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Baked Feta with Olives and Rosemary is the perfect appetiser for last-minute guests. It is quickly and easily prepared; just 10 minutes (or less) to prepare, and, while it bakes in the oven, you can open the wine. Then sit back, relax and enjoy the vibrant flavours of the Mediterranean.
A recent visit to Greece inspired this lovely appetiser. Baked feta is a classic mezze, served in many tavernas throughout Greece, and has become one of my favourite appetisers. It is the perfect dish to serve forparties or unexpected guests. It is quick and easy to prepare, leaving you to get on with other things whilst it bakes.
Start with a block of feta of your choice. Place the feta in an oven-proof dish, add extra virgin olive oil, olives, and herbs and spices of your choice. Then place the feta into the oven for 20 minutes. When it’s baked, the feta takes on a completely different persona. Baking the cheese transforms a block of crumbly feta into a delicious, creamy spread. The feta does not meltwhen heated, it keeps its shape, whilst absorbing some of the flavours of theaccompanying ingredients. The vibrant, sun-filled flavours in this dish are easily identified as
With this recipe, there are really three appetisers in one.
This is a great recipe to customise. The concept is simple and the ingredients and quantities can be used as guidelines and varied as required.
If you’re entertaining for large numbers of people, use a large oven-proof baking dish, the required number of blocks of feta and an increased number of olives. I have chosen to use fresh rosemary, but you could use fresh thyme or dried oregano. In general, I prefer to use fresh herbs as they provide a much brighter flavour. However, when it comes to oregano, my preference is for the dried herb. Oregano is one herb which dries well and retains a lot of its flavour. You could add dried chilli flakes, a few cherry tomatoes or
If by chance you haven’t used all the warm feta, you will find that once it has cooled it will once again become firm, but it will now be more fragrant and flavoursome. It’s perfect to crumble over salads or roastedvegetables.
You can’t go wrong with this appetiser. Even if you are a complete novice in the kitchen you will be able to make this and serve it with pride to grateful recipients. The presentation is beautiful and it tastes as good as it looks.
Take a little trip to Greece with this vibrant appetiser which is perfect to serve to guests or quickly prepare on a Friday evening to enjoy with a relaxing glass of wine. Enjoy!
Please let me know in the comments below if you try this recipe.
Xx Alex and Faye
P.S. Our selection of Tasty Dips or Roasted Almonds goes perfectly with the Baked Feta!
Baked Feta with Olives and Rosemary
Ingredients
- 200 g feta *
- 1/4 cup olive oil extra virgin
- 3 strips orange rind *
- 3 strips lemon rind *
- 1 tbsp lemon juice 20 ml
- 1 cup mixed olives *
- 3 tbsp fresh rosemary leaves *
- 1 long red chilli *
- fresh chopped parsley optional garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180 Degrees C (350 F).Get your ingredients organised.
- Place the feta in a small oven-proof dish.*Pour the olive oil over the feta.
- Add the strips of lemon and orange rind, then pour over the lemon juice.
Distribute the olives around the feta. Sprinkle with the rosemary leaves*.Cut a few thin slices of chilli and reserve them for garnish after the feta has baked.Quarter the remainder of the chilli lengthways and cut into strips. If the chilli is hot, remove the seeds and membrane. Add the chilli to the feta. - Place the feta into the oven and bake about 20 minutes, until hot and bubbling.You will know it’s ready when the edges of the feta become slightly browned. If you want a little more colour, place it briefly under the grill.Remove from the oven and top with the reserved chilli slices and a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley if using.
- Serve hot with crusty bread, warmed pita or with toasted ciabatta*.Smear the warm, creamy cheese onto some bread, scooping up some of the olives and olive oil.
I don’t think I can ever eat feta any other way now! The flavour, the creaminess – yum. Thanks for a great recipe
Thank you so much Marie, I am delighted that you enjoyed the Baked Feta. Baking the Feta gives it an entirely new dimension. 🙂
This sounds so yummy!! I can’t wait to try this out!
I look forward to hearing how you enjoy it Danielle. 🙂
This looks so yum. Makes me hungry suddenly. lol.
