Description
Mediterranean baked feta featuring robust Greek flavors combines creamy cheese with briny olives and tangy sun-dried tomatoes. Quick and simple ingredients create a delightful appetizer you’ll savor with crusty bread and fresh herbs.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 block (8 oz or 226 g) feta cheese (Greek feta, not crumbled)
- 2 cloves garlic (thinly sliced or minced)
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained & chopped)
- ¼ cup mixed olives (Kalamata, green, or a mix, pitted & halved)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tsp honey (for a hint of sweetness, optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish, optional)
- Crusty bread, pita chips, or crackers (for serving)
Instructions
- Preparation: Position feta in a compact ceramic or cast-iron dish, ensuring comfortable placement for accompanying ingredients.
- Seasoning: Generously drench the cheese with extra virgin olive oil, creating a glossy exterior while prepping flavor foundations.
- Ingredient Distribution: Strategically scatter sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and minced garlic around and over the feta, establishing a Mediterranean flavor profile.
- Flavor Enhancement: Drizzle honey across the surface, then sprinkle dried oregano and red pepper flakes to create a complex, nuanced taste experience.
- Roasting Process: Transfer the assembled dish into a preheated oven at 375F (190C), allowing ingredients to meld and transform for 15-20 minutes until the cheese becomes warm and slightly softened.
- Finishing Touch: Optional broiling for 2-3 minutes creates a golden-brown caramelized surface, carefully monitoring to prevent burning.
- Serving: Remove the aromatic dish, garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley, and present immediately alongside crusty bread, pita chips, or artisan crackers for an interactive dining experience.
Notes
- Cheese Selection: Choose full-fat, high-quality Greek feta for optimal creaminess and authentic Mediterranean flavor.
- Oil Quality Matters: Use extra virgin olive oil to enhance richness and provide authentic Mediterranean taste profile.
- Watch Baking Time: Monitor oven closely to prevent cheese from overcooking or becoming rubbery; 15-20 minutes ensures perfect softness.
- Customize Heat Levels: Adjust red pepper flakes to personal spice preference, ranging from mild to intensely fiery.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg