There’s something about the aroma of warm, baked feta mingling with juicy cherry tomatoes and a hint of garlic that transports you to a sun-kissed Mediterranean coast.
This dish is delightfully simple to prepare, offering comfort with every bite.
As the feta bakes, it transforms into a creamy, golden delight, harmonizing beautifully with the burst of flavors from the seasoned tomatoes.
Let’s bring this savory appetizer to life and indulge in its cozy allure.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 Baking dish
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Oven
- 1 Spoon
Ingredients
- 200 grams feta cheese block
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- 1 loaf crusty bread, sliced
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time when preparing and cooking Baked Feta, you can follow this timeline:
- Reading and Preparing Ingredients:
- 5 minutes: Read through the entire recipe to understand the steps and gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment.
- Prep Time:
- 10 minutes:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the feta cheese block in the center of a baking dish.
- Drizzle olive oil over the feta cheese.
- Sprinkle dried oregano and red pepper flakes on top of the cheese.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes and mince the garlic, then scatter them around the feta block.
- Cook Time:
- 30 minutes: Bake the dish in the preheated oven until the tomatoes are soft and the feta is golden.
- Resting Time:
- 5 minutes: Let the baked feta rest after removing it from the oven.
- Garnishing and Serving:
- 5 minutes: Garnish with fresh basil and slice the crusty bread for serving.
Adjust the timing as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.
Recipe Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Place the feta cheese block in the center of a baking dish.
Drizzle olive oil over the feta cheese.
Sprinkle dried oregano and red pepper flakes on top of the cheese.
Scatter halved cherry tomatoes and minced garlic around the feta block.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes until the tomatoes are soft and the feta is golden.
Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Serve with slices of crusty bread for dipping.
Serving Tips
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for scooping up the creamy feta and juicy tomatoes.
- Pita Chips: Adds a crunchy contrast to the soft cheese and tomatoes.
- Fresh Vegetables: Serve with cucumber slices or bell pepper strips for a revitalizing bite.
- Pasta: Toss with cooked pasta for a quick and flavorful Mediterranean meal.
- Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad for a balanced and light meal option.
Storage
To store leftover baked feta, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm before serving.
Freezing
To freeze baked feta, allow it to cool completely.
Then, transfer it to an airtight container.
Consume within three months for best quality.
Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat baked feta, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
Cover with foil to prevent drying out and maintain creaminess.
Final Thoughts
Baked Feta is a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer that perfectly captures the flavors of the Mediterranean.
With a creamy texture and a hint of spice from the red pepper flakes, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
The combination of feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, and garlic creates a savory and aromatic dish.
Serve it with crusty bread for a satisfying and flavorful experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Goat Cheese Instead of Feta for This Recipe?
You can absolutely swap goat cheese for feta. Expect a creamier texture and milder taste. Goat cheese melts beautifully, adding a tangy richness. Adjust seasoning to complement its softer flavor, and guarantee even baking for perfect results.
What Wine Pairs Well With Baked Feta?
You can pair a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio with this dish. These wines balance feta’s creaminess and complement the tangy tomatoes, enhancing the Mediterranean flavors without overpowering the dish’s delicate notes.
Is Baked Feta Suitable for a Vegan Diet?
Baked feta isn’t suitable for a vegan diet because it contains dairy. You can substitute with a plant-based feta alternative. Enjoy the creamy texture and tangy flavors that pair wonderfully with the juicy tomatoes and aromatic herbs.
How Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?
To make it gluten-free, swap out the crusty bread for gluten-free bread or serve it with gluten-free crackers. You’ll still enjoy the creamy feta and juicy tomatoes, enhanced by the aromatic basil and spices.
Are There Any Low-Fat Alternatives to Feta Cheese?
Consider using reduced-fat feta for a lighter option. Its tangy flavor remains vibrant, though slightly less creamy. You might try using crumbled goat cheese or fat-free ricotta for a milder, soft texture, altering the dish’s richness.
Baked Feta
Equipment
- 1 Baking dish
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Oven
- 1 Spoon
Ingredients
- 200 grams feta cheese block
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil chopped
- 1 loaf crusty bread sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the feta cheese block in the center of a baking dish.
- Drizzle olive oil over the feta cheese.
- Sprinkle dried oregano and red pepper flakes on top of the cheese.
- Scatter halved cherry tomatoes and minced garlic around the feta block.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes until the tomatoes are soft and the feta is golden.
- Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
- Serve with slices of crusty bread for dipping.
Notes
