If you’re looking for a dish that is both effortless and bursting with vibrant flavors, then this Baked Feta with Olives, Cherry Tomatoes, and Garlic Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It combines creamy, salty feta with the juicy sweetness of cherry tomatoes, the briny depth of olives, and the mellow richness of roasted garlic, all brought together with a drizzle of olive oil and a hint of spice. Whether you’re serving it as a quick appetizer or a delightful snack, this recipe is pure comfort and sunshine on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Baked Feta with Olives, Cherry Tomatoes, and Garlic Recipe is simple, but together they create a beautiful balance of bold and fresh flavors. From the creamy feta to the punchy garlic, every element enhances the dish’s taste, texture, and irresistible color.
- 6-ounce block of feta cheese: The star of the dish, feta adds a rich creaminess and tangy bite that melts perfectly when baked.
- 1 1/2 cups olives (mix of green and black): A flavorful medley that brings a salty, briny pop to every bite.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes: These burst beautifully when baked, releasing sweet juices that balance the savory tones.
- 4 garlic cloves, skins left on: Roasting garlic with the skins on softens its sharpness and infuses the dish with subtle, aromatic depth.
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds silkiness and helps marry all the flavors together.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes: A gentle kick to liven up the dish without overpowering it.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: Provides a warm, peppery base note.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil: A fresh burst of herbaceous brightness, adding lovely color and fragrance.
How to Make Baked Feta with Olives, Cherry Tomatoes, and Garlic Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is perfect for allowing the feta to soften gently while the tomatoes begin to burst and the garlic mellows beautifully.
Step 2: Arrange the Ingredients
Place your feta block right in the center of a baking dish. Surround it with the vibrant cherry tomatoes and a mix of green and black olives for that delightful salty contrast. Nestle the garlic cloves with their skins on around the edges — this helps the garlic roast slowly and get its irresistible sweet flavor.
Step 3: Season and Drizzle
Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the feta and surrounding ingredients. Sprinkle the salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes on top to give this dish layers of savory seasoning with just a hint of heat.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cherry tomatoes start to burst, releasing their juices that mingle beautifully with the feta and olives.
Step 5: Add the Garlic and Fresh Herbs
Once out of the oven, carefully remove the roasted garlic cloves from the pan. Squeeze the softened garlic out of its skins and give it a rough chop before folding it back into the mix. Finally, sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the whole dish for that vibrant finishing touch.
How to Serve Baked Feta with Olives, Cherry Tomatoes, and Garlic Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like basil or even parsley add a wonderful burst of color and freshness that brighten each bite. A drizzle of quality extra virgin olive oil just before serving brings everything together with a silky finish.
Side Dishes
This baked feta dish is amazing with simple sides. Think crusty bread or crunchy crackers for scooping, fresh cucumber slices, or even a cooling Greek salad to complement the warm, savory flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Baked Feta with Olives, Cherry Tomatoes, and Garlic Recipe straight from the baking dish for a rustic feel or transfer it to a pretty platter sprinkled with microgreens. You could also use it as a luscious topping for grilled chicken or toss it with pasta for an easy, indulgent meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 2 to 3 days to keep the feta’s creamy texture and the vibrant flavors of the tomatoes and olives.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this dish since the texture of baked feta and tomatoes can become grainy and watery after thawing.
Reheating
Rewarm leftovers gently in a low oven or microwave just until heated through. You want to avoid overheating, which can dry out the feta and toughen the tomatoes.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese if I don’t have feta?
Feta is key for its crumbly texture and salty tang, but you could experiment with halloumi or goat cheese for a different twist, keeping in mind their unique melting properties.
Are olives necessary for this recipe?
Olives bring a wonderful depth of flavor and saltiness that rounds out the dish. If you’re not a fan, you could reduce the quantity or substitute with capers for a different yet complementary briny note.
How spicy is this dish with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add just a gentle warmth rather than overpowering heat. You can always adjust the amount to your taste or omit them if you prefer no spice.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
This dish is best served fresh out of the oven to enjoy the warm, melty feta and bursting tomatoes at their finest, but you can prep the ingredients in advance and assemble just before baking.
What are some good dips to serve alongside?
Simple options like tzatziki, hummus, or even a lemony yogurt dip pair beautifully and complement the Mediterranean flavors of the baked feta dish.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly satisfying about this Baked Feta with Olives, Cherry Tomatoes, and Garlic Recipe that never gets old. Its combination of comforting warmth, vibrant flavors, and simple preparation makes it a dish you’ll want to come back to time and again. Trust me, once you try it, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes when you need something easy, fancy, and utterly delicious.
Print
Baked Feta with Olives, Cherry Tomatoes, and Garlic Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This delicious Baked Feta with Olives recipe features a warm, savory block of feta cheese baked alongside juicy cherry tomatoes, mixed olives, and fragrant garlic cloves. Drizzled with olive oil and spiced with red pepper flakes, it makes for a perfect appetizer or snack served with crusty bread or crackers.
Ingredients
Cheese and Olive Mix
- 6-ounce block of feta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups olives (mix of green and black)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 4 garlic cloves, skins left on
Seasonings
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the feta and accompaniments evenly.
- Arrange Ingredients: Place the 6-ounce block of feta cheese in the center of a baking dish. Surround it with the cherry tomatoes and mixed green and black olives. Nestle the whole garlic cloves, skins on, around the edges of the pan for a roasted flavor infusion.
- Season and Drizzle: Drizzle 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil over the cheese and the vegetables. Sprinkle on the kosher salt, ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes evenly to enhance flavor with a little heat.
- Bake: Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the tomatoes soften and start to burst, and the feta becomes warm and slightly golden.
- Prepare Garlic: Remove the baking dish from the oven and carefully take out the garlic cloves. Squeeze the softened garlic out of their skins and roughly chop the roasted garlic to distribute its sweet roasted flavor throughout the dish.
- Mix and Garnish: Gently stir the feta, burst tomatoes, olives, and garlic together to combine the flavors. Sprinkle chopped fresh basil on top as a bright, herbaceous garnish.
- Serve: Serve the baked feta immediately while warm, accompanied by crackers or crusty bread for dipping and enjoying this rich Mediterranean-style appetizer.
Notes
- Use a mix of green and black olives for a balanced flavor.
- Leaving garlic skins on during roasting mellows the flavor and prevents burning.
- The dish pairs excellently with crusty bread or assorted crackers for dipping.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- Baked feta is best served immediately but can be reheated gently if needed.
