Baked Feta Cheese with Tomatoes and Olives – A Mediterranean Delight
Baked feta cheese is warm, melty, and comforting. Paired with juicy tomatoes and briny olives, this dish bursts with Mediterranean flavor. It’s simple, beautiful, and packed with taste. You can serve it as an appetizer or a light dinner. Perfect for gatherings or just a cozy night in. Once you try it, you’ll want it often!
Ingredients
Juicy tomatoes pair with creamy feta cheese. Olives bring salt, and herbs add aroma. This dish is fresh, quick, and flavorful. Ingredients are easy and pantry-friendly. A rustic dish that looks impressive. Perfect for quick dinners or guests.
- 1 block of feta cheese (about 200g)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup pitted Kalamata olives
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes, fresh basil for garnish
Nutritional Information
This dish is rich, bold, and satisfying. Feta brings protein, calcium, and flavor. Tomatoes add antioxidants, fiber, and brightness. Olives provide healthy fats and salt. Great for low-carb or Mediterranean diets. Comfort food meets a healthy eating balance.
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 7g
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
Quick Time Needed
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
How to Make It
This recipe is simple yet elegant. Chop, season, bake, then enjoy warm. The oven does all the magic. Feta softens and tomatoes burst sweetly. Olives bring depth and color. A dish full of cozy flavors.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Turn your oven to 400°F (200°C). A hot oven helps melt feta perfectly. Let it heat while you prepare ingredients. This step ensures an even roasting flavor. Always preheat before you start baking. A hot oven means better texture.
Step 2: Prep the Veggies
Slice cherry tomatoes and mince garlic finely. Halve olives if they’re large. Place everything in a small baking dish. Use a dish that fits ingredients snugly. Tomatoes and olives will soften beautifully.
Step 3: Add the Feta Block
Place your feta block in the center. Surround it with the tomato-olive mix. Drizzle everything with olive oil generously. Add garlic, oregano, and pepper on top. You can sprinkle red pepper flakes, too. Everything gets better with baked spices.
Step 4: Bake the Dish
Bake uncovered for about 20 minutes. Feta should be soft and slightly golden. Tomatoes should look roasted and juicy. Olives will be glossy and rich. If needed, broil for 2 more minutes. Watch it closely to avoid burning.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Take it out and let it cool slightly. Add fresh basil or thyme if desired. Serve with crusty bread or pita slices. You can also pair it with pasta. It’s great on toast for breakfast. Enjoy every creamy and flavorful bite!
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with fresh bread slices. Spoon over grilled chicken or fish. Use it as a pasta topper. Add to grain bowls or wraps. Great with crackers for dipping too. Easy dish with many tasty pairings.
- Crusty bread or garlic toast
- Over warm pasta
- With grilled chicken or salmon
- As a dip with crackers
- Added to Mediterranean grain bowls
Storing Suggestions
Store any leftovers in airtight containers. Keep chilled in the refrigerator safely. Reheat gently for the best texture. It’s still tasty even when cold. Avoid freezing as cheese may crumble. Best enjoyed within two to three days.
- Store in a sealed container in fridge (up to 3 days)
- Reheat in oven at 350°F until warm
- Don’t microwave – oven keeps texture better
- Avoid freezing – feta may dry out
- Use leftovers in sandwiches or pasta
Healthy Alternatives
Swap feta with low-fat cheese blocks. Use olives with lower sodium content. Add more tomatoes for fewer calories. Skip oil if watching fat intake. Use fresh herbs instead of salt. Serve with veggies instead of bread.
- Use reduced-fat feta or plant-based cheese
- Add more veggies like zucchini or bell pepper
- Skip added salt – olives are salty enough
- Swap olive oil with lemon juice for lightness
- Choose low-sodium olives
- Use whole-grain bread or lettuce wraps
Kid-Friendly Version
Kids love the creamy, cheesy flavor. Choose milder olives or skip entirely. Slice tomatoes into small pieces for easy bites. Let them dip with bread or crackers. Add colorful veggies for visual fun. Serve with sweet fruit to balance.
Chef’s Special Tips
Use high-quality feta for best texture. Roast tomatoes slightly beforehand for depth. Add a touch of lemon zest. A drizzle of honey can surprise. Always use fresh oregano or basil. Serve immediately for peak flavor experience.
- Try Bulgarian or French feta for creaminess
- Add lemon zest before serving
- Broil for a minute to brown top
- Stir into warm pasta or rice
- Use multi-colored cherry tomatoes
- Drizzle with honey for sweet-salty combo
Conclusion
Baked Feta Cheese with Tomatoes and Olives is a fast, fabulous dish. Whether you’re planning a party or craving comfort food, this recipe hits all the right notes. Rich cheese, juicy tomatoes, and bold olives come together in a perfect harmony of flavor. It’s a dish anyone can make—and everyone will love.
Try this Baked Feta Cheese with Tomatoes and Olives today and bring bold Mediterranean flavor to your table! Share your creation on social media and tag us—let’s see how you styled your dish.