Mediterranean Baked Feta Appetizer Recipe

Introduction

This Mediterranean Baked Feta Appetizer is a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for entertaining or a cozy night in. Creamy feta pairs beautifully with juicy cherry tomatoes, olives, and aromatic herbs, all roasted to perfection. Serve it warm with crusty bread or fresh veggies for a delightful start to any meal.

Ingredients

• 1 block feta cheese (about 7 oz)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1/3 cup Kalamata olives
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme or oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Step 2: Place the feta block in a small baking dish.
3. Step 3: Scatter cherry tomatoes and Kalamata olives around the feta.
4. Step 4: Tuck fresh thyme or oregano sprigs among the ingredients.
5. Step 5: Drizzle everything evenly with extra virgin olive oil.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and cracked black pepper over the top.
7. Step 7: Bake for 20 minutes, or until the feta is golden and the tomatoes are blistered.
8. Step 8: Let cool slightly before serving warm with bread or fresh vegetables.

Tips & Variations

• Swap fresh thyme or oregano for rosemary for a different herbal note.
• Add a drizzle of honey before baking for a subtle sweetness that complements the saltiness of the feta.
• Use a mix of different colored cherry tomatoes for a vibrant presentation.
• For extra heat, increase the crushed red pepper flakes to taste.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to warm through without overcooking. The texture of the feta may change slightly but will remain delicious.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

While feta is traditional for this recipe, you can try halloumi or goat cheese for a different texture and flavor, but baking times may vary.

Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this appetizer is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat or animal rennet cheeses, but always check the feta packaging to be sure.

Mediterranean Baked Feta Appetizer Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 74 reviews

This Mediterranean Baked Feta Appetizer is a warm, savory dish featuring a block of creamy feta cheese baked with juicy cherry tomatoes, briny Kalamata olives, fragrant herbs, and a touch of spice. Perfect for serving as a delicious starter or a shareable snack, it’s simple to prepare and bursting with vibrant flavors from the Mediterranean region.

• Author: Ruby
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese

• 1 block feta cheese (about 7 oz)

Produce

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme or oregano

Pantry

• 1/3 cup Kalamata olives
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare it for baking the feta and accompanying ingredients.
2. Prepare Feta: Place the block of feta cheese into a small baking dish, which will hold all ingredients while baking.
3. Add Tomatoes and Olives: Scatter the cherry tomatoes and Kalamata olives evenly around the block of feta in the dish.
4. Insert Herbs: Tuck fresh sprigs of thyme or oregano around the feta and tomatoes to infuse the dish with herbal aroma.
5. Drizzle Oil: Drizzle 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over the entire dish to add richness and help with roasting.
6. Season: Sprinkle minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and cracked black pepper over the top to provide flavor and a mild kick.
7. Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, until the feta is golden on top and the cherry tomatoes have blistered and softened.
8. Serve: Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, then serve warm with crusty bread or fresh veggies for dipping.

Notes

• Use fresh herbs like thyme or oregano for the most aromatic results, but dried can be substituted if needed.
• Serve immediately after baking for the best texture and flavor.
• This dish pairs well with crusty bread or fresh crudités like cucumber and bell peppers.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated before serving.
• Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.

Keywords: baked feta, Mediterranean appetizer, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, baked cheese, party appetizer, vegetarian appetizer