Baked Feta Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it’s an effortless way to impress my friends with a delicious, Instagram-worthy dish that’s bursting with flavor. The combination of creamy feta and blistered cherry tomatoes creates a mouthwatering aroma that pairs perfectly with warm crusty bread, making every bite a delightful experience.

I love the uncomplicatedness and savoriness of baked feta. This dish showcases a 200g block of feta cheese nestled among 250g of cherry tomatoes, with the rich, savory forms of minced garlic and dried oregano making up the dish’s flavor base.

This dish’s flavor base requires a modest amount of time to prepare. First, 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil is drizzled atop and olive oil is then poured over the tomatoes so they don’t bake dry.

I seem to always reach for the label reading “packed in brine” whenever I grab a block of feta for this standard dish.

Ingredients

• Feta Cheese: Rich in protein, calcium; adds creamy, tangy flavor.
• Cherry Tomatoes: High in vitamins A, C; provides natural sweetness.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Healthy fats; enhances flavor and texture.
• Garlic: Rich in antioxidants; adds aromatic depth.
• Oregano: Herbaceous; offers earthy, Mediterranean notes.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds spicy kick; boosts metabolism benefits.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Fragrant herb; brightens dish with fresh taste.

Ingredient Quantities

• 200g block of feta cheese
• 250g cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Salt, to taste
• Handful of fresh basil leaves, for garnish
• Crusty bread, for serving

Instructions

1. Set your oven to a temperature of 400° Fahrenheit (200° Celsius).

2. In a small baking dish, position the block of feta cheese in the middle.

3. Distribute the halved cherry tomatoes in the baking dish around the feta.

4. Sprinkle the extra virgin olive oil evenly over the feta and tomatoes.

5. Spread the diced garlic, dried oregono, and red pepper flakes over the feta and tomatoes.

6. Add freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of salt for seasoning.

7. Put the baking dish into the oven, which has been preheated, and bake for 25-30 minutes. It should be noted that the oven must be at the appropriate temperature before placing the dish inside. Check to ensure that the feta has softened and that the tomatoes have blistered before removing it from the oven.

8. Take the dish out of the oven and let it cool a bit.

9. Pluck the fresh basil leaves and sprinkle them over the baked feta and the tomatoes.

10. Serve with slices of warm crusty bread for dipping.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Small baking dish
3. Knife
4. Cutting board
5. Measuring cups and spoons
6. Garlic press or mincer
7. Pepper grinder (for freshly ground black pepper)
8. Oven mitts
9. Serving platter or plate

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of cheese instead of feta?Certainly! Although feta is the cheese normally used, you can try goat cheese or a firmer ricotta for an unusual flavor and texture. You can also experiment with many other cheeses, as they lend different flavors and textures.
• What can I serve with baked feta?It is delicious with crusty bread, pita, or as a dressing for pasta or salads.
• How long should I bake the feta?Cook in an oven preheated to 200°C (392°F) for around 20-25 minutes, or until the tomatoes have blistered and the feta has turned soft.
• Can I add other vegetables to this dish?Definitely! Adding vegetables such as bell peppers, olives, or zucchini can infuse extra flavor and vibrant color.
• Is this dish suitable for a cold appetizer?Yes, it can be served as a cold appetizer or as part of a mezze platter once it has cooled.
• How do I store leftovers?Keep it in an airtight container, placed in the fridge, for up to 2 days. You can serve it reheated (just warm, please) or unheated (as in, cold).

Substitutions and Variations

Feta cheese: Use goat cheese or ricotta and make it creamy, and that’s what you’ve got.
Grape or chopped Roma tomatoes may be used instead if cherry tomatoes are unavailable.
If using extra virgin olive oil, substitute with either avocado oil or a light-tasting variety of olive oil.
Garlic: If fresh garlic is not available, substitute with garlic powder, using 1/4 teaspoon per clove.
Cayenne pepper or chili powder can be used instead of red pepper flakes for a different kind of heat.

Pro Tips

1. High-Quality Feta Use high-quality, authentic Greek feta made from sheep’s milk for the best creamy texture and rich flavor. It makes a significant difference in the final dish.

2. Tomato Variety While cherry tomatoes are recommended, mixing in some heirloom or grape tomatoes can add a burst of color and a slight variation in sweetness, enhancing the dish.

3. Garlic Roasting For a more complex flavor, briefly roast the minced garlic in olive oil before adding it to the dish. This mellows the garlic and infuses the oil with even more flavor.

4. Herb Infusion Add a few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary to the baking dish before it goes into the oven. The warmth will release their oils, imparting a subtle earthy aroma.

5. Crusty Bread Lightly toast the crusty bread slices with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt for added crunch and flavor that pairs perfectly with the soft feta and juicy tomatoes.