Mediterranean Baked Feta Delight
The Mediterranean diet is celebrated around the world for its simplicity, freshness, and balance between health and pleasure. Among its iconic ingredients stands feta cheese—a Greek specialty with a tangy, salty flavor and a crumbly texture that becomes irresistibly creamy once baked.
This recipe for oven-baked feta with olives and sun-dried tomatoes is an easy yet elegant dish that brings the sunny flavors of the Mediterranean straight to your table. Perfect for serving as an appetizer, mezze, or even as part of a light main course, it combines the creaminess of warm feta with the richness of olives and the sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes.
Ingredients (serves 4)
- 1 block of feta cheese (about 200 g / 7 oz)
- ½ cup mixed olives, pitted (black and green for contrast)
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or Mediterranean herbs blend)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or flat-leaf parsley, for garnish
Tip: Always use a good-quality feta, ideally Greek PDO feta, for the most authentic flavor and perfect creamy texture once baked.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature will allow the feta to soften while creating a lightly golden crust.
2. Prepare the dish
Place the block of feta in the center of a small ovenproof baking dish. Choose a snug dish so that the ingredients stay close to the cheese and flavors infuse beautifully.
3. Add toppings
Scatter the olives and sun-dried tomatoes around the feta. These Mediterranean staples will release their natural oils and flavors during baking, seasoning the cheese naturally.
4. Season
Drizzle generously with extra virgin olive oil. Sprinkle with oregano, a touch of black pepper, and only a pinch of salt (remember, both feta and olives are already quite salty).
5. Bake
Bake for about 25 minutes until the feta is soft, slightly golden at the edges, and infused with the herbs and toppings.
6. Garnish and serve
Remove from the oven, top with fresh basil or parsley, and serve immediately with crusty bread, pita chips, or crackers for dipping.
Serving Ideas & Variations
- Spicy twist: Add red pepper flakes or chili oil before baking.
- Sweet-savory version: Drizzle a touch of honey over the hot feta for a Greek-style sweet and salty balance.
- With vegetables: Roast cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or bell peppers alongside the feta.
- As a main dish: Pair baked feta with pasta, quinoa, or couscous for a satisfying vegetarian meal.
- Party mezze platter: Serve with hummus, tzatziki, and warm pita bread for a festive spread.
Nutritional Benefits
- Feta cheese: A great source of protein and calcium, supporting bone health and satiety.
- Olives: Rich in healthy monounsaturated fats that promote heart health.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Packed with antioxidants like lycopene, which boost immunity.
- Olive oil: A cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet, linked to lower risks of heart disease.
This dish is not just delicious—it’s also nutrient-dense and aligns with healthy Mediterranean eating habits.
What to Serve With Mediterranean Baked Feta
- Freshly baked baguette or focaccia
- Crackers with herbs and sea salt
- Crisp vegetable sticks (cucumber, carrots, celery)
- A side Greek salad with cucumber, tomato, and red onion
- A chilled glass of dry white wine or rosé
Conclusion
This Mediterranean baked feta delight is the kind of recipe that proves less is more. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a dish that is comforting, elegant, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re hosting friends, preparing a cozy family dinner, or simply craving a taste of the Mediterranean, this baked feta will not disappoint.