Mediterranean Baked Feta Recipe

Picture this: creamy feta cheese, bubbling and golden, surrounded by olive oil-slicked sun-dried tomatoes, briny olives, and aromatic herbs. That’s the magic of Mediterranean Baked Feta—a crave-able, effortless appetizer that instantly transports you to a sun-drenched patio on the coast. Trust me, after the first bite, you’ll want to make this again and again!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Mediterranean Baked Feta is how effortless but purposeful each ingredient is. These simple, everyday items come together for extraordinary flavor, color, and aroma—every component really does its part in the final dish!

• Block Feta Cheese (8 ounces): Go for a whole block—crumbled feta just can’t mimic the rich, creamy texture that bakes up so beautifully.
• Pitted Olives (1 cup), halved: Use green, Kalamata, or a colorful mix. Their briny tang is absolutely essential for that Mediterranean vibe.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes (½ cup), drained & chopped: These add chewy, concentrated bursts of sweetness and color—you’ll love the way they caramelize in the oven.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil (⅓ cup): This ties all the flavors together and helps the feta soften and brown ever so slightly.
• Garlic (3 cloves), minced: Adds a pungent kick and an unbelievable aroma while baking.
• Dried Oregano (½ teaspoon): Classic Mediterranean earthiness that plays so well with the cheese and tomatoes.
• Dried Thyme (½ teaspoon): A subtle, woodsy flavor that gives lovely depth.
• Dried Basil (½ teaspoon): For a mildly sweet, herbaceous note to round it all out.
• Red Pepper Flakes (a pinch): For just a hint of gentle heat in every bite—adjust to taste!
• Kosher Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: To enhance all those bright, bold flavors.
• Fresh Parsley, chopped: An optional but highly recommended final flourish for freshness and vibrant color.

Variations

One of the best things about Mediterranean Baked Feta is how easy it is to switch things up based on what you have on hand or what your guests love. Treat this recipe as your canvas—make it your own!

• Add Cherry Tomatoes: Toss in halved fresh cherry tomatoes for extra juiciness and a burst of color. The tomatoes will roast alongside the feta, adding sweet-tart notes.
• Mix Up the Herbs: Use fresh oregano, dill, or mint instead of dried, or try a sprinkle of za’atar for delightful Middle Eastern flair.
• Make It Spicy: Amp up the red pepper flakes, or add sliced fresh jalapeños for a fiery Mediterranean twist.
• Vegan Version: Substitute with a vegan feta-style block—the flavors from the herbs and toppings will still shine.
• Different Olives: Swap in Castelvetrano, Niçoise, or your favorite variety for a unique flavor spin.

How to Make Mediterranean Baked Feta

Step 1: Prep Your Feta and Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the block of feta right in the center of a small, oven-safe baking dish. No fussing needed—just set it down and let it be the centerpiece.

Step 2: Mix the Flavorful Topping

In a medium bowl, mix together the halved olives, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. You’re creating an herby, garlicky, olive-loaded mixture that will infuse the feta as it bakes.

Step 3: Top and Arrange

Pour your flavorful topping over the feta, making sure the cheese is nicely coated and plenty of goodies surround it. You can nudge the olives and sun-dried tomatoes around the sides for the prettiest presentation and even cooking.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 20–25 minutes until the feta is soft and almost starting to melt at the edges. If you crave a slightly caramelized, golden top, pop it under the broiler for 1–2 minutes—but keep a close eye to avoid burning those lovely toppings!

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

Scatter plenty of fresh parsley over the warm feta and serve it straight from the dish. It’s unbeatable with crostini, pita chips, or crunchy cucumber slices, scooping up every rich, herby mouthful.

How to Serve Mediterranean Baked Feta

Garnishes

A generous shower of freshly chopped parsley brightens everything up, both in flavor and appearance. For extra Mediterranean flair, add a pinch of lemon zest or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil just before serving.

Side Dishes

Nothing complements Mediterranean Baked Feta like crusty bread—think crostini, herbed flatbread, or crunchy pita chips. For a lighter take, cucumber rounds, endive leaves, or bell pepper strips are perfect vehicles for scooping up that creamy cheese and herby oil.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your baked feta right in the baking dish for a rustic look, or carefully transfer it to a serving platter and pile the colorful toppings around. For a picnic or outdoor party, tuck the hot dish into an insulated bag—it will stay warm and inviting, ready to wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If by some miracle you end up with leftovers, simply transfer the cooled feta and toppings to an airtight container. It’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for 3–4 days, and the flavors just get more intense and delicious.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t ideal for Mediterranean Baked Feta, as the cheese’s texture can change and become crumbly once thawed. If you do freeze it, expect a less creamy consistency after reheating.

Reheating

The quickest way to revive leftovers is to bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, or gently microwave in 20-second bursts. Stir a little extra olive oil over the top if it seems dry when reheating.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

No matter the season or occasion, Mediterranean Baked Feta is pure, shareable comfort with a touch of sun-soaked magic. I hope this recipe brings big smiles to your table—and inspires you to bake it for every gathering, or whenever you crave a taste of the Mediterranean!

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