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The Best Baked Feta Recipe

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Feast on the bold flavors of the Mediterranean with this rich and creamy baked feta. Feta cheese combined with Kalamata olives, fresh herbs, and olive oil – this will surely be the best baked feta recipe you’ll ever try. This baked feta is so flavorful that you’ll feel tempted to eat it on its own. 

This easy and delicious baked feta recipe is perfect as an appetizer or a side dish. You can serve baked feta as an appetizer with a few slices of toasted baguette. You can use it as a dip for pita chips and other healthy snacks. You can even use this recipe to make baked feta pasta. Just bake some feta cheese in the oven and use it in an abundance of ways that will all surely turn out delicious.

a spoon rests in a baking dish with olive oil wilted olives and freshly baked feta cheese that was just cut open

Why This Recipe Works

Feta is a world-famous cheese that comes from Greece. It’s a white cheese made with sheep or goat’s milk. Authentic and high-quality feta cheese has a soft and crumbly texture, and it comes in brine. 

Although feta cheese can be delicious as is, baking is a simple yet effective way to turn a plain block of cheese into something rich, creamy, and utterly magical. Since this recipe includes fresh herbs, you’ll also end up with a healthy baked feta recipe. Who says delicious food can’t be healthy, right? The fresh herbs also serve to balance out the rich flavor and creamy texture of the baked feta.

Ingredients and Substitutions

a labeled ingredients diagram showing what ingredients are needed to make baked feta recipe

Feta cheese – Feta cheese made from sheep’s milk has a sharp and slightly sour flavor. In contrast, feta cheese made from goat’s milk has a mild flavor. You can get either—it just depends on the kind of flavor you prefer. You will want to use feta cheese in block form (rather than crumbled), in this instance.

Kalamata olives – Like feta, kalamata olives originate in Greece. Kalamata olives are dark purple, and their taste provides a hint of sweetness to the recipe.

Fresh chopped oregano – Oregano has a slightly bitter, yet very herby flavor that will add an earthiness to the baked feta.

Fresh chopped rosemary – Rosemary has a unique flavor profile that one can describe as slightly bitter, citrusy, and somewhat spicy (akin to pepper). Rosemary’s unique flavors will give the baked feta a distinct, fragrant aroma.

Fresh chopped mint – The cool sensation in your mouth that comes from eating mint will provide a fresh flavor and aroma to your baked feta.

Fresh chopped basil – As a part of the mint family, basil has a smell and taste similar to mint, albeit much milder. Basil has a sweet and somewhat bitter flavor that includes notes of anise and pepper.

Extra virgin olive oil – Extra virgin olive oil is a healthy antioxidant-rich oil that will help bind all the ingredients together and give the dish a rich, nutty, and slightly fruity flavor. There’s nothing quite like the added flavor of drizzles of extra virgin olive oil in a dish.

Honey – Honey will add a dash of sweetness to the baked feta. If you don’t like honey, you can substitute it with other sweeteners such as maple syrup or agave syrup.

Garlic – The pungent flavor and aroma of garlic will help balance the rich flavor of the baked feta and give a kick to the dish.

Salt – No recipe is complete without salt. Adding some salt to your baked feta will give it a savoriness that no other ingredient can give.

Black Pepper – You can’t include salt in a dish and not have black pepper (in my opinion!). Like garlic, pepper will provide a spicy kick to your baked feta.

Baked Feta Instructions

This is a ridiculously simple recipe. Simply place a block of feta cheese in a baking dish, top off with remaining ingredients, and bake. Easy peasy!

Tips

Make your baked feta even more special by following these tips:

  1. Get authentic, high-quality feta – Buy only high-quality feta cheese that’s made in Greece. Authentic feta cheese only comes from Greece. 
  2. Don’t be afraid to use your olive oil – Putting a healthy amount of extra virgin olive oil in your baked feta will prevent the cheese from burning in the oven. Furthermore, olive oil will help cook your feta cheese and other ingredients more evenly and create a smooth, buttery texture.
  3. Season wisely – Even without salt and pepper, this baked feta recipe already has a ton of flavor. Be careful not to go overboard with your salt and pepper lest you end up with a dish that’s too salty and spicy to enjoy. Are you a big fan of spice? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
a side view of freshly baked feta cheese resting in a dish of olive oil and olives

FAQ

What goes with feta cheese?

The great thing about feta is its versatility. Feta cheese goes well with a wide range of foods such as:

Fruits like melon, watermelon, nectarine, and peach
Crusty bread like French bread and sourdough
Potatoes
Eggs
Pizza
Pasta
Crackers, pita chips, and tortilla chips
Salads

Can you reheat feta cheese?

Yes, you can. Heating feta cheese in an oven will turn the cheese into a tender, creamy, and melty appetizer that you can put on almost anything. Reheating it does the same! To reheat, place the feta into a 350°F oven until warm throughout.

How do I make baked feta pasta?

