Baked Feta with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Easy Baked Feta with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe

There are few dishes that deliver such an impact with so little effort. Baked Feta with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a true culinary marvel, transforming a simple block of cheese and a handful of pantry staples into an irresistible, warm dip.

It’s a recipe that has exploded in popularity for good reason. It’s comforting, deeply savory, and requires almost no skill, making it a favorite for both busy weeknights and last-minute entertaining.

This dish is a celebration of Mediterranean flavors. The heat of the oven turns the firm feta into a soft, melting, and luscious treat.

The combination of salty, tangy, and sweet elements creates a complex flavor profile that is truly addictive. It’s the perfect way to kick off any meal or gather around for a cozy appetizer.

Best Ingredients for Baked Feta with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

The success of this dish hinges entirely on the quality of your ingredients. Since the recipe is so minimalist, each component shines through, so don’t skimp!

Start with a block of good-quality Greek feta that is brined. Pre-crumbled feta simply won’t achieve the right creamy, molten texture we are looking for.

When choosing your olives, go for a mix of types to add depth. Kalamata olives are a must for their fruity and robust flavor, but adding some bright green Castelvetrano or earthy Niçoise olives can enhance the visual appeal and texture.

The sun-dried tomatoes should be packed in oil, not dry. The oil adds moisture and richness, which helps infuse the feta as it bakes. Ensure you drain them slightly, but don’t discard that precious oil!

Finally, a generous glug of extra virgin olive oil is essential. It provides the perfect vehicle for the flavors and prevents the cheese from drying out while ensuring a beautiful, golden crust.

Taste & Texture Highlights

The beauty of Baked Feta with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes lies in its sensory contrast. The dish offers an experience that engages nearly every part of the palate.

The dominant texture is the transformation of the feta. What starts as a crumbly, firm cheese becomes silky smooth and creamy—spoonable right out of the dish.

The flavor is a mesmerizing dance between salty, tangy, and subtly sweet. The feta delivers the essential salty tang, while the briny olives reinforce this bold savory foundation.

Adding sweetness and a chewy bite are the sun-dried tomatoes, which become concentrated and jam-like during the baking process. A hint of fresh herbs, often oregano or thyme, brightens the overall aroma.

It’s an incredibly savory appetizer that leaves you wanting just one more perfect bite, especially when scooped up with a warm piece of pita bread.

Flavor Combinations That Work

While the classic trio of feta, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes is perfection, this dish is highly versatile and open to flavor experimentation. It can easily adapt to different seasons and meal themes.

To lean into a more pungent, aromatic profile, consider adding thinly sliced garlic cloves to the baking dish. They soften and sweeten in the heat, infusing the oil beautifully.

For a touch of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes tossed into the mix adds a welcome kick that cuts through the richness of the cheese.

A drizzle of balsamic glaze after baking introduces an extra layer of sweetness and acidity, providing a professional finishing touch.

You can also switch up your choice of cured vegetables. Artichoke hearts or roasted red peppers make excellent additions, complementing the rich, creamy feta beautifully.

For another easy weeknight meal that capitalizes on maximum flavor and minimal cleanup, you might enjoy our recipe for Sheet Pan Chicken Quesadillas .

Health Benefits of Baked Feta with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Beyond its incredible taste, this appetizer boasts several inherent health advantages, thanks to its core ingredients, fitting perfectly into a Mediterranean diet lifestyle.

The foundation is feta cheese, which is a good source of protein and calcium. It also contains beneficial bacteria for gut health, making it an excellent fermented food.

Olives and the oil used are rich in monounsaturated fats—the heart-healthy kind. These fats are known to help lower bad cholesterol levels and are staples of a nutritious diet.

Sun-dried tomatoes are little nutritional powerhouses. They are concentrated sources of antioxidants, including lycopene, and are rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin K.

When enjoyed in moderation, this recipe is a smart way to incorporate healthy fats and essential nutrients into your diet while still enjoying a satisfying, delicious snack.

Nutrition Facts & Calories

While the exact numbers depend on the portion size and specific brand of ingredients used, we can break down the key nutritional components of Baked Feta with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes.

The primary calorie contribution comes from the feta cheese and the generous amount of olive oil used in the baking process. This is a fat-forward dish, typical of rich Mediterranean appetizers.

Feta provides approximately 4 grams of protein and about $25$ percent of your daily recommended intake of calcium per ounce, depending on the type.

Olives and olive oil contribute high levels of healthy fats, with most being monounsaturated. This is often associated with improved cardiovascular health.

The sun-dried tomatoes add a boost of micronutrients. They are a valuable source of Vitamin C, contributing to immune function, and essential iron.

