Imagine a dish that transports you to a sun-drenched Greek island with just one bite - a culinary masterpiece that's incredibly simple yet devastatingly delicious. Our Baked Feta with Olives and Rosemary is that magical recipe that will transform your appetizer game from ordinary to extraordinary. In just 30 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy dish that looks impressive, tastes incredible, and will have your guests wondering if you secretly trained in a Mediterranean kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 block of feta cheese
- 1 cup mixed olives
- 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
- Olive oil (for drizzling)
- Black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the feta cheese will bake evenly and develop a deliciously creamy texture.
- While the oven is heating, prepare your ingredients. Take the block of feta cheese out of its packaging and place it in a small baking dish. Choose a dish that is just large enough to hold the feta snugly.
- Next, rinse the mixed olives under cold water to remove any excess brine, then pat them dry with a paper towel. Scatter the olives around the feta cheese in the baking dish.
- Strip the leaves from the fresh rosemary sprigs and sprinkle them over the feta and olives. If you prefer a stronger rosemary flavor, you can chop the leaves finely before adding them.
- Drizzle a generous amount of olive oil over the feta, olives, and rosemary. This will help to enhance the flavors and create a lovely golden crust as it bakes.
- Season the dish with freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Be careful not to add too much salt, as feta and olives are already salty.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the feta is soft and starting to turn golden on top. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will help the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the baked feta warm, either on its own or with crusty bread, pita, or crackers for dipping. You can also drizzle a bit more olive oil over the top before serving for extra richness.
- Enjoy your Mediterranean-inspired dish as an appetizer or part of a larger meal!
Tips
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Select a high-quality block of feta cheese and fresh rosemary for the best flavor profile.
- Temperature Matters: Ensure your oven is fully preheated to 400°F for even baking and that perfect golden crust.
- Olive Selection: Use a mix of olives for varied texture and flavor - kalamata, green, and black olives work wonderfully together.
- Don't Overcrowd: Use a baking dish that allows the feta and olives some breathing room to ensure proper caramelization.
- Watch Closely: Bake until just golden - a few extra minutes can quickly turn your creamy feta into a dry, tough cheese.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve immediately while warm for the most luxurious, melty texture. Pair with crusty bread or warm pita for the ultimate experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 14g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 75mg
