Today, we’re diving into a recipe that’s pure comfort food with an elegant twist: Baked Feta with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes. This dish is so ridiculously easy, it feels like a secret weapon for impressing guests or just treating yourself on a weeknight. Remember those simple gatherings where the food just happened and everyone kept coming back for more? This is that feeling, bottled up and baked to perfection!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast: Seriously, from start to finish, this is a breeze. Perfect for when unexpected guests drop by or you need a quick appetizer.
- Easy: If you can preheat an oven and open a few jars, you can make this. No fancy techniques required!
- Giftable: Imagine a cute oven-safe dish filled with these ingredients, ready for someone to pop into their oven. It’s a thoughtful homemade gift!
- Crowd-pleasing: The salty feta, briny olives, sweet sun-dried tomatoes, and aromatic garlic are a flavor combination that just works. Everyone devours it!
Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients is half the fun, and with this recipe, it’s super straightforward. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 8 oz Feta cheese: I like to use a good quality block of feta packed in brine for the best flavor and texture.
- 1 cup assorted pitted olives: A mix of Kalamata, Castelvetrano, or green olives adds lovely depth. Make sure they’re pitted so you don’t have any surprises!
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes: The oil-packed kind are wonderful here – they’re already soft and full of flavor. Just give them a rough chop.
- 2 cloves garlic: Fresh garlic is key for that amazing aroma.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: A good extra virgin olive oil will make a difference.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: This herb brings that classic Mediterranean feel.
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes: Just a pinch for a gentle warmth. You can add more if you like it spicy!
- Salt and pepper to taste: Feta is already salty, so go easy on the salt initially.
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish: A sprinkle of fresh herbs at the end makes it look as good as it tastes!
How to Make It
Let’s get this deliciousness into the oven! It’s more like assembling than cooking, which is my kind of kitchen adventure.
- Preheat your oven: Get it nice and warm to 400°F (200°C).
- Feta in the dish: Grab a small oven-safe dish – a ceramic gratin dish or even a small cast iron skillet works beautifully. Place your block of feta right in the center.
- Add the good stuff: Scatter those lovely olives and chopped sun-dried tomatoes all around the feta. Try to spread them out so everything gets nice and warm.
- Garlic power: Mince your garlic cloves as finely as you can. Then, sprinkle them evenly over the feta and the surrounding goodies.
- Drizzle with oil: Take your olive oil and give everything a generous drizzle. This helps all those flavors meld together.
- Season it up: Sprinkle on the dried oregano and those red pepper flakes. Then, a little pinch of salt and a grind of black pepper. Remember, feta is salty, so taste as you go if you’re unsure!
- Bake until bubbly: Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. You’re looking for the feta to soften and get a little golden around the edges, and for the olives and tomatoes to become fragrant and warm.
- Garnish and serve: Once it’s out of the oven, let it sit for just a minute. Then, sprinkle with your fresh basil or parsley. Serve immediately!
Substitutions & Additions
This recipe is a fantastic base, and you can totally make it your own! Here are some ideas:
- Different Cheeses: While feta is the star, you could try this with halloumi (though it won’t get as soft) or even a creamy goat cheese.
- More Veggies: Roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or even a few cherry tomatoes would be delightful additions.
- Herbs: Thyme, rosemary, or a pinch of herbes de Provence would also be delicious.
- Spice it Up: If you love heat, add a few more red pepper flakes or even a finely chopped jalapeño!
- Citrus Zest: A little bit of lemon zest sprinkled over the top before baking adds a bright, fresh note.
Tips for Success
A few little tricks to make your baked feta absolutely perfect every time:
- Don’t overcrowd the dish: Give the ingredients a little breathing room so they can heat through evenly.
- Use a good baking dish: Something that holds heat well will give you the best results.
- Prep ahead: You can assemble the entire dish (except for the fresh herbs) up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking for more even cooking.
- Serving suggestion: This is fantastic served with warm pita bread, crusty baguette slices, or even sturdy crackers. It also makes a wonderful topping for grilled chicken or fish!
How to Store It
Leftovers are rare, but if you happen to have any, don’t despair! Store any cooled baked feta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. The texture might change slightly, but the flavor will still be delicious!
FAQs
Here are a few common questions I get about this delightful dish:
Can I use pre-crumbled feta?
While pre-crumbled feta is convenient, it can sometimes be a bit drier. For the best creamy texture and flavor, I really recommend using a block of feta packed in brine. If you must use crumbled, you might need to add an extra drizzle of olive oil.
What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
No worries! You can use other flavorful additions like roasted red peppers, marinated artichoke hearts, or even a handful of Kalamata olives if you want more olive flavor. Just make sure they’re in small pieces.
How long does it take to bake?
It usually takes about 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on it, as ovens can vary. You’ll know it’s ready when the feta is softened and a little bubbly around the edges.
Warm Baked Feta with Olives & Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Equipment
- Oven-safe dish ceramic gratin dish or small cast iron skillet
- Oven
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 8 oz Feta cheese block packed in brine
- 1 cup assorted pitted olives Kalamata, Castelvetrano, or green olives
- 0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes oil-packed, roughly chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place a block of feta cheese in the center of a small oven-safe dish.8 oz Feta cheese
- Scatter assorted pitted olives and chopped sun-dried tomatoes around the feta.8 oz Feta cheese
- Sprinkle minced garlic evenly over the feta and surrounding ingredients.8 oz Feta cheese
- Drizzle everything generously with olive oil.8 oz Feta cheese
- Sprinkle with dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to taste.8 oz Feta cheese
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the feta is softened and golden, and the other ingredients are fragrant and warm.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve immediately.8 oz Feta cheese