Baked Feta and Olives
A warm, herby Mediterranean dish featuring creamy baked feta and briny olives, perfect for spreading on bread or enjoying by the forkful.
Ingredients:
- 1 block feta cheese (about 8 oz)
- 1 cup mixed olives (Kalamata, green, or your favorite)
- 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp dried oregano (or 1 tbsp fresh oregano)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey (optional, adds subtle sweetness)
- Fresh herbs for garnish (thyme, rosemary, or basil)
- Lemon zest or wedges (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place feta in a small baking dish or oven-safe skillet.
- Add olives, garlic, herbs: Scatter olives, sliced garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes around the feta.
- Drizzle oil and honey over the top.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the feta is soft, warm, and slightly golden at the edges.
- Optional: For a crisp top, switch to broil for the last 1–2 minutes (watch closely!).
- Garnish and serve with lemon zest, fresh herbs, and warm crusty bread or pita.
Servings:
- Serves 4–6 as an appetizer
Nutritional Estimate (Per Serving):
- Calories: ~180
- Protein: ~6g
- Fat: ~15g
- Carbs: ~4g
Tips:
- Add cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers for extra depth and color.
- Use marinated olives for even more infused flavor.
- Let guests scoop the cheese and olives directly onto toasted bread slices for interactive serving.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prep the dish (assemble everything in the baking dish) a few hours in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Just bring it to room temp before baking or add a few extra minutes to the cook time.
Q: What bread pairs best with this dish?
A: Crusty artisan bread, warm pita, or grilled baguette slices are ideal — they hold up well and soak up the herby olive oil beautifully.