Mediterranean Baked Feta Appetizer

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The Mediterranean Baked Feta Appetizer is a warm, flavor-packed dish that transforms a simple block of feta into something unforgettable. Nestled in a pool of golden olive oil, seasoned with garlic and herbs, and topped with roasted cherry tomatoes and briny olives, this appetizer is the kind of rustic, effortlessly elegant food you want to serve at every gathering.

What makes it shine is its balance of saltiness from the feta, acidity from the tomatoes, and richness from the olive oil. Every bite is creamy and tangy, complemented by warm herbs and a hint of spice. It takes less than 25 minutes from oven to table and pairs beautifully with crusty bread, crackers, or even fresh veggies.

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What Kind of Feta Should I Use?

Opt for a block of feta in brine rather than the pre-crumbled variety. Block feta maintains its shape better when baked, softens to a creamy texture inside, and has a richer flavor profile. Look for Greek feta made with sheep’s milk or a blend of sheep and goat milk for the most authentic taste.

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Ingredients for the Mediterranean Baked Feta Appetizer

Feta Cheese Block – The star of the show. Go for a high-quality Greek block-style feta packed in brine for the best flavor and texture.

Cherry Tomatoes – Roasting these bursts them with sweetness and balances the saltiness of the feta.

Kalamata Olives – They bring briny depth and a touch of umami that makes the dish sing.

Garlic – Thinly sliced or minced, it adds warmth and aromatic depth.

Olive Oil – Use a robust extra virgin olive oil to infuse richness and carry all the Mediterranean flavors.

Fresh Herbs (like thyme or oregano) – They add a layer of earthy brightness to the dish.

Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – A subtle kick of heat to liven everything up.

Cracked Black Pepper – Adds a sharp contrast to the creaminess.

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How To Make the Mediterranean Baked Feta Appetizer

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Choose a small baking dish or oven-safe skillet that fits the feta snugly, leaving room for the tomatoes and olives.

Step 2: Assemble the Ingredients

Place the block of feta in the center of your dish. Scatter cherry tomatoes and Kalamata olives around it. Tuck in a few sprigs of fresh thyme or oregano.

Step 3: Flavor Infusion

Drizzle the feta and surrounding veggies generously with extra virgin olive oil. Sprinkle on minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and freshly cracked black pepper. This step sets the stage for maximum flavor.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Slide the dish into your preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the feta is soft and slightly golden on top, and the tomatoes are blistered and juicy.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Carefully remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a minute or two. Serve warm with slices of crusty bread or pita chips for dipping. The olive oil makes a perfect flavor-rich base for soaking.

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Serving and Storing This Mediterranean Baked Feta Appetizer

This dish is best served piping hot, right out of the oven. As the feta softens and mingles with the warm olive oil and roasted tomatoes, it turns into the ultimate dip. Offer it with toasted baguette slices, pita wedges, or fresh vegetable sticks. It also works beautifully spooned over grilled chicken or tossed into warm pasta for a quick dinner twist.

If you happen to have leftovers (though that’s rare!), transfer them to an airtight container once cooled. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through—it won’t have the exact same texture, but the flavors will still be on point.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What if I only have crumbled feta?

Crumbled feta can work in a pinch, but the texture won’t be the same. It tends to dry out rather than soften, and you won’t get that luscious melted center.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Sliced red onions, bell peppers, or zucchini roast well with this dish. Just keep pieces small so they cook evenly in the short bake time.

Is this recipe spicy?

Only mildly. The crushed red pepper flakes add a subtle warmth. Feel free to skip them or double up if you prefer more heat.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can assemble everything in the baking dish a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. When ready to serve, just bake as directed.

What kind of olives work best?

Kalamata are the classic choice for their deep, tangy flavor, but green olives or Castelvetrano olives would be delicious as well.

Is this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! It’s completely vegetarian-friendly, as long as your feta doesn’t contain animal-derived rennet.

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Want More Mediterranean-Inspired Ideas?

If this Mediterranean Baked Feta Appetizer left you craving more sunshine-filled flavors, here are some other recipes to explore next:

• Healthy Lemon Butter Baked Cod for a light and zesty dinner.
• Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry when you need something fast and flavorful.
• Easy Thai Red Curry Dumpling Soup for cozy comfort with bold seasoning.
• Green Olive and Feta Cheese Dip if you love feta and olives in every form.
• Shamrock Mint Milkshake Pie for a refreshing dessert after your savory bites.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you mix in extra veggies? Swap the olives? Try it over pasta?

I always enjoy seeing how you personalize these dishes. And if you’re hungry for more, follow along on Pinterest @hallarecipes where I share my daily kitchen creations!

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