The dish is naturally low in simple carbohydrates, making it a fantastic choice for those monitoring their sugar intake or following a low-carb eating plan. Specific, detailed nutritional information is available in the recipe card.

Quick Tips for Making Baked Feta with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Achieving the perfect baked feta is straightforward, but a few quick tips can elevate your results from good to magnificent.

First, always use an oven-safe, shallow baking dish. This maximizes the surface area, allowing the feta to melt evenly and encouraging a slight caramelization on the edges.

Make sure to score the feta lightly before pouring the oil and toppings over it. This helps the flavors and the oil seep into the cheese, ensuring it’s flavored throughout.

Don’t overbake! The moment the cheese is visibly soft and bubbly around the edges is when it is ready. Overbaking can make it dry or too rubbery.

And a final pro tip: always warm your serving vessel. Serving this on a preheated plate keeps the irresistibly gooey texture lasting longer for your guests to enjoy.

Serving Suggestions

The versatility of Baked Feta with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes means it can be served in a multitude of ways, moving it beyond a simple appetizer.

The most classic presentation is as a warm, dippable starter. The melted cheese and savory oil are perfect for dipping crusty bread, pita chips, or warm naan bread.

For a lighter, fresher take, spoon the mixture over a bed of peppery arugula or fresh spinach. The warm, salty feta wilts the greens slightly, creating a beautiful, warm salad.

It can also serve as an excellent topping for a main course. Try spreading it over grilled chicken or topping a simple baked white fish, turning a plain meal into a gourmet experience.

Finally, for a more substantial appetizer, serve it alongside other Mediterranean classics like hummus, tabbouleh, and a selection of fresh vegetables for a colorful, platter-style presentation.

Perfect Pairings / Meal Ideas

The rich, savory nature of Baked Feta with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes requires pairings that either complement its Mediterranean essence or provide a refreshing contrast.

For beverages, choose a crisp, dry white wine. A Sauvignon Blanc or a Greek Assyrtiko will cut through the richness of the feta, offering a nice, palate-cleansing acidity.

If you prefer red, stick to a lighter, fruitier option like a chilled Beaujolais or a Pinot Noir that won’t overpower the delicate herbal notes.

As a meal component, it pairs beautifully with grilled lamb chops or simple lemon-herb chicken. The salty, oily dip serves as a rich “sauce” for the protein.

For a vegetarian meal, consider serving it alongside a bulgur wheat pilaf or a light, refreshing cucumber and tomato salad. The flavors work in harmonious tandem.

Presentation Tips

A visually appealing dish is just as important as a delicious one. The rich colors of Baked Feta with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes make it easy to present beautifully.

Always bake and serve in a dish that looks attractive. A small, rustic ceramic or terracotta baking dish enhances the Mediterranean feel.

Before serving, give it a final flourish. A drizzle of high-quality finishing olive oil adds a desirable sheen and depth of flavor.

Add a pop of fresh green color with a generous scattering of fresh parsley or oregano leaves. This contrast against the red tomatoes and dark olives is visually stunning.

Finally, garnish with a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before the dish leaves the kitchen. The tiny white crystals catch the light and add a professional, enticing sparkle.

Pro Tips & Fun Facts

Did you know that feta has protected designation of origin (PDO) status? This means only cheese traditionally produced in Greece from sheep’s milk, or a mixture with goat’s milk (up to 30 percent), can legally be called Feta.

For an even deeper flavor in your Baked Feta with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes, try marinating the olives and sun-dried tomatoes in a little extra olive oil, lemon zest, and dried herbs for an hour before baking.

A secret ingredient many professionals use is a very small pinch of sugar or honey drizzled over the feta before baking. This encourages a slight, beautiful caramelization on the top layer.

If you don’t have fresh bread, consider making homemade crostini. Thinly slice a baguette, brush with a little olive oil, and toast in the oven for a few minutes until crisp.

Why You Should Try Baked Feta with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

The truth is, this recipe is more than just a passing trend; it’s an instant classic. It brings the bright, sun-drenched flavors of the Mediterranean directly to your table with minimal fuss.

It’s the perfect appetizer for beginners and seasoned chefs alike. The low effort-to-reward ratio is simply unmatched in the world of simple entertaining.

The combination of the salty, warm feta, the briny olives, and the sweet tomatoes is a flavor profile for the ages. It appeals to nearly everyone, making it the perfect crowd-pleaser.

Stop searching for complicated recipes! This dish is the answer to effortless, delicious, and impressive cooking. It’s time to preheat your oven and discover your new favorite appetizer.