This Baked Feta with Olives & Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a simple Mediterranean-inspired appetizer bursting with rich flavors. Creamy baked feta, briny olives, sweet sun-dried tomatoes, and aromatic herbs come together in one easy dish that’s perfect for entertaining or as a light lunch.

Recipe Overview

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 8 ounces (225g) block feta cheese
• 1 cup mixed olives (Kalamata, green, or black)
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Optional Garnishes

• Fresh basil leaves
• Fresh parsley
• Red pepper flakes
• Lemon zest

For Serving

• Crusty bread
• Pita chips
• Crackers
• Fresh vegetables

Equipment Needed

• Small baking dish
• Mixing bowl
• Spoon

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

Lightly grease a small baking dish.

Step 2: Assemble the Dish

Place the feta block in the center of the baking dish.

Scatter around it:

• Mixed olives
• Sun-dried tomatoes

Step 3: Season

In a small bowl combine:

• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Oregano
• Thyme
• Black pepper

Drizzle evenly over the feta and olive mixture.

Step 4: Bake

Bake for 18–20 minutes until:

• Feta is soft and creamy
• Tomatoes are warmed through
• Olives are slightly roasted

Step 5: Optional Broil

For a lightly golden top, broil for 1–2 minutes.

Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top with:

• Fresh basil
• Parsley
• Lemon zest
• Red pepper flakes

Serve immediately with bread, crackers, or vegetables.

Air Fryer Method

Prepare

Assemble the ingredients in an air fryer-safe baking dish.

Air Fry

Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes.

The feta should be soft and slightly golden.

Tips for the Best Baked Feta

Use Block Feta

Block feta holds its shape and becomes wonderfully creamy when baked.

Choose Quality Olive Oil

Good olive oil enhances the Mediterranean flavors.

Don’t Overbake

Feta should soften, not completely melt.

Serve Warm

The texture is best straight from the oven.

Flavor Variations

Greek Style

Add:

• Cherry tomatoes
• Cucumber on the side
• Fresh dill

Spicy Mediterranean

Add:

• Red pepper flakes
• Sliced hot peppers

Garlic Lover’s Version

Increase garlic to:

• 4 cloves minced

Herb Garden Feta

Add:

• Fresh rosemary
• Fresh thyme
• Fresh oregano

Honey Feta

Drizzle with:

• 1 tablespoon honey

after baking for a sweet-savory twist.

What to Serve With

Bread

• Toasted baguette slices
• Pita bread
• Focaccia

Crackers

• Whole grain crackers
• Seed crackers

Vegetables

• Cucumber slices
• Bell pepper strips
• Carrot sticks
• Celery

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Oven

Warm at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes.

Air Fryer

Heat at 320°F (160°C) for 3–4 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Per Serving (Approximate)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use crumbled feta?

Block feta is recommended because it bakes better and stays creamy.

Which olives work best?

Kalamata olives are traditional, but any favorite variety works well.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes. Assemble everything a few hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Is this keto-friendly?

Yes! It’s naturally low in carbohydrates and keto-friendly.

Can I add tomatoes?

Absolutely. Cherry tomatoes are a popular and delicious addition.

Recipe Notes

✅ Easy Mediterranean appetizer.

✅ Ready in 30 minutes.

✅ Low-carb and keto-friendly.

✅ Perfect for entertaining.

✅ Rich, creamy, and flavorful.

Make-Ahead Tip

Prepare the dish up to 24 hours in advance and keep refrigerated until baking.

Serving Suggestion

Serve warm with toasted baguette slices and a simple Mediterranean salad for a light meal. 🫒🧀✨

Chef’s Secret

Add a small drizzle of honey and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes immediately after baking. The sweet, salty, creamy, and spicy combination creates an irresistible restaurant-quality appetizer. 😋🧀🫒✨

FAQs

Can I freeze baked feta?

Freezing is not recommended, as the texture may become grainy after thawing.

Can I use goat cheese instead?

Yes, though the flavor and texture will be different.

What wine pairs well with this dish?

A crisp white wine or light rosé pairs beautifully with Mediterranean flavors.

Is this vegetarian?

Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly.