Zesty Feta with Olives & Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe

Savory Mediterranean flavors dance across this classic feta with olives & sun-dried tomatoes that promise an instant burst of culinary delight.

Briny olives mingle with tangy feta, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.

Salty cheese crumbles embrace the rich, concentrated sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes.

Each bite transports you to a sun-drenched Greek coastline with its vibrant ingredients.

The simplicity of this appetizer belies its complex flavor profile.

Drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with herbs, this dish transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary experience.

Let’s find out this Mediterranean masterpiece and let your taste buds embark on a delicious journey.

Mediterranean Staples in Feta, Olives & Sun-Dried Tomatoes

• Feta Cheese: Creamy Greek cheese that provides a tangy, salty base for the appetizer, choose a high-quality block with smooth texture and authentic flavor.
• Olives: Briny Mediterranean gems that add rich, deep flavor, select pitted olives for easy eating and a mix of colors for visual appeal.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Concentrated flavor bombs that bring sweet and intense tomato essence, opt for soft, plump varieties packed in olive oil.

• Garlic: Powerful flavor booster that infuses the dish with warm, pungent notes, choose fresh cloves with firm, white skin.
• Dried Oregano, Dried Thyme, Dried Rosemary: Classic Mediterranean herbs that create a robust, earthy background, ensure herbs are fresh and fragrant by checking their aroma.

• Olive Oil: Silky liquid that binds ingredients and adds luxurious richness, select extra virgin olive oil for best flavor.
• Kosher Salt: Essential seasoning that balances and elevates other ingredients, use sparingly and taste as you go.
• Fresh Cracked Pepper: Adds sharp, spicy kick that complements the creamy feta, grind immediately before using for maximum flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh herb that provides color and light, clean taste, choose vibrant green leaves without wilting.
• French Bread or Crostini: Crispy vehicle for enjoying the marinated feta, select fresh, crusty bread for best texture.

Tools to Build a Bright Feta and Olive Platter

• Baking dish: Ceramic or glass dish to hold and bake feta and ingredients.
• Small bowl: For mixing olive oil and herbs.
• Measuring spoons: To accurately measure salt, pepper, and herbs.
• Cutting board: For chopping parsley and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: To slice parsley and prep ingredients.
• Oven: For baking and broiling the dish.
• Serving plate: To present the warm feta appetizer.
• Pastry brush (optional): For drizzling olive oil evenly over feta.

How to Combine Feta with Olives and Tomatoes Easily

• Oven Preparation

Warm up your kitchen companion to a cozy 350°F, creating the perfect environment for delicious magic.

• Cheese and Companion Arrangement

Nestle the creamy feta block in a welcoming baking dish, surrounded by vibrant olives and sun-kissed tomatoes.

• Herbal Symphony

Craft a flavor dance with fragrant olive oil, minced garlic, and a whisper of Mediterranean herbs – oregano, thyme, and rosemary – seasoned with a gentle touch of salt and pepper.

• Culinary Transformation

Allow the dish to bask in the oven’s warmth for 20 minutes, then invite a quick broil to create a golden, crispy crown that will make taste buds sing.

• Serving Elegance

Sprinkle fresh parsley like confetti, creating a visual feast. Accompany with crusty French bread or crisp crostini for an irresistible dipping experience that turns a simple dish into a celebration of Mediterranean flavors.

Flavor Combos That Elevate Your Feta Mix

• Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick that complements the creamy feta and tangy sun-dried tomatoes.
• Replace feta with goat cheese or brie for a different but equally delicious Mediterranean-inspired appetizer.
• Prepare the dish up to a day in advance and refrigerate, then bake just before serving to save time during party prep.
• Transform this appetizer into a light lunch by crumbling the baked feta over a fresh green salad or spreading it on warm pita bread.
• Use fresh herbs directly from your garden or windowsill for an extra burst of aromatic flavor that elevates the entire dish.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 9

Best Ways to Present Feta, Olives & Tomatoes

• Mediterranean Mezze Platter: Arrange the baked feta on a large wooden board surrounded by crisp cucumber slices, marinated artichokes, and warm pita bread for a stunning Mediterranean-style appetizer spread.
• Rustic Salad Topper: Crumble the warm, herbed feta over a fresh green salad with mixed baby greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light lemon vinaigrette for a delicious protein-packed salad enhancement.
• Elegant Wine Night Companion: Serve alongside a chilled glass of crisp white wine or rosé, accompanied by a selection of cured meats and additional olives for a sophisticated appetizer perfect for entertaining friends.
• Bread Dipping Delight: Use crusty French bread or homemade crostini to scoop up the melted, herb-infused feta, creating a rich and flavorful bite that captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine.

Keeping Feta and Olives Fresh for Next Time

• Flavor Fusion Timing: Prepare this dish just before serving to enjoy the warm, melty feta and vibrant Mediterranean flavors at their peak. The herbs and olive oil create a delicious aroma that's irresistible when fresh from the oven.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making subsequent servings even more delicious when gently reheated.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance and keep covered in the refrigerator. Simply bring to room temperature for 15 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor development.
• Serving Suggestion Hack: Transform leftover feta into a quick spread by chopping and mixing with some additional olive oil. Spread on crackers or use as a zesty sandwich topping for an instant flavor boost that extends your original recipe's enjoyment.

Savory Feta with Olives & Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Mediterranean Rosemary Feta Appetizer melds rich, salty cheese with briny olives and tangy sun-dried tomatoes. Herb-infused olive oil and fresh herbs complete this simple, elegant Greek-inspired small plate that sparks conversation at any gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz (226 g) feta cheese block
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) olive oil
• 1 cup (150 g) pitted olives, drained
• ½ cup (75 g) sun-dried tomatoes
• 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
• Kosher salt
• Fresh cracked pepper
• Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
• Sliced French bread or crostini, for serving

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) with rack positioned centrally for uniform heat distribution.
2. Dish Setup: Place whole feta block in a ceramic or glass baking dish, surrounding it with kalamata and green olives and julienned sun-dried tomatoes.
3. Herb Infusion: Whisk extra virgin olive oil with minced garlic, dried oregano, fresh thyme leaves, crushed rosemary, kosher salt, and black pepper to create a vibrant, aromatic seasoning blend.
4. Flavor Layering: Drizzle the herbed oil evenly over feta, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes, ensuring comprehensive flavor penetration and coverage.
5. Baking Process: Roast in the oven for 20 minutes, allowing cheese to soften and ingredients to develop a harmonious flavor profile.
6. Finishing Touch: Activate broiler for 1-2 minutes to achieve a golden, slightly crisp surface, monitoring closely to prevent burning.
7. Resting and Garnishing: Remove from oven, let settle for 2-3 minutes, then sprinkle freshly chopped parsley for a bright, herbaceous accent.
8. Serving: Present immediately alongside warm French baguette slices or crisp crostini for an inviting, shareable appetizer experience.

Notes

• Choose Quality Ingredients: Select high-quality, full-fat feta cheese and premium olives for the most authentic and rich flavor profile.
• Herb Oil Technique: Infuse olive oil with fresh herbs and garlic at least 15 minutes before using to maximize flavor intensity and aromatic depth.
• Careful Baking Watch: Monitor the dish closely during the final broiling stage to prevent burning, as feta can quickly go from golden to charred.
• Serving Temperature Matters: Serve the baked feta immediately while warm and soft for the best texture and most enjoyable eating experience.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg