Baked Feta with Cherry Tomatoes and Olives

Rich in flavor and incredibly simple to prepare, Baked Feta with Cherry Tomatoes and Olives is a Mediterranean-inspired dish that brings together the bold, vibrant tastes of the region. Whether served as a warm appetizer, a side dish, or a light main course, this recipe is both versatile and satisfying. The creamy texture of feta cheese, combined with the briny olives and the sweetness of roasted cherry tomatoes, creates a harmonious blend that delights the palate. With minimal preparation and a short cooking time, it’s a perfect option for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.

Ingredients

Before getting started, gather the following ingredients. This recipe serves four people as an appetizer or two as a main course.

1 block (200g) of feta cheese, preferably Greek-style in brine
250g cherry tomatoes, halved
100g Kalamata or mixed olives, pitted
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional: a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for added heat
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Crusty bread or pita for serving

Preparing the Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (400°F). While the oven heats, prepare the fresh ingredients. Rinse the cherry tomatoes and slice them in half. If you’re using olives with pits, be sure to remove them. Place the feta cheese block in the center of a small oven-safe baking dish or cast iron skillet.

Next, arrange the halved cherry tomatoes and olives around the feta. Distribute them evenly so that every bite is balanced in flavor. Mince the garlic finely and sprinkle it over the tomatoes, olives, and cheese. This step adds a deep, aromatic base to the dish as it bakes.

Adding Seasonings and Olive Oil

Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil generously over the feta, tomatoes, and olives. The quality of the olive oil makes a big difference in the final taste, so choose one that’s fruity and robust. Sprinkle the dried oregano and thyme on top. These herbs are staples in Mediterranean cooking and complement the acidity of the tomatoes and the saltiness of the feta perfectly.

Season everything with freshly ground black pepper. If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a small pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. These will infuse the oil with a gentle warmth during baking without overpowering the other ingredients.

Baking the Dish

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The tomatoes should soften and begin to blister, releasing their juices into the dish. The olives will become warm and aromatic, and the feta cheese will soften, becoming creamy on the inside while slightly browned on top.

For a more golden finish on the feta, switch the oven to broil for the last 2 to 3 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on it at this stage to avoid burning. The broiling step is optional but adds a nice visual and textural contrast to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Once the dish is out of the oven, let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the temperature to become more manageable. Garnish the dish with fresh basil or parsley. The herbs should be added at the end to preserve their bright color and fresh aroma.

Baked Feta with Cherry Tomatoes and Olives is best enjoyed warm, accompanied by slices of crusty bread or toasted pita. The bread is perfect for scooping up the melted feta and soaking in the savory juices from the roasted vegetables. For an added touch, you can rub the bread with a raw garlic clove while it’s still warm for extra flavor.

Optional Additions and Variations

This recipe is highly adaptable, allowing you to customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand. For instance, you can add sliced red onions or bell peppers for extra color and sweetness. Artichoke hearts or capers can provide an additional layer of Mediterranean complexity.

If you’re looking to turn this dish into a more filling meal, consider serving it over cooked pasta or alongside grilled chicken or fish. It also pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil, creating a well-rounded meal that’s both nutritious and flavorful.

Tips for the Best Results

To ensure the best possible outcome, take note of a few helpful tips. First, use a block of feta cheese rather than pre-crumbled varieties. The block holds its shape better during baking and softens into a creamy texture. Greek-style feta, which is slightly firmer and saltier, is ideal for this preparation.

Second, choose ripe cherry tomatoes. The natural sweetness of ripe tomatoes balances the saltiness of the feta and olives. If cherry tomatoes aren’t available, grape tomatoes or chopped heirloom varieties can be substituted, though they may release more juice during baking.

Lastly, don’t skimp on the olive oil. It’s a key component of the dish, bringing all the ingredients together and enhancing their flavors. A high-quality extra virgin olive oil with a fruity or peppery profile will elevate the entire dish.

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The dish can be reheated gently in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Microwaving is not recommended, as it can alter the texture of the feta and make the tomatoes soggy.

Though the dish is best enjoyed fresh from the oven, reheated leftovers can still be quite delicious. You can repurpose them as a topping for toast or mix them into scrambled eggs for a quick and flavorful breakfast.

Why This Dish Works

The success of this dish lies in the balance of flavors and textures. Feta cheese offers a creamy, tangy richness that contrasts beautifully with the sweet juiciness of roasted cherry tomatoes. The olives bring a briny depth, while the garlic and herbs round out the flavor profile with earthy, aromatic notes.

Roasting the ingredients together in one pan allows the flavors to mingle and intensify. The simplicity of the preparation, combined with the complex taste, makes this dish a reliable favorite for home cooks looking for maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Moreover, the dish is naturally vegetarian and can easily be adapted for different dietary needs. It fits well into Mediterranean, low-carb, and gluten-free eating plans, especially when paired with suitable sides.

Final Thoughts

Baked Feta with Cherry Tomatoes and Olives is a shining example of how simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can deliver extraordinary results. With its vibrant colors, bold flavors, and straightforward preparation, it captures the essence of Mediterranean cooking. Whether you’re serving it to guests or enjoying it as a cozy dinner at home, this dish is sure to impress. Keep it in your culinary repertoire for those times when you want something both comforting and elegant, without spending hours in the kitchen.

Baked Feta with Cherry Tomatoes and Olives