Whether you’re preparing for a cozy night in or hosting friends, this easy-to-make appetizer is a surefire hit. The combination of marinated vegetables and melted feta creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making every bite irresistible.

Serve it with slices of crusty French baguette and watch it disappear in no time. Ready to make this delicious dish? Let’s get started!

Baked Feta with Olives and Basil Marinade Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 block (8 oz) feta cheese, sliced in half horizontally
• 1 cup mixed olives, pitted
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried basil)
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Lemon zest from 1 lemon
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary leaves, chopped (for garnish)
• French bread or crackers, for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade:
   • In a bowl, combine the olives, cherry tomatoes, red onion, minced garlic, basil, olive oil, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and lemon zest.
   • Mix well to ensure all ingredients are coated with the olive oil and spices.
   • Let the mixture marinate for at least 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
2. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. Prepare the Feta:
   • Slice the block of feta cheese in half horizontally so you have two thinner blocks.
4. Layer the Ingredients:
   • In a medium-sized baking dish, place one half of the feta cheese.
   • Spread half of the marinated mixture over the feta.
   • Place the second half of the feta cheese on top of the first layer.
   • Spread the remaining marinated mixture on top of the second layer of feta.
5. Bake the Dish:
   • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
   • Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the feta is golden and slightly melted, and the tomatoes are soft and blistered.
6. Serve:
   • Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly.
   • Garnish with freshly chopped rosemary and parsley.
   • Serve warm with crusty bread or crackers for dipping.

If this baked feta with olives has won you over, why not spread the love? Pin the image below to your Pinterest board and let your friends enjoy it too. Happy cooking and sharing!

Video Recipe

Tips and Variations

Tips

1. Marinate Longer: For an even more intense flavor, let the marinated mixture sit for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
2. Serve Warm: This dish is best enjoyed warm, straight out of the oven. If it cools down, you can reheat it in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
3. Parchment Paper: Lining the baking dish with parchment paper makes for easier cleanup and prevents sticking.
4. Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh basil and rosemary on hand, they provide a more vibrant flavor compared to dried herbs.

Variations

1. Add Capers: For an extra briny flavor, mix in a tablespoon of capers with the olives and tomatoes.
2. Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Substitute fresh cherry tomatoes with sun-dried tomatoes for a richer taste.
3. Different Cheeses: Try using other types of cheese like goat cheese or halloumi for a different twist on this dish.
4. Spicy Kick: If you like it spicy, add a few slices of fresh jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the marinated mixture.
5. Vegetables: Add sliced bell peppers or zucchini for additional texture and flavor.

Enjoy experimenting with these tips and variations to make the dish your own!