Description
This Mediterranean Baked Feta Dip is a savory and aromatic appetizer featuring a block of creamy feta cheese baked with Kalamata and green olives, grape tomatoes, and a fragrant olive oil marinade infused with garlic, herbs, and a touch of honey. Warm and melty, it’s perfect for dipping with pita or pita puffs, delivering a burst of Mediterranean flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 ounces block feta cheese
- 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, drained and halved
- 1/2 cup pitted green olives, drained and halved
- 1 cup grape tomatoes
Marinade
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon zaatar
- Pinch red pepper flakes
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Garnish and Serving
- Fresh herbs (cilantro, parsley) for garnish
- Drizzle of honey (optional)
- Pita or pita puffs for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature for baking the feta and vegetables evenly.
- Prepare the baking dish: Place the block of feta cheese in the center of a small baking dish, setting the stage for the toppings to surround it beautifully.
- Add the toppings: Scatter the halved Kalamata olives, green olives, and grape tomatoes evenly around the feta cheese in the dish, creating a colorful and flavorful base.
- Mix the marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, honey, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, zaatar, and red pepper flakes. Season this mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste for a well-balanced flavor.
- Drizzle the marinade: Pour the olive oil marinade evenly over the feta cheese and surrounding olives and tomatoes, ensuring every ingredient is coated in the flavorful blend.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the feta softens and turns slightly golden, and the tomatoes burst to release their juices.
- Garnish: Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley. Drizzle with additional honey if you like a touch of sweetness.
- Serve: Serve the baked feta dip warm alongside pita bread or pita puffs for dipping, making it a perfect appetizer or snack.
Notes
- For an extra kick, add more red pepper flakes or a splash of fresh lemon juice before serving.
- Use a cast-iron or oven-safe ceramic dish to ensure even baking.
- This dip can be served warm or at room temperature, but it’s best enjoyed fresh out of the oven.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
- Gluten-free pita alternatives can be used to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