It’s a great appetiser Bindu, I do hope that you try it. 🙂
Feta and olives sound so yum!
It’s a terrific appetiser Miriam, I do hope that you try it. 🙂
How I wish I can have that Baked Feta right now. Thanks for sharing this nice and easy recipe.
You can make it very quickly Kalyan; it really is a great appetiser. 🙂
This looks delicious. Will try it out this weekend. Thanks for sharing ?
I am sure that you will enjoy it; it is an easy, delicious appetiser. 🙂
Oh my gosh just the picture makes my mouth water.
Hi Lex, I have to agree, just looking at the baked feta makes me want to make another very soon. 🙂
I love olives, must give this a try
It’s so quickly made Dee and makes a great appetiser. Enjoy! 🙂
I would never have thought about baking feta. But I can see why doing that with a few olives and it would be delicious to dip something into it. Yummy!
It’s such an easily prepared appetiser David, ideal for busy people. 🙂
This looks so good! I love making dishes like this to go with a glass of wine 🙂
This baked feta definitely goes well with a glass of wine Bree. Enjoy! 🙂 🙂
This looks and sounds so delicious. I really love feta a n never knew what to do with block feta instead of crumbling.
I am so pleased that you like the recipe Lavern, I do hope that you try it. 🙂
I love feta cheese so much! I never thought to bake a whole chunk of it and eat it tho! Sounds heavenly!
It is really delicious Steph; I do hope that you try it. 🙂
There is something about melted feta that I LOVE, yet I never thought to actually bake it. Definitely going to try!
I look forward to hearing how you enjoy it Candice. 🙂
This looks so delicious. I would love to try this recipe one day.
I would love to hear if you make the baked feta Sue-Tanya, it is delicious. 🙂
I love the way you break down the steps in making this. I would love to try it out but I doubt if I can get the recipe in my country.
I do hope that someday you are able to try it. 🙂
This looks so good. I know what I’m going to be trying out this week!
It’s one of my favourite appetisers Tammie; I love that I can whip it up in minutes. I do hope that you enjoy it. 🙂
I’m not usually one who’s into feta, but I may make an exception for this. Looks delish!
It’s delicious when served this way Krysten; I do hope that you try it. 🙂
This looks super tasty. I love feta cheese so I will have to save this recipe for later.
Thank you for saving the recipe Jackline; please let me know when you try the baked feta. 🙂
I’m from a Mediterranean country so I love this! I literally eat to many olives.
I feel the same way, it is definitely my kind of food too. 🙂
This recipe looks delicious as I see it on your list of ingredients. I bet my Mom would be glad to try this.
It is a fabulous appetiser, able to be prepared in minutes. I do hope that you try it. 🙂
This looks not only delicious but also easy to make it, great appetizer recipe.
It’s one of my favourite appetisers Swathi. I do hope that you try it. 🙂
This looks so healthy and yummy. I am making some for Dinner tomorrow
I am so pleased to hear that Devyani, I am sure you will enjoy it. 🙂
This recipe looks so yummy. I have never tried baked feta with olives and rosemary but it seems delicious.
Sarah this is a terrific recipe. It’s so quickly and easily made and is always a popular appetiser.
This makes my mouth water! It looks delicious!
Thank you, Brittany, it is such a great appetiser. 🙂
This looks amazing! Would you recommend any other ingredients as toppings?
Enriqueta, you could try cherry tomatoes, lemon slices, sun-dried tomatoes, slices of red onions or sliced red peppers. Different herbs could also be used. Customise it to suit yourself. 🙂
I love feta and I can’t wait. I am going to try this recipe today only. The best part about this recipe is it will take very less time
That’s terrific Sundeep, I do hope that you enjoyed the Baked Feta. 🙂
Wow alex this really looks incredible. Even if I try i cannot make it. So wonderful and delicious!
Thank you for the lovely comments; it is so very easy to make. Just put a few ingredients into an ovenproof dish and bake. Then sit back and enjoy! 🙂
This looks like a delicious meal to dive in. It is very simple to prepare and finish as well. I’d love to try this.
