Baked Feta with Olives & Sun-Dried Tomatoes: An Incredible 5-Star Recipe

Have you ever tasted a dish so good, it transports you to a sun-drenched Greek island? Baked Feta with Olives & Sun-Dried Tomatoes: An Incredible 5-Star Recipe is that dish. It’s a symphony of salty, tangy, and sweet flavors, a textural masterpiece that will leave you craving more.

Picture this: warm, creamy feta, melting under a blanket of sun-dried tomatoes and plump olives. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s the perfect appetizer, side dish, or even a light lunch, transporting you to a culinary paradise with every bite.

This Baked Feta with Olives & Sun-Dried Tomatoes recipe boasts incredible ease of preparation, a vibrant flavor profile that dances on your tongue, stunning visual appeal making it perfect for any gathering, and remarkable versatility, easily adaptable to your tastes.

This recipe is unbelievably simple. The flavors meld beautifully. Its beautiful presentation is perfect for impressing guests. You can easily customize it with your favorite herbs and spices.

Ingredients for Baked Feta with Olives & Sun-Dried Tomatoes: An Incredible 5-Star Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Feta Cheese Choose a high-quality feta, preferably one that’s firm but not overly dry. Look for feta that’s been brined in olive oil.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of sweet and tangy flavor. Look for ones packed in olive oil, not water.

Kalamata Olives These olives provide a salty, briny counterpoint to the sweetness of the tomatoes and the creaminess of the feta. Choose pitted olives for easier eating.

Cherry Tomatoes These add a pop of freshness and juiciness to balance the other ingredients. Halve or quarter larger tomatoes.

Red Onion A small amount of thinly sliced red onion lends a touch of sharpness and sweetness to the dish.

Fresh Oregano This herb complements the Mediterranean flavors beautifully. If fresh oregano isn’t available, you can substitute with 1 teaspoon of dried oregano.

Olive Oil Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. It also helps to keep the feta moist during baking.

Garlic Fresh garlic adds a subtle pungent aroma and flavor. One or two cloves, minced finely, will do the trick.

Fresh Basil (optional) Adds a fragrant touch and a burst of fresh flavor. If using fresh basil, add it towards the end.

Salt and Black Pepper Season to taste, remembering the olives and feta are already salty.

Optional additions

: Crusty bread for dipping, a sprinkle of chili flakes for a little heat.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Baked Feta with Olives & Sun-Dried Tomatoes: An Incredible 5-Star Recipe

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a small oven-safe dish, like a cast iron skillet or a shallow baking dish.

Step 2: Arrange the Ingredients

Place the block of feta cheese in the center of your prepared dish. Arrange the halved cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and thinly sliced red onion around the feta.

Step 3: Season and Drizzle

Drizzle generously with olive oil, ensuring all the ingredients are lightly coated. Sprinkle with minced garlic, fresh oregano, salt, and pepper. Add a pinch of chili flakes if you like a little heat.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the feta is soft and gooey, and the tomatoes are slightly softened and bursting with flavor. The top should be lightly browned.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

If using fresh basil, sprinkle it over the baked feta just before serving. Serve immediately with crusty bread for dipping. The warm, creamy feta, combined with the burst of flavor from the olives and tomatoes, is simply divine.

Step 6: Enjoy the Deliciousness

This dish is equally satisfying hot or at room temperature.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

First, preheat your oven. Then, toss the olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta together. Arrange this mixture in a baking dish, drizzle with olive oil and a touch of oregano, and bake until the feta is beautifully melted and bubbly.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to experiment! Swap Kalamata olives for Castelvetrano, or add a sprinkle of chili flakes for a kick. Consider different herbs like thyme or rosemary, or even a squeeze of lemon juice at the end.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through, avoiding over-cooking which can dry out the feta.

Use high-quality feta for the best flavor. Don’t overcrowd the baking dish; allow space for even browning. Let the dish rest for a few minutes after baking before serving—it allows the flavors to meld.

I once served this Baked Feta with Olives & Sun-Dried Tomatoes at a potluck, and it vanished in minutes. Everyone raved about the simple yet stunning flavors.

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My sister, a notoriously picky eater, declared this her new favorite dish. It’s that good.

Baked Feta with Olives & Sun-Dried Tomatoes

: A Simple Recipe for Stunning Results

This Baked Feta with Olives & Sun-Dried Tomatoes recipe is unbelievably easy, yet delivers incredible flavor and visual appeal. It’s the perfect appetizer, side dish, or even a light lunch—and it’s remarkably adaptable to your taste. Forget complicated recipes and fussy techniques; this dish is all about simple ingredients elevated to perfection. The salty feta, briny olives, and sweet sun-dried tomatoes create a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is intentionally minimalistic, allowing the quality of the ingredients to shine. You’ll need:

One block of high-quality feta cheese (around 8 ounces)

Half a cup of Kalamata olives, pitted and halved

Half a cup of oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and roughly chopped

Two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil

One teaspoon of dried oregano

Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Optional: A pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat

Step-by-Step Instructions

: Your Journey to Feta Heaven

This recipe is incredibly straightforward, even a culinary novice can master it!

