Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is everything you want in an appetizer: salty, creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of rustic. The feta softens beautifully in the oven, while the tomatoes burst and meld with garlic and herbs, creating a rich, spoonable topping. It’s simple enough for weeknight snacking yet elegant enough for entertaining. Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep, it’s a delicious go-to for last-minute guests or quiet nights in.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Block of feta cheese
- Cherry or grape tomatoes
- Kalamata or green olives, pitted
- Garlic cloves, thinly sliced or minced
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Fresh oregano or thyme (or dried if unavailable)
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Black pepper
- Warm pita bread, for serving
- Optional: lemon zest or fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Assemble the Ingredients: In a small baking dish, place the block of feta in the center. Surround it with cherry tomatoes, olives, and garlic slices.
- Season: Drizzle everything generously with olive oil. Sprinkle with herbs, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the feta is soft and starting to brown at the edges, and the tomatoes are blistered and juicy.
- Optional Broil: For a golden top, broil for an additional 2–3 minutes at the end of baking.
- Serve: Garnish with lemon zest or chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot with warm pita bread for dipping.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4–6 (as an appetizer)
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Add Veggies: Include sliced red onions, bell peppers, or artichoke hearts for extra flavor.
- Make it Spicy: Add a few chopped chili peppers or more red pepper flakes.
- Vegan Version: Use a vegan feta substitute and the same baking method.
- Add Protein: Serve with a side of grilled shrimp or chicken skewers for a more filling platter.
- Flavor Twist: Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a baking dish and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until hot and bubbly. This dish is not ideal for freezing as the texture of the feta can change.
FAQs
What type of feta should I use?
Use a block of Greek feta in brine for the best flavor and texture. Avoid crumbled feta, which won’t bake well.
Can I use sun-dried tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, chopped sun-dried tomatoes in oil can be used for a richer, more concentrated flavor.
What herbs work best for this dish?
Fresh oregano or thyme are ideal, but rosemary or basil can also work well.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the dish ahead and store it covered in the fridge. Bake just before serving for best results.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, the baked feta is naturally gluten-free. Just serve it with gluten-free bread or crackers if needed.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, a soft goat cheese log or a wheel of camembert can be used, but baking time may vary.
How do I prevent the feta from drying out?
Be generous with olive oil and don’t overbake. The tomatoes also help keep everything moist.
What can I serve with this besides pita?
Try crusty baguette slices, flatbread, seed crackers, or fresh veggie sticks like cucumbers and carrots.
Can I add a sweet element?
Yes, a drizzle of honey before baking or right after adds a delicious sweet-salty contrast.
Do I need to stir it before serving?
You can gently stir the feta with the tomatoes and olives for a spreadable dip, or leave it whole for guests to scoop from.
Conclusion
Mediterranean Baked Feta Appetizer with Pita is a simple yet luxurious dish that delivers bold flavors with minimal effort. Perfectly melted feta surrounded by roasted tomatoes and olives makes for an irresistible appetizer or snack. Whether you’re hosting guests or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this Mediterranean classic will have everyone going back for more.
PrintMediterranean Baked Feta Appetizer with Pita
Mediterranean Baked Feta Appetizer with Pita is a warm, creamy, and savory dish featuring baked feta cheese surrounded by blistered tomatoes, olives, and herbs. Served with pita, it’s a quick and crowd-pleasing appetizer with bold Mediterranean flavors.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 block of feta cheese (about 7 oz)
- 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes
- 1/2 cup Kalamata or green olives, pitted
- 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp fresh oregano or thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried)
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Black pepper, to taste
- Warm pita bread, for serving
- Optional: lemon zest or fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the block of feta in the center of a small baking dish. Surround it with cherry tomatoes, olives, and garlic.
- Drizzle everything generously with olive oil. Sprinkle with herbs, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the feta is soft and edges begin to brown and tomatoes are blistered.
- Optional: Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end to brown the top.
- Remove from oven and garnish with lemon zest or fresh parsley, if desired.
- Serve warm with pita bread for dipping.
Notes
- Use a whole block of feta, not crumbled, for best texture when baking.
- Sun-dried tomatoes can be substituted for a deeper flavor profile.
- Add artichoke hearts or red onions for more variety.
- A drizzle of honey before or after baking adds a sweet contrast to the salty feta.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe (excluding pita)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
