This simple baked feta dish featuring tomatoes transforms into a warm, creamy appetizer inspired by Greek cuisine in less than 25 minutes. Enjoy it with crusty bread for a delightful treat!
This recipe takes inspiration from my journey to Greece a few years back: I developed a fondness for a specific baked feta appetizer. It was prepared in various styles but was consistently delicious: melty, gooey feta in a tomato sauce, occasionally accompanied by onions or red peppers, and topped with a few herbs.
One server presented it to us while exclaiming, “Feta in the oven!” and I soon discovered this was the common English phrase found on most menus. Alex and I even tried to recreate it a few times during our stay in Greece in the kitchen of our rental home. This baked feta is the version I now whip up whenever hosting friends, and it vanishes quicker than anything else on the table!
Reasons to Adore This Baked Feta Recipe
– It’s irresistibly tasty. The finest appetizers are usually the most straightforward. A block of feta goes into a small dish with tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil, then bakes until warm and melty: pure bliss!
– It’s based on an authentic recipe from Greece. While it may not be exactly what I enjoyed there, it captures a similar, carefree essence!
– It’s simple to prepare: It comes together in under 25 minutes, most of which is oven time, and it’s highly adaptable.
Necessary Ingredients
During my time in Greece, we used large fresh tomatoes for baking the feta, which worked wonderfully. However, when attempting this at home in the US, the tomatoes turned out too watery. We opted for cherry tomatoes, which yielded better results. Here’s what you’ll need:
– Feta cheese: Choose a solid block of feta, avoiding the pre-crumbled version. I prefer feta packed in brine for optimal texture and flavor.
– Cherry tomatoes: This is my trick for achieving a jammy, non-watery outcome.
– Garlic: Adds just the right savory touch.
– Olive oil: A good drizzle is vital.
– Dried oregano: The quintessential Greek herb here. Fresh oregano or thyme are fantastic if you have them available.
– Kalamata olives: Optional, yet they contribute a briny kick.
Steps for Making Baked Feta
This is more of a technique than a strict recipe; here’s the core method:
1. Preheat and prepare. Set the oven to 400°F. Halve the cherry tomatoes and mix them with a few pinches of kosher salt while waiting for the oven to heat.
2. Assemble the ingredients in a small dish. In an oven-safe dish, combine the tomatoes, minced garlic, and olives. Place the feta block in the center, drizzle it with olive oil, and sprinkle oregano on top.
3. Bake and serve. Bake for approximately 18 minutes, until the feta is warm and soft, and the tomatoes have burst. Serve right away.
Pro tip: If desired, you can place the dish under the broiler for the final minute or two to achieve a lightly golden surface on the feta.
Serving Suggestions
Baked feta is best enjoyed warm straight from the oven, paired with something to dip in it, and a few Mediterranean-style platters on the side. Here are my suggestions:
Flavor Variations
– Honey baked feta: Drizzle warm honey over the feta just before serving for a delightful sweet-and-salty blend.
– Roasted red peppers: Incorporate sliced roasted red peppers into the dish before baking for added sweetness and color.
– Baked feta pasta: This is the viral recipe that captivated the internet! Double the recipe (8 oz feta and 2 pints tomatoes) along with ¼ cup olive oil, then mix the softened mixture into a pound of hot cooked pasta with a splash of pasta water.
Storage and Preparation Ahead of Time
Baked feta is best enjoyed fresh and warm. Leftovers can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days: reheat gently in a 350°F oven. You can also prepare the entire dish in advance, cover it, and refrigerate for a few hours before baking: simply add a few minutes to the cooking time.
Dietary Information
This baked feta recipe is suitable for vegetarians and is gluten-free.
Baked Feta with Tomatoes
This simple baked feta dish featuring tomatoes transforms into a warm, creamy appetizer inspired by Greek cuisine in less than 25 minutes. Enjoy it with crusty bread for a delightful treat!
Author: a Couple Cooks
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 23 minutes
Yield: 4 as a small appetizer
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baked
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
– 8 to 10 cherry tomatoes*
– 1 garlic clove
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
– 10 Kalamata olives
– 4 to 5 ounce