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is the crucial first step, ensuring perfectly melted and bubbly feta.

In a small bowl, gently toss together the pitted and halved Kalamata olives, the drained and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and the crumbled feta cheese. A light touch is key here; you want to combine the ingredients without breaking up the feta too much.

Find a small oven-safe dish. I prefer something shallow and wide, to ensure even cooking and browning. Transfer your feta-olive-sun-dried tomato mixture into the dish.

Drizzle generously with two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. This helps create a lovely sheen and adds richness to the flavors. A good quality olive oil will make all the difference here.

Sprinkle the mixture with a teaspoon of dried oregano and a generous grinding of freshly ground black pepper. If you like a bit of a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes now.

Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the feta is beautifully melted and bubbly, and the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep an eye on it; ovens vary, so you might need to adjust the baking time slightly.

Once baked, remove from the oven and let the dish rest for about five minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in an even more satisfying taste.

Serving Suggestions

: Elevate Your Feta Experience

This Baked Feta with Olives & Sun-Dried Tomatoes is incredibly versatile. Serve it as:

A delicious appetizer, perfect for parties or gatherings. Its vibrant colors and irresistible aromas will draw everyone in.

A fantastic side dish, complementing grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or even a simple salad. The salty, tangy, and sweet flavors make a delightful counterpoint to many dishes.

A light lunch, served with crusty bread or pita chips for dipping. It’s a satisfying and flavorful meal that won’t weigh you down.

Baked Feta with Olives & Sun-Dried Tomatoes

: Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of feta cheese should I use?

Use a high-quality feta cheese for the best flavor. Look for feta that is creamy and slightly tangy, not overly salty or dry.

Can I use different types of olives?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of olives, such as Castelvetrano or Cerignola olives.

Can I make this ahead of time?

It’s best to bake the feta just before serving, as the feta can become dry if reheated. However, you can prepare the mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Recipe Variations

: Unleash Your Culinary Creativity

This Baked Feta with Olives & Sun-Dried Tomatoes recipe is a fantastic base for culinary experimentation. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Add some fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, for an extra layer of flavor.

Incorporate a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for a burst of freshness.

Try different types of sun-dried tomatoes, such as those packed in olive oil or herbs.

Add a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or walnuts for added crunch.

This Baked Feta with Olives & Sun-Dried Tomatoes recipe is a testament to the power of simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a dish that’s both visually stunning and incredibly delicious. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of this incredible 5-star recipe.

Conclusion for Baked Feta with Olives & Sun-Dried Tomatoes: An Incredible 5-Star Recipe

This Baked Feta with Olives & Sun-Dried Tomatoes recipe is a simple yet stunning dish perfect for any occasion. The combination of creamy feta, briny olives, and sweet sun-dried tomatoes is irresistible. It’s incredibly easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers maximum flavor. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just craving a delicious and satisfying weeknight meal, this recipe is a guaranteed winner. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to be amazed by this five-star culinary creation!

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FAQs

Can I make this Baked Feta with Olives & Sun-Dried Tomatoes recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This recipe is fantastic for meal prepping. You can assemble the entire dish up to a day in advance and store it, covered, in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you’re ready. The flavors will actually deepen overnight, creating an even more delicious experience. Remember to adjust the baking time slightly if it’s been chilling – you might need a few extra minutes to get that perfect bubbly, golden-brown top.

What kind of feta cheese works best for this Baked Feta with Olives & Sun-Dried Tomatoes recipe?

While you can experiment, a good quality, firm feta cheese is ideal. The firmer texture holds its shape better during baking, preventing it from becoming too watery. Look for a feta that’s not overly salty, as you can always add more salt to the dish if needed. Avoid crumbly feta, as it might not hold together as well.

Are there any substitutions I can make for the olives or sun-dried tomatoes in this Baked Feta with Olives & Sun-Dried Tomatoes recipe?

Certainly! Feel free to get creative. Kalamata olives are a classic choice, but Castelvetrano olives offer a milder, buttery flavor. If you’re not a fan of olives, you could substitute artichoke hearts or roasted red peppers. Similarly, you can swap sun-dried tomatoes for other flavorful additions like roasted cherry tomatoes or even a mix of different dried herbs.

Can I bake this Baked Feta with Olives & Sun-Dried Tomatoes recipe in a different size dish?

Yes, you can! The baking time might need to be adjusted depending on the size and shape of your baking dish. A smaller dish will result in a quicker bake time, while a larger dish may require a longer bake. Keep an eye on it, and use a food thermometer to ensure the feta is heated through and slightly melted. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for your oven and dish size. Remember to always prioritize safety and proper cooking temperatures.