Baked Feta Recipe with Olives and Tomatoes

Baked Feta Recipe with Olives & Sun-Dried Tomatoes: The Only Recipe You’ll Ever Need

Imagine hosting a casual gathering with friends, where the star of the show is a warm, irresistible baked feta recipe that combines creamy cheese with the bold flavors of olives and sun-dried tomatoes. This Mediterranean baked feta recipe is not just an appetizer—it’s a crowd-pleaser that solves the common problem of needing a quick, elegant dish for last-minute entertaining. With its oven-baked gooey texture, this feta appetizer recipe elevates simple ingredients into something extraordinary, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. In the first bite, you’ll experience the tangy feta melting into a luscious, shareable dip that’s ready in just 30 minutes. As the go-to baked feta with olives and baked feta with sun-dried tomatoes guide on leosfoods.com, this recipe promises to become your kitchen staple.

The allure of this baked feta recipe lies in its sensory symphony of flavors and textures that dance on your palate. Picture the creamy feta turning golden and gooey in the oven, contrasted by the briny burst of Kalamata olives and the sweet, chewy bite of sun-dried tomatoes. Each element releases aromatic notes of garlic, oregano, and a hint of red pepper flakes, filling your kitchen with the warm, earthy scents of the Mediterranean. The olive oil adds a silky gloss, enhancing the overall mouthfeel, while the fresh herbs garnish brings a pop of color and freshness. This baked feta with olives and sun-dried tomatoes isn’t just food—it’s an experience that transports you to sun-kissed shores with every dip of crusty bread.

What sets this baked feta recipe apart on leosfoods.com is the expertise of Chef Stella, whose time-tested Mediterranean baked feta creation has been perfected for foolproof results. You’ll discover not just a recipe, but a comprehensive guide packed with tips, substitutions, and a special “Chef’s Secret” that ensures your dish turns out perfectly every time. From ingredient spotlights to step-by-step visuals, this post is designed to build your confidence in the kitchen, making you feel like a pro. Stick around for serving ideas, FAQs, and more—your ultimate baked feta with olives adventure starts here.

Why This Baked Feta with Olives & Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe is a Game-Changer

The Chef’s Secret: The unique angle of this recipe is the “oven-baked gooey feta” technique, where we carefully balance the baking time and temperature to achieve a perfectly melted, creamy interior without overcooking the cheese. By drizzling high-quality olive oil and layering fresh garlic and herbs directly on the feta, we lock in moisture and amplify flavors, creating a dish that’s far superior to basic versions. This method ensures the feta doesn’t dry out, resulting in a dip that’s irresistibly shareable and packed with Mediterranean essence.

Unbeatable Texture: The science behind the texture comes from the high moisture content in feta cheese, which, when baked at 400°F, undergoes a gentle melting process. The fats in the cheese emulsify with the olive oil, creating a gooey, spreadable consistency that’s soft yet holds its shape. This is enhanced by the olives and sun-dried tomatoes, which release their juices during baking, adding moisture and preventing the feta from becoming rubbery—guaranteeing a luxurious mouthfeel every time.

Foolproof for a Reason: This recipe has been tested multiple times in our kitchen to ensure reliability, with precise measurements and straightforward steps that cater to beginners and experts alike. Whether you’re a first-time cook or a seasoned chef, the clear instructions minimize errors, making this baked feta with olives and sun-dried tomatoes a dependable go-to for any occasion.

Ingredient Spotlight: Quality Makes the Difference

Starting with the star, feta cheese: This brined Greek cheese is essential for its tangy, creamy profile that melts beautifully in this baked feta recipe. Opt for a high-quality block from sheep’s milk for authentic flavor and better melting properties—avoid pre-crumbled versions, as they often contain additives that affect texture. If you’re looking for a substitution, try goat cheese for a similar tang, but note it will be slightly earthier; this swap works well for those with dairy sensitivities.

