Creamy Baked Feta with Olives & Sun-Dried Tomatoes: A Mediterranean Flavor Explosion

Few dishes capture the sun-drenched spirit of the Mediterranean quite like Creamy Baked Feta with Olives & Sun-Dried Tomatoes. This warm, rich appetizer turns a humble block of feta cheese into a bubbling, savory masterpiece that’s perfect for sharing. With just a handful of pantry staples — feta, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, olive oil, and herbs — you can create a dish that’s luxurious, satisfying, and bursting with bold flavor.

If you love Mediterranean flavors, creamy textures, and effortless elegance, this baked feta is about to become your new signature dish.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

• Simple Yet Elegant: With just 5–6 ingredients, you can make something that looks restaurant-worthy.
• Incredible Flavor: The salty feta, sweet-tart sun-dried tomatoes, and briny olives create a perfect flavor balance.
• Versatile: Serve it as an appetizer, spread for sandwiches, or a topping for pasta and salads.
• One Dish, Minimal Cleanup: Everything bakes in the same dish — no fuss, no mess.
• Perfect for Entertaining: Warm, gooey, and aromatic — it’s the definition of “crowd-pleaser.”

Ingredients

• 1 block (8 oz) feta cheese
• 1 cup mixed olives (green, Kalamata, or your favorite blend)
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil preferred)
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese or Greek yogurt (for added creaminess)
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Crusty bread or pita chips, for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a small baking dish or cast-iron skillet with olive oil.
2. Prepare the Feta Base
   Place the block of feta cheese in the center of your dish. Spoon a bit of olive oil underneath to prevent sticking.
3. Add the Toppings
   Scatter chopped sun-dried tomatoes and olives evenly around (and on top of) the feta block. Drizzle everything generously with olive oil.
4. Add Flavor Enhancers
   Sprinkle with oregano, red pepper flakes, and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
5. Bake Until Bubbly and Golden
   Bake uncovered for 18–20 minutes, or until the feta is soft and slightly golden around the edges.
6. Make it Creamy (Optional but Amazing)
   Once out of the oven, stir in cream cheese or Greek yogurt directly into the dish. Mix gently until creamy and well-combined.
7. Garnish and Serve
   Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley, drizzle a little more olive oil, and serve immediately with toasted bread or pita chips.

Creamy Baked Feta with Olives & Sun-Dried Tomatoes

A warm and creamy Mediterranean appetizer featuring baked feta, briny olives, and sweet-tart sun-dried tomatoes, drizzled with olive oil and herbs.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean

Calories: 210

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Baked Feta

• 1 block feta cheese 8 oz
• 1 cup mixed olives pitted
• 0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes optional
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp cream cheese or Greek yogurt for creaminess
• 2 tbsp fresh basil or parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

• Baking dish
• Oven
• Mixing spoon
• Small knife

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a small baking dish.
2. Place feta block in the center of the dish and drizzle with olive oil.
3. Add olives and sun-dried tomatoes around the feta. Sprinkle with oregano, red pepper flakes, and lemon juice.
4. Bake for 18–20 minutes until golden and softened.
5. Stir in cream cheese or Greek yogurt for creaminess. Garnish with herbs and serve warm.

Notes

Serve with toasted bread or pita. Customize with roasted peppers or honey drizzle for unique variations.

Tips for Success

• Choose High-Quality Feta: Greek feta (made from sheep’s milk) melts more smoothly and has a tangier flavor than cow’s milk versions.
• Use Oil-Packed Sun-Dried Tomatoes: They add richness and blend beautifully into the olive oil sauce.
• Add Garlic for Depth: Roast a few garlic cloves alongside the feta for a more complex flavor.
• Adjust the Creaminess: Mix in more cream cheese for a dip-like texture or leave it chunky for a rustic presentation.

Delicious Variations

• Mediterranean Veggie Mix: Add roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or cherry tomatoes for extra layers of flavor.
• Honey-Thyme Version: Drizzle honey and sprinkle fresh thyme before baking for a sweet-salty twist.
• Spicy Lovers’ Feta: Add chopped chili peppers or use spicy olives for a kick.
• Vegan Option: Replace feta with vegan feta or tofu marinated in lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is meant for sharing — it’s ideal for gatherings, wine nights, or casual dinners. Serve it warm, straight from the oven, with:

• Toasted baguette slices
• Pita chips or crackers
• Fresh cucumber rounds or celery sticks
• Over warm pasta or roasted vegetables

You can even spoon leftovers over grilled chicken or toss them with cooked orzo for a stunning Mediterranean bowl.

Storage & Reheating

• Store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, or microwave gently.
• Repurpose: Use cold leftovers as a sandwich spread or salad topping.

Nutritional Benefits

• Feta Cheese: High in calcium and protein, adds richness with less fat than many cheeses.
• Olives: Packed with healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: A concentrated source of vitamins C and K, with an umami kick.
• Olive Oil: The cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet, known for heart-healthy properties.

Fun Fact: The Viral Baked Feta Trend

Remember the viral TikTok baked feta pasta? This recipe is its elegant cousin — a more refined version that’s appetizer-ready. The concept of baking feta originated long before TikTok, though. In Greece, “baked feta” (feta psiti) has been a beloved meze (small plate) for decades, traditionally served sizzling hot with peppers, tomatoes, and olive oil.

Our version takes that heritage and adds a modern, creamy twist that keeps people coming back for seconds — and thirds.

Make It a Complete Mediterranean Night

Pair your Creamy Baked Feta with these complementary dishes:

• Greek Salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion.
• Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers or grilled shrimp.
• A glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
• Finish with Baklava bites or Greek yogurt with honey for dessert.

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~210
• Carbs: 4g
• Protein: 8g
• Fat: 18g
• Sodium: 340mg
• Fiber: 1g

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Baked Feta with Olives & Sun-Dried Tomatoes is proof that simplicity and sophistication can coexist beautifully. It’s a warm, rich, utterly satisfying appetizer that brings the essence of the Mediterranean right to your table — all in under 25 minutes.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, planning a romantic night in, or just craving something indulgent and easy, this baked feta is pure gold. Serve it once, and it’ll become your go-to for every gathering.