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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) with rack positioned centrally for uniform heat distribution.
- 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.
- 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.
- Flavor Layering: Drizzle the herbed oil evenly over feta, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes, ensuring comprehensive flavor penetration and coverage.
- Baking Process: Roast in the oven for 20 minutes, allowing cheese to soften and ingredients to develop a harmonious flavor profile.
- Finishing Touch: Activate broiler for 1-2 minutes to achieve a golden, slightly crisp surface, monitoring closely to prevent burning.
- Resting and Garnishing: Remove from oven, let settle for 2-3 minutes, then sprinkle freshly chopped parsley for a bright, herbaceous accent.
- 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