Mediterranean Baked Feta with Tomatoes and Olives for an Easy Appetizer

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Introduction: A Mediterranean Classic with Minimal Effort

When you want a dish that’s simple, stunning, and full of bright flavor, Mediterranean Baked Feta with Tomatoes and Olives delivers every time. This dish captures the heart of Mediterranean cuisine — fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and rustic simplicity — in a fuss-free, oven-to-table presentation.

Warm, creamy feta cheese bakes alongside juicy cherry tomatoes and briny olives, then gets finished with a drizzle of olive oil, fresh herbs, and crusty bread on the side. It’s the ultimate easy appetizer, but can also double as a light vegetarian meal, party dip, or pasta topper.

In this article, you’ll discover the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, pairing ideas, variations, and pro tips to make this dish your go-to appetizer — from weeknight dinners to holiday entertaining.

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Why You’ll Love This Dish

• Ready in 30 minutes or less
• Minimal ingredients with maximum flavor
• Naturally vegetarian and gluten-free
• Perfect for dipping, spreading, or spooning over pasta
• A showstopper appetizer with no fancy equipment required

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Key Ingredients

Feta Cheese Block

Use a high-quality block of feta, preferably made with sheep’s milk for authentic tang and creamy texture. Avoid pre-crumbled feta — it won’t melt the same.

Cherry or Grape Tomatoes

Small, sweet tomatoes burst and caramelize as they roast, creating a juicy base for the dish.

Kalamata Olives

These bring briny depth that balances the creamy feta and sweet tomatoes. Pitted and halved olives work best.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

A good drizzle adds richness and helps everything roast beautifully.

Garlic

Thinly sliced or minced garlic infuses the oil and brightens the flavors.

Fresh Herbs

Thyme, oregano, basil, or rosemary — use what’s available or seasonal.

Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (Optional)

Adds a touch of heat to balance the salt and acidity.

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Ingredient List (Serves 4–6 as appetizer)

• 1 block (7 oz / 200g) feta cheese
• 1.5 cups cherry or grape tomatoes
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp fresh thyme or oregano (or 1/2 tsp dried)
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh cracked black pepper
• Fresh basil (for garnish)
• Crusty bread or pita, for serving

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Place the feta block in the center of a small oven-safe baking dish or cast iron skillet.

Surround it with the cherry tomatoes and olives. Add garlic slices and herbs around the dish.

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Step 2: Season and Drizzle

Drizzle everything generously with olive oil — make sure the top of the feta gets a nice coat.

Sprinkle with freshly cracked black pepper and red pepper flakes, if using.

Pro Tip: Don’t add extra salt — both feta and olives are naturally salty.

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Step 3: Bake

Place in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the tomatoes are blistered and the feta is soft and slightly golden on top.

For extra caramelization, broil on high for an additional 2–3 minutes at the end.

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Step 4: Serve

Remove from the oven, top with fresh basil or additional herbs.

Serve hot with warm bread, pita chips, or crudités.

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Serving Suggestions

As an Appetizer

Serve it straight from the dish with:

• Toasted baguette slices
• Warm pita wedges
• Seeded crackers
• Cucumber rounds or bell pepper strips (for gluten-free option)

As a Meal

Transform this appetizer into a full meal by:

• Tossing it with cooked pasta
• Serving over roasted vegetables
• Adding to grain bowls with quinoa or couscous
• Pairing with grilled chicken or lamb skewers

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Flavor Variations

1. 

Add Roasted Peppers or Artichokes

For extra Mediterranean flair, mix in marinated artichoke hearts or roasted red peppers.

2. 

Spicy Version

Use Calabrian chili oil instead of plain olive oil for heat lovers.

3. 

Vegan Twist

Substitute with vegan feta cheese and skip the honey if using.

4. 

Lemon Zest or Squeeze

Brighten the flavor with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a touch of zest after baking.

5. 

With Honey & Nuts

After baking, drizzle with warm honey and top with toasted pine nuts or walnuts for a Greek-inspired finish.

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Make-Ahead & Storage

Can You Make It Ahead?

You can prep the entire dish a few hours ahead:

• Assemble in the baking dish
• Cover and refrigerate
• Bake right before serving

Storage & Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F for 10–12 minutes or until warmed through.
• Use leftovers as a sandwich spread, pasta topping, or wrap filling.

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Nutrition Information (Per Serving Estimate)

• Calories: 180 kcal
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbs: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g

Rich in calcium, healthy fats, and antioxidants from tomatoes and olives.

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Mediterranean Origins & Cultural Context

This dish takes cues from the Greek and broader Mediterranean love for mezze-style eating — small plates served with wine, bread, and conversation. Feta is a staple in Greek cuisine, where it’s often baked, grilled, or served cold with tomatoes and herbs.

The combination of feta + tomato + olive oil + herbs is classic and foundational in Mediterranean cooking, representing the harmony of salt, acid, fat, and heat that modern chefs praise.

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Occasions to Serve Mediterranean Baked Feta

• Holiday Appetizers (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter)
• Game Day Spread
• Dinner Party Starter
• Vegetarian Brunch Option
• Wine & Cheese Night

Entertaining Tip: Bake multiple mini skillets for a rustic individual appetizer.

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Pairing Suggestions

Wine Pairings

• Sauvignon Blanc – crisp, citrusy, and balances the richness
• Dry Rosé – complements the salty feta and sweet tomatoes
• Pinot Grigio – light and zesty for a refreshing contrast

Accompaniments

• Hummus and baba ghanoush
• Marinated olives and stuffed grape leaves
• Couscous salad or tabbouleh
• Roasted eggplant or zucchini rounds

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use crumbled feta?

Crumbled feta won’t melt as evenly. A block of feta is best for baking.

What type of olives work best?

Kalamata olives are traditional, but green Castelvetrano or black olives also work well.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Use vegan feta alternatives made from tofu or cashews.

Can I grill this dish?

Yes! Place everything in a cast-iron pan or foil packet and grill over indirect heat for 15–20 minutes.

Can I use other cheese?

Try halloumi (for grilling), soft goat cheese, or even ricotta for a different texture — but the flavor will vary.

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Recipe Card

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Serves: 4–6 as an appetizer

Category: Appetizer / Vegetarian

Cuisine: Mediterranean / Greek

Ingredients:

• 1 block feta cheese
• 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes
• 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives
• 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp fresh oregano or thyme
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• Cracked black pepper
• Fresh basil (for garnish)
• Bread or pita for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place feta in a baking dish. Surround with tomatoes, olives, and garlic.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with herbs, red pepper flakes, and black pepper.
4. Bake for 20–25 minutes until tomatoes are blistered and feta is golden.
5. Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm with crusty bread.

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Final Thoughts: Effortless Elegance in Every Bite

Mediterranean Baked Feta with Tomatoes and Olives is proof that the simplest recipes are often the most satisfying. With just a few pantry staples and one baking dish, you get a vibrant appetizer that brings together the flavors of the Mediterranean coast — salty, savory, sweet, and herbaceous.

This is more than just an easy appetizer — it’s a dish that sets the tone for a warm, relaxed meal filled with good food and conversation.

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