Jazzy Mediterranean Baked Feta Recipe: Olive & Sun-Dried Joy
When hunger strikes for something extraordinary, this Mediterranean baked feta recipe promises an explosion of flavors that dance across your palate.
Nestled in a warm ceramic dish, the creamy feta cheese melts beautifully among briny olives and sweet sun-dried tomatoes.
Each ingredient brings a burst of Mediterranean warmth to your table, creating a stunning appetizer that’s both simple and elegant.
Herbs like oregano and thyme add earthy undertones that complement the rich cheese perfectly.
The olive oil drizzled over the top creates a silky shimmer that beckons you closer.
Serve this dish with crusty bread for dipping, and watch as friends gather around, eager to savor every delectable bite.
This recipe transforms an ordinary evening into a celebration of Mediterranean culinary magic.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Calories: 300 kcal
Servings: 4
Ingredients for Mediterranean Baked Feta with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
For The Star Ingredient:
Feta Cheese: Creamy Greek classic that delivers tangy, salty punch with soft, crumbly texture. Look for authentic block-style feta in brine for best flavor and authentic Mediterranean experience.
Olives: Rich, briny Mediterranean gems that add intense saltiness and robust depth. Choose Kalamata for traditional Greek character with deep purple color and meaty texture.
For Fresh Flavor Boosters:
Cherry Tomatoes: Bursting with sweet-tart brightness, these little jewels roast beautifully and add vibrant color. Select ripe, firm tomatoes with deep red hue for maximum sweetness.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Concentrated, intense flavor bombs that bring deep umami and slightly chewy texture. Opt for sun-dried tomatoes packed in olive oil for enhanced richness.
For Aromatic Enhancers:
Fresh Thyme: Earthy, woodsy herb that infuses subtle pine-like notes and traditional Mediterranean essence. Choose bright green sprigs with sturdy stems and no wilting.
Garlic: Pungent flavor powerhouse that adds warm, deep undertones to the dish. Select firm, plump cloves without soft spots or sprouting.
Olive Oil: Silky liquid gold that binds flavors and creates luscious, glossy finish. Choose extra virgin variety for most authentic, robust taste profile.
Red Pepper Flakes: Fiery sprinkle that introduces gentle heat and exciting kick. Select high-quality, bright red flakes for maximum flavor impact.
Tools for Mediterranean Baked Feta with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Oven-safe dish or cast-iron skillet: Perfect for baking and serving the feta directly in the pan.
Sharp knife: Helps chop sun-dried tomatoes and herbs neatly.
Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for ingredient prep.
Measuring spoons: Ensures precise seasoning with olive oil and herbs.
Oven mitts: Protects hands when handling hot dishes from the oven.
Instructions for Mediterranean Baked Feta with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Warm Up the Oven Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) and get ready for a flavor explosion.
Set the Stage Place a beautiful block of feta in a small oven-safe dish or trusty cast-iron skillet.
Build Flavor Scatter kalamata olives, vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs around the feta, creating a colorful Mediterranean landscape.
Drizzle and Season Generously splash extra virgin olive oil over the cheese, then sprinkle with cracked black pepper and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a zesty kick.
Bake to Perfection Slide the dish into the preheated oven and let the magic happen for 15-20 minutes, watching the feta turn golden and slightly bubbly.
Garnish and Serve Pull the dish out, let it cool for a moment, then top with fresh basil leaves and a final drizzle of olive oil. Serve immediately with crusty bread for dipping.
Tips & Ideas for Mediterranean Baked Feta
Perfect Cheese Selection: Choose a high-quality Greek feta with authentic sheep's milk for the most authentic Mediterranean flavor and creamiest texture.
Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator, then bake just before serving to save time during entertaining.
Gluten-Free Friendly: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for those with dietary restrictions while still delivering incredible taste and sophistication.
Serve-with Suggestions: Pair with warm pita bread, crusty sourdough, or gluten-free crackers to create delicious vessels for scooping up the melted, herb-infused feta.
Temperature Tip: Allow feta to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before baking to ensure even melting and a smoother, more luxurious consistency that spreads beautifully.
Serving Mediterranean Baked Feta Dish
Fresh Herb Sprinkle: Chop fragrant basil, oregano, or parsley and generously scatter over the hot baked feta for a burst of fresh Mediterranean flavor that complements the rich, salty cheese.
Rustic Bread Companion: Serve alongside crusty sourdough, ciabatta, or grilled pita bread for perfect dipping and scooping of the warm, melted feta and its delicious olive and tomato medley.
