Warm Herb-Infused Feta with Olives and Sundried Tomatoes Recipe
Enjoy a delightful Mediterranean appetizer featuring warm, herb-infused baked feta cheese fragrant with garlic, oregano, and thyme, paired beautifully with a vibrant mix of green and kalamata olives, semi-sundried tomatoes, and zesty lemon wedges. Served with seeded crackers or crusty bread, this easy-to-make dish is perfect for festive gatherings or a flavorful starter.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Total Time: 20-23 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Feta and Herb Mixture
- 1 block feta cheese
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Accompaniments
- 1/2 cup green olives
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives
- 1/2 cup semi-sundried tomatoes
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Seeded crackers or crusty bread, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure a hot environment for baking the feta cheese to perfection.
- Prepare Feta in Baking Dish: Place the block of feta cheese in a small baking dish. Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil evenly over the feta, then top with the crushed garlic, dried oregano, and dried thyme to infuse the cheese with aromatic flavors.
- Bake the Feta: Bake the feta in the oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the cheese is warmed through, lightly golden on top, and beginning to melt slightly around the edges. This gentle baking softens the feta while blending the herby flavors.
- Add Fresh Parsley: Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the warm feta to add a burst of color and fresh herbal notes.
- Arrange Accompaniments: Artistically arrange the green olives, kalamata olives, semi-sundried tomatoes, and lemon wedges around the baked feta in the serving dish to enhance flavor contrasts and visual appeal.
- Serve: Serve the warm, herb-infused feta alongside seeded crackers or slices of crusty bread. The combination invites dipping and pairs beautifully for a festive Mediterranean appetizer experience.
Notes
- For a spicier variation, add a pinch of red chili flakes before baking the feta.
- Semi-sundried tomatoes can be substituted with sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for enhanced flavor.
- Use a shallow baking dish to allow the feta to warm evenly and develop a slight golden crust.
- Serve immediately while the feta is warm for the best creamy texture and flavor.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days.
Keywords: baked feta, Mediterranean appetizer, herb infused feta, olives, sundried tomatoes, garlic feta, party appetizer, easy baked cheese