Kalamata olives: These plump, purple olives bring a briny, salty punch that complements the creaminess of the feta in this Mediterranean baked feta dish. Always choose pitted and high-quality olives packed in brine or oil to preserve their natural flavors and prevent any bitterness. For substitutions, green olives can replace them for a milder taste, or you could use Castelvetrano olives for a buttery alternative, ensuring the dish remains a balanced feta appetizer recipe.

Sun-dried tomatoes: Their sweet, intense flavor adds a chewy contrast and depth to this baked feta with sun-dried tomatoes recipe. Select oil-packed varieties for extra moisture and richness, which enhances the overall dish. If unavailable, fresh tomatoes oven-dried at home work as a substitute, but they’ll need longer baking to achieve that signature concentrated taste, making this a versatile option for your baked feta with olives creation.

Olive oil: This ingredient acts as a flavor enhancer and moisture retainer, helping to create the gooey texture in your baked feta recipe. Choose extra-virgin olive oil for its fruity notes and health benefits—it’s crucial for the authentic Mediterranean baked feta experience. A neutral oil like avocado can substitute in a pinch, though it won’t impart the same depth of flavor.

Garlic and seasonings: Minced garlic infuses a pungent aroma, while dried oregano and red pepper flakes add herbal and spicy notes to this feta appetizer recipe. Fresh garlic is best for potency; substitute with garlic powder if needed, but use half the amount to avoid overpowering. Fresh oregano can replace dried for a brighter taste, elevating the overall profile of your baked feta with sun-dried tomatoes.

Step-by-Step Instructions (with Photos)

Step 1: Preheating the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure even baking for this baked feta recipe. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect gooey texture.

Pro Tip: Use an oven thermometer to verify the temperature, as inaccuracies can affect the melting process of the feta.

Step 2: Placing the Feta in the Dish

In a small baking dish, position the 7-8 ounce block of feta cheese right in the center, creating a sturdy base for your Mediterranean baked feta toppings.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t overcrowd the dish; give the feta space to melt evenly, or it might become unevenly textured.

Step 3: Topping with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Generously top the feta with 1/2 cup halved Kalamata olives and 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, distributing them evenly for balanced flavors in this baked feta with olives and sun-dried tomatoes recipe.

Pro Tip: Pat the olives dry before adding to prevent excess moisture that could make the dish watery.

Step 4: Adding Seasonings and Oil

Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the toppings, then sprinkle with 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Go easy on the red pepper flakes if you’re sensitive to spice; you can always add more after baking.

Step 5: Baking the Dish

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until the feta is soft and slightly golden around the edges, transforming into that signature gooey delight of this baked feta recipe.

Pro Tip: Check at the 15-minute mark to avoid overbaking, as the feta should be creamy, not firm.

Step 6: Cooling and Garnishing

Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a final touch of this feta appetizer recipe.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t skip the cooling step, as it allows flavors to meld without burning your mouth.

Step 7: Serving the Appetizer

Serve warm with crusty bread for dipping, turning this baked feta with sun-dried tomatoes into a shareable masterpiece.

Pro Tip: Warm the bread slightly in the oven for the best dipping experience.

Serving & Presentation

For an impressive presentation of this baked feta recipe, arrange the warm, gooey feta in a rustic wooden board, surrounded by slices of crusty bread and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. The vibrant colors of the olives and sun-dried tomatoes make this Mediterranean baked feta a visual feast, perfect for parties. Complement it with light side dishes like grilled vegetables or a fresh Greek salad to enhance the flavors, or pair it as an appetizer before a main course of grilled lamb or fish for a full Mediterranean meal.

Make-Ahead & Storage Solutions

Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare the toppings (olives, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and seasonings) up to 3 days in advance and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Assemble the dish just before baking to maintain the fresh flavors of this baked feta with olives recipe.

Storing Leftovers: Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe bags for up to a month, ensuring to wrap tightly to preserve the gooey texture.

The Best Way to Reheat: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes to restore the original gooey consistency without drying out the feta. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the cheese rubbery, keeping your baked feta with sun-dried tomatoes as delicious as freshly made.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)