Mezze Platter Magic: Create a stunning appetizer spread by arranging the baked feta with hummus, roasted vegetables, cucumber slices, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a vibrant, shareable dining experience.
Wine Pairing Delight: Match this dish with a crisp white wine like Assyrtiko from Greece or a light Sauvignon Blanc to enhance the tangy, briny flavors of the feta and Mediterranean ingredients.
Storage Tips for Baked Feta with Olives
Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover baked feta in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and preventing flavor absorption from other ingredients.
Smart Reheating Technique: Gently warm refrigerated feta in a preheated oven at 300F (150C) for 5-7 minutes, maintaining its creamy texture and preventing drying out.
Freezing Option: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Advance Preparation Hack: Assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours before baking, covering and refrigerating. Simply remove from the fridge 15 minutes before cooking to bring to room temperature, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
Mediterranean baked feta with olives and sun-dried tomatoes delivers a rich, tangy flavor profile straight from Greek cuisine. Cheese melts luxuriously alongside briny olives, creating a simple yet elegant appetizer you’ll savor with crusty bread.
Ingredients
Scale
1 (8 oz / 226 g) feta cheese (Greek, not crumbled)
¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained & chopped)
¼ cup mixed olives (Kalamata, green, or mix, pitted & halved)
2 cloves garlic (thinly sliced or minced)
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp dried oregano
¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
1 tsp honey (optional, for sweetness)
Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish, optional)
Crusty bread, pita chips, or crackers (for serving)
Instructions
Preparation: Position the oven rack centrally and preheat to 375°F (190°C), creating an optimal roasting environment for this Mediterranean cheese dish.
Vessel Selection: Choose a compact oven-safe ceramic dish or cast-iron skillet that perfectly fits the feta block, ensuring even heat distribution and presentation.
Cheese Placement: Centrally position the feta in the baking vessel, creating a focal point for the surrounding ingredients and ensuring stable cooking.
Flavor Layering: Artfully scatter kalamata and green olives around the cheese, then strategically distribute sun-dried tomatoes to build a complex flavor profile with visual intrigue.
Seasoning Enhancement: Drizzle extra virgin olive oil generously, then delicately sprinkle crushed dried oregano, freshly cracked black pepper, and a whisper of red pepper flakes to elevate the dish’s aromatic complexity.
Baking Process: Transfer the prepared dish to the preheated oven, allowing 15-18 minutes of cooking time until the feta softens and develops a golden-tinged exterior with a luxuriously creamy consistency.
Serving Preparation: Rest the baked feta for 3-5 minutes to harmonize the flavors, then present immediately alongside crusty artisan bread or warm pita for an authentic Mediterranean experience.
Notes
Cheese Quality Matters: Choose high-quality, authentic Greek feta for the most authentic and creamy texture.
Prevent Dryness: Drizzle olive oil generously to keep the feta moist and prevent it from becoming too crumbly during baking.
Customize Heat Levels: Adjust red pepper flakes to control spiciness, making the dish suitable for different heat tolerances.
Dietary Adaptations: Serve with gluten-free bread or vegetable sticks for those with wheat sensitivities or following low-carb diets.
Recipe development with a focus on single-dish meals.
Fusion of traditional and modern Australian cuisines.
Food styling and photography for digital platforms.
Education
Box Hill Institute, Melbourne
Degree: Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management
Focus: Specialized in practical food and beverage service, responsible alcohol and hygiene compliance, legal risk management, and hands‑on experience in a simulated restaurant environment.
William Angliss Institute, Melbourne
Program: Certificate IV in Patisserie
Focus: Specialized in pastry and bakery techniques, cookery and specialty food preparation, recipe planning and costing, commercial kitchen operations, sustainable and inclusive work practices, food safety and hygiene compliance, and workplace health and safety.
Jenna is the heart of Picture Perfect Meals, turning simple ingredients into beautiful, easy‑to‑make dishes.
Growing up around family meals in Melbourne, she trained at Box Hill Institute and then perfected her pastry skills at William Angliss Institute. She loves mixing classic Australian flavors with fresh ideas to keep cooking fun and stress‑free.
Jenna Hartley
Founder & Recipe Creator
Expertise
Education
Box Hill Institute, Melbourne
William Angliss Institute, Melbourne
Jenna is the heart of Picture Perfect Meals, turning simple ingredients into beautiful, easy‑to‑make dishes.
Growing up around family meals in Melbourne, she trained at Box Hill Institute and then perfected her pastry skills at William Angliss Institute. She loves mixing classic Australian flavors with fresh ideas to keep cooking fun and stress‑free.