You’ve probably see your fair share of the famous TikTok pasta! While your feta cheese is baking in the oven, cook some short pasta (macaroni, ziti, etc.) until it’s al dente. Drain your pasta but reserve some of the pasta water. Once your baked feta is out of the oven, add your pasta and stir it into the baked feta until all the pasta is evenly coated. 
Add pasta water a little bit at a time while stirring to prevent the pasta and sauce mixture from becoming too thick. Once you’re satisfied with the consistency of your baked feta pasta, add salt and pepper to taste.

Is feta cheese vegetarian?

Most feta cheese purchased in stores these days is made with microbial rennet, rather than animal rennet, however, you still will want to check packages or contact companies to ensure the feta you are purchasing is vegetarian if you are on a vegetarian diet. My favorite vegetarian feta cheese is made by Organic Valley.

a spoon digs into freshly baked feta with herbs and olives

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top view of bubbling golden baked feta topped with fresh herbs

Baked Feta Recipe

The best baked feta cheese with olives, fresh herbs and olive oil. This is a rich and creamy vegetarian appetizer or side dish.
4.98 from 142 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Greek
Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 27 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Author: Kristen Wood

Ingredients

  • 1 8-ounce block feta cheese vegetarian if necessary
  • 1 cup Kalamata olives whole and pitted
  • 1 teaspoon fresh oregano chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh mint chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh basil chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves minced or grated
  • cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey I like to use raw honey
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • Place the block of feta in a round or square baking dish (at least 6").
  • Sprinkle the olives over the feta, followed by the oregano, rosemary, mint, basil and garlic.
  • Drizzle with the olive oil and honey. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  • Place into the oven and bake for 25 minutes, followed by 2 minutes under broiler or until golden and bubbling. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 251kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 19g | Sodium: 934mg | Potassium: 32mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 203IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 30mg | Iron: 1mg
Have you tried this recipe?Please Rate + Comment Below!
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Recipe Rating




 

35 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Made the Baked Feta Appetizer for girls night and it was a Big Hit. The theme was for each person to bring an appetizer to share. I had all the fresh herbs required for recipe in my patio garden. Have already shared the recipe with the ladies who attended and plan to make for upcoming gatherings. I will make again for family and friends upcoming holiday parties. Love this one and a definite keeper.

  2. 5 stars
    I added a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick to our baked feta and it was the best! It was bursting with flavors, so addicting!

  3. 5 stars
    This baked feta app was PHENOMENAL! It was flavorful and super easy. I made it for date night and we devoured it!

  4. 5 stars
    Served this with sourdough discard crackers – so good! Definitely keeping this recipe.

  5. 5 stars
    I served this baked feta cheese with homemade baked pita chips, it was super delicious. I’ll make it again and again.

  6. 5 stars
    Delicious, creamy, salty… I made this appetizer for our last dinner party and paired it with warm pita bread wedges. It was perfect. Everybody loved it, and it disappeared very quickly.

  7. 5 stars
    The salty cheesy flavor is delicious! I’ve never baked feta before but definitely will again!

  8. 5 stars
    We had some family over last night, and I made this as an appetizer. Wow, total hit! I just loved how all those Mediterranean flavors came together, and it was super easy and quick to whip up. Will definitely make again!

  9. 5 stars
    This baked cheese just looks fantastic. My family would love this. Trying your recipe soon.

  10. 5 stars
    This was my first time baking feta, and wow, it’s so good. The dish also looks so pretty, so this is actually a good appetizer dish for parties.

  11. 5 stars
    Loved this as an appetizer the other day and think I can also make it to user over a Greek salad next time.

  12. I had some leftover feta and was wondering what to do with it………I can’t wait to try this.

  13. 5 stars
    This looks and sounds fabulous! Love this recipe. It’s a perfect dish for my family.

    1. 5 stars
      Glad to find this recipe, I have made this before with tomatoes but never thought of using olives which I love even more.

  14. 5 stars
    Happy to let you know that I made this the other day and it was so so flavorful and tasty! Surprisingly the kids enjoyed it as well!

  15. 5 stars
    Really great flavors in this and was addicting will make it again for sure love the honey with feta perfect!

  16. 5 stars
    Yum! This recipe was delicious and perfect for the spring herbs that are popping up. Thanks!

  17. 5 stars
    This baked feta recipe looks so good, I’m going to go buy the ingredients today!

  18. 5 stars
    Some of my favorite flavors in one recipe. This is a winner of an appetizer! I love dipping veggies in this!

  19. 5 stars
    This is such a simple and tasty appetizer! I love to serve this with veggies and pita chips. So good!

  20. 5 stars
    I love feta and baking it is my favourite way to serve it! This recipe sounds wonderful. Going to get a block of feta tomorrow and give it a try!

  21. 5 stars
    Love the combination of olives and Feta cheese. Cheesy dishes are my favorite. Looks like a lovely side dish.

  22. 5 stars
    I can’t wait to try it! Feta cheese and black olives! Two of my favorite things in the world!