I recently prepared a Baked Feta Appetizer in which a creamy block of feta cheese mingles with sun-dried tomatoes, sliced garlic, and briny olives. Drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and seasoned with oregano, this Greek Recipes take is a fun twist. I relish its distinct flavors and unexpected charm.

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I recently discovered this Baked Feta Recipe that totally blew my mind. I was looking for a kick-ass appetizer and this one checks every box.

I start with an 8 oz block of feta cheese, then add in a 1/2 cup of roughly chopped sun-dried tomatoes and 1/2 cup of pitted olives that I slice in half. The best part?

I layer on 3 thinly sliced garlic cloves and drizzle 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil, tossing in a teaspoon of dried oregano and a pinch of salt and pepper to really bring out the flavor. Once baked until it’s warm and creamy, I serve it up with crisp crostini or baguette slices.

This dish is one of those Greek Recipes that feels both simple and fancy, perfect for party food appetizers or even as a fun twist on a Mediterranean tapenade. Give it a try next time you wanna impress your friends!

Why I Like this Recipe

I love how easy it is to make this recipe. I can quickly put together a tasty appetizer with just a few ingredients and it always impresses me when I have company.

I also really dig the mix of flavors. The tangy sun-dried tomatoes and briny olives paired with the creamy feta create a flavor explosion in every bite. It’s exactly the kind of unique snack i look forward to eating.

Another thing is the texture contrast. When i scoop the warm, soft melted feta onto crispy crostini or baguette slices, it just hits the spot perfectly.

Lastly, I enjoy how versatile this dish is. Whether i’m whipping it up for a quick snack or serving it at a small get togheter, it never fails to make the meal feel special.

Ingredients

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Feta cheese: protein-rich, salty and creamy, giving this dish a soft texture.
Sun-dried tomatoes: tangy, sweet, and loaded with vitamin C and fiber for a punch.
Olives: heart-healthy fats and antioxidants that add a bold, briny flavor to the mix.
Garlic: aromatic, boosts flavor, and has natural microbial benefits making it a must.
Extra virgin olive oil: a drizzle of healthy fats that brighten and enrich the dish.
Dried oregano: infuses a mildly bitter and earthy note that complements other ingredients.

Ingredient Quantities

1 block (about 8 oz) feta cheese

1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, roughly chopped

1/2 cup pitted olives, halved

3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

Crostini or baguette slices, for serving

How to Make this

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1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.

2. Put the whole block of feta into a small, oven-safe dish.

3. Evenly scatter the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and halved olives around the feta.

4. Add the sliced garlic all over the dish.

5. Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil across the top of everything.

6. Sprinkle on the dried oregano along with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Place the dish in the oven and bake it for about 20-25 minutes until the feta gets soft and a bit melted.

8. Remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.

9. Serve with crispy crostini or baguette slices.

10. Enjoy your warm, creamy appetizer with friends and family!

Equipment Needed

1. Preheated oven
2. Small, oven-safe dish
3. Knife
4. Cutting board
5. Measuring cups and spoons
6. Spoon or spatula
7. Oven mitts
8. Serving plate

FAQ

Q: Can i substitute fresh tomatoes for the sun-dried ones? A: Sure, you can use fresh tomatoes but they wont have that intense flavor. I recommend roasting them a bit so they get a nice depth of flavor.

Q: Is it necessary to use olives, or can i leave them out? A: Olives add a salty burst that really compliments the feta, but if you dont like them you can skip it. Just keep in mind youll lose some of the flavor complexity.

Q: How long does it take to bake the feta? A: It generally takes about 25 minutes in a preheated 400°F oven till the feta is soft and slightly melty. Keep an eye on it though in case your oven runs hotter.

Q: Can i make this ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the feta and store it in the fridge for a couple days. When ready to serve, just warm it up in the oven and drizzle a little extra olive oil.

Q: What should i serve with it? A: Crostini or sliced baguette are great for dipping into the soft cheese; you can also try serving it alongside a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Baked Feta Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Feta cheese: Try using goat cheese or halloumi if you want a creamier alternative
Sun-dried tomatoes: You can sub in roasted red peppers for a sweeter, milder twist
Pitted olives: Use capers or even chopped marinated artichokes to change up the flavor
Garlic: If you’re short on fresh garlic, garlic powder works just fine
Extra virgin olive oil: Avocado oil can be a nice substitute if you’re looking for a different flavor profile

Pro Tips

1. Make sure you let the dish cool a bit before serving coz if its too hot it can kind of take away from the flavor and you might burn your mouth.
2. Remember that feta is already salty so dont overdo it on the salt even if your olives or sun-dried tomatoes are a bit on the briny side.
3. For an extra flavor boost, try tossing some freshly toasted baguette slices with a bit of olive oil and garlic before serving, it really brings out the taste.
4. If you like a bit of heat, consider sprinkling a few crushed red pepper flakes on top right before serving, its an easy way to add a spicy kick.