If you have a thing for flavorful Mediterranean dishes that feel both rustic and elegant, the Baked Feta with Olives and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe is sure to become one of your all-time favorites. This dish combines creamy, tangy feta cheese with the juicy burst of roasted cherry tomatoes and the briny punch of mixed olives, all roasted together to create a luscious and aromatic centerpiece. It’s not only stunning on the table but also ridiculously easy to prepare, making it perfect for everything from casual weeknight dinners to impressive gatherings with friends. You’ll love how the flavors deepen in the oven, creating a melty, savory bite that pairs beautifully with crusty bread or crisp crackers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Baked Feta with Olives and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe relies on a handful of simple yet vibrant ingredients. Each component is essential because it brings a distinct flavor, texture, or color that makes the dish shine. You won’t need to stock up on anything fancy—just fresh, quality basics.
- 6-ounce block of feta cheese: Choose a good-quality feta packed in brine for optimal creaminess and tang.
- 1 1/2 cups olives (mix of green and black): The mix of olives adds a delicious salty complexity and a variety of textures.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes: These sweet, juicy tomatoes roast down beautifully, giving a burst of flavor in every bite.
- 4 garlic cloves, skins left on: Roasting garlic whole mellows its sharpness, creating a soft, sweet addition.
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil: Olive oil ties everything together while enhancing richness and roasting flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adds a subtle kick and depth without overpowering the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Just enough salt to elevate the dish without making it salty.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: Freshly ground for mild heat and aromatic layers.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil: Bright and fresh, basil brings herbal freshness that balances the richness.
How to Make Baked Feta with Olives and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is perfect for roasting the tomatoes until they burst and the feta until it’s perfectly soft and slightly golden on top.
Step 2: Assemble the Ingredients in Your Baking Dish
Place the block of feta cheese right in the center of your baking dish. Surround it evenly with the cherry tomatoes and a colorful blend of green and black olives. Tuck the whole, unpeeled garlic cloves around the sides; as they roast, their flavor will mellow and sweeten beautifully. Drizzle olive oil generously over everything, then sprinkle with kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes for that subtle heat and extra seasoning.
Step 3: Roast Until Melty and Bubbling
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the tomatoes have softened and started to burst, releasing their juices, and the feta is creamy and warm. The olives will have gently roasted too, intensifying their flavor.
Step 4: Prepare the Roasted Garlic and Combine
Remove the baking dish from the oven and carefully take out the garlic cloves. Let them cool just enough to handle, then squeeze the soft, roasted garlic out of their skins and roughly chop or mash them. Stir the garlic back into the baked feta, tomatoes, and olives, gently combining everything for a harmonious melody of flavors.
Step 5: Add Fresh Basil and Serve
Finish the dish by sprinkling the chopped fresh basil over the top. This adds a vibrant burst of color and freshness that perfectly complements the roasted ingredients. Serve immediately alongside crackers or crusty bread to scoop up every last delicious bite.
How to Serve Baked Feta with Olives and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
Garnishes
The simple touch of fresh basil is ideal, but you can also add a sprinkle of fresh oregano or thyme for an extra herbal note. For a pop of color and a subtle tang, a few lemon zest strips or a drizzle of good-quality balsamic vinegar can beautifully elevate the dish.
Side Dishes
This Baked Feta with Olives and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe is a fantastic appetizer or accompaniment to a variety of meals. Serve alongside warm pita bread, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a balanced and satisfying meal. It also pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or seafood when you want to add a Mediterranean flair.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, present the baked feta right in the baking dish for a rustic look, or transfer portions to individual ramekins for a more refined presentation. You can also serve it as a topping on crostini or alongside antipasti boards featuring cured meats, nuts, and fresh fruit for a stunning spread that sparks conversation and compliments.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (though it’s hard not to finish this off!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will deepen overnight, making it a delicious next-day snack or addition to salads and sandwiches.
Freezing
Freezing this dish is not ideal because the texture of baked feta and roasted tomatoes can change, becoming grainy or mushy when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a couple of days stored in the fridge.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the dish gently in a low oven or microwave just until heated through. Avoid overheating as the feta can dry out. Adding a drizzle of olive oil before warming helps maintain the creamy texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use another type of cheese instead of feta?
Feta’s unique salty tang and crumbly texture make it perfect for this recipe, but you can experiment with halloumi or goat cheese for different flavors. Just keep in mind the melting properties and salt content will vary.
What kind of olives work best?
A mix of green and black olives lends beautiful color contrast and flavor depth. Feel free to use your favorites such as Kalamata, Castelvetrano, or green Spanish olives—just make sure they’re pitted for easy eating.
Is this recipe spicy?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth but not overwhelming heat. You can adjust the amount or omit them if you prefer a milder dish.
Can I double this recipe for a larger group?
Absolutely! Just use a larger baking dish or two smaller ones, and keep the ratios and cook time roughly the same, adjusting as needed so everything roasts evenly.
What’s the best way to serve Baked Feta with Olives and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe for a party?
Serve it warm in the baking dish alongside an array of dippable breads like baguette slices, crackers, or pita chips, along with other Mediterranean appetizers for a colorful, shareable spread that guests will love.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about the simplicity and bold flavors in this Baked Feta with Olives and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe. It’s cozy, vibrant, and so easy to pull together that it quickly becomes a go-to dish whenever you crave something comforting yet elegant. Trust me, once you try it, this delightful combination will find a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. Don’t hesitate to experiment and make it your own—happy baking!
Print
Baked Feta with Olives and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
This Baked Feta with Olives recipe is a savory and aromatic appetizer featuring creamy feta cheese baked alongside juicy cherry tomatoes, a mix of green and black olives, and roasted garlic. Enhanced with olive oil and red pepper flakes, this dish bursts with Mediterranean flavors and is perfect for serving warm with crackers or crusty bread.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6-ounce block of feta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups olives (mix of green and black)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 4 garlic cloves, skins left on
Seasonings & Toppings
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the feta and vegetables evenly.
- Assemble Ingredients: Place the block of feta cheese in a baking dish. Surround the cheese with the cherry tomatoes and a mixture of green and black olives. Nestle the garlic cloves with their skins still on around the edges of the dish.
- Add Seasonings and Oil: Drizzle the olive oil over the entire dish. Sprinkle the kosher salt, ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes evenly on top to season the ingredients and add a bit of heat.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cherry tomatoes have softened and started to burst, releasing their juices and melding with the feta.
- Prepare Garlic: Remove the baking dish from the oven and carefully take out the garlic cloves. Squeeze the softened garlic out of their skins and roughly chop the garlic before returning it to the dish, mixing it gently with the other ingredients.
- Finish and Serve: Stir all ingredients together gently to combine the flavors. Top with freshly chopped basil. Serve immediately while warm with crackers or crusty bread for dipping and spreading.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes according to your taste.
- You can use other fresh herbs like thyme or oregano as alternatives to basil.
- Serve as an appetizer or alongside a fresh salad for a light meal.
- Use a small shallow baking dish or oven-safe skillet for even cooking.
- If you prefer, substitute regular salt for kosher salt, adjusting quantity accordingly.