It’s such a simple recipe, Hannah. A few simple ingredients are placed in an ovenproof dish and then baked. Couldn’t be easier. 🙂
What an interesting combination of flavors. We love olive and feta. Never thought to mix in some rosemary as well.
Hi Fatima, the rosemary adds fantastic flavour but you could also use thyme. This recipe lends itself to being adapted to suit your taste. 🙂
I love Feta as it reminds me of Greece and wonderful holidays spent there. I haven’t tried baked feta, but I’ll give it a try for sure! 🙂
Yes Natalia, this is something that you would find in Greece. I like that it brings back happy memories for you. 🙂
This is making me hungry. I do love olives and this would be awesome with some french breaf.
Tara, it is delicious with good bread; it’s great for mopping up the delicious juices. 🙂
I can ONLY imagine this being delicious! Feta cheese with a CRUSTTTTT and with salty olives – HELLO YUM!
GiGi, you are speaking my language! I adore this appetiser. 🙂
definitely trying really really soon. looks tasty
Such a great appetiser Lipi, I am sure that you will enjoy it. 🙂
Three appetizers in one? That is such an appetizer I wonder if one would feel full already after having it. Anyway, I love cheese so way to go with some feta cheese!
I confess that I could make a meal from the Baked Feta Dalene. Just need some crusty bread and a green salad. Delicious. I do hope that you try it. 🙂
I do like my feta! I’d have to leave out the olives though. I am not a fan of those. My son loves them though!
This is a great recipe to customise Amber. By all means, leave out the olives. You could try cherry tomatoes, thin slices of red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes or even sliced red onion. Make it to your taste. Enjoy! 🙂
Oh this recipe would be perfect for a party! I’ll have to try this out sometime soon, thanks!
This is ideal for a party Krysten, I am sure that you will enjoy it. 🙂
Wow! Looks very appetizing! Here in the Philippines, we seldom eat appetizers like this. But I would love to try to make one for my family.
Thank you Veni, I am so pleased that you like the recipe. Please let me know if you do try the Baked Feta. 🙂
Now this is something I would love! Looks and sounds right up my street! yes please!
Hope you will enjoy, Rachel 🙂
This is the first baked recipe I have encountered where a whole slab of cheese is the main star. I love it! I will try this when I get my hands on a nice bar of Feta from the local deli.
That is great, Sigrid! Love to know your thoughts 🙂 Enjoy!!
I have heard of feta but never tasted it! After seeing your pictures,I am tempted and feel like tasting it immediately!
Hi Sri! Thanks for stopping by 🙂 Hope you’ll give this a try!
So I am the biggest fan of feta out there, but I have never liked olives. This recipe, however, has me really tempted to give them another shot! Just the pictures alone is enough to make my mouth water!
Hi Jennifer!! If you prefer, you can definitely leave the olives out 🙂 It is great just with the herbs, or even some small tomatoes are lovely!
I am not good at cooking but this recipe is easy to follow. I might try it this weekend since I am exploring for a new dish.
If you have any questions at all, please feel free to send me a message 🙂 Hope you will enjoy this!
This recipe is perfect for a party I am attending later this week! Thanks so much!
Hi Abby! Enjoy!! 🙂 Hope it will be a hit!
I love feta and olives and this is a great way to serve them. I love it.
Thanks so much!! So glad you like it 🙂
Wow! This looks kind of different in a lovely way, would love to have a taste.
Definitely lovely 🙂 Hope you will get to try!
Oh this looks so delicious. I love feta.
Thanks, Ada 🙂
Goodness, this looks really good. I’ve not tried feta before but it sure does look good in this dish.
Thank you so much, Terri 🙂 Hope you will get to try this soon!
I am feeling hungry after seeing this post. This is going to be my new year dish. Thanks for sharing the recipe. Looks easy and doable
Enjoy, Sundeep! Happy New Year! Hope you will enjoy this very much 🙂
Interesting combination of flavors. I love feta.
Hope you’ll love this recipe then 🙂 Enjoy!
This is such a great recipe! I’m so glad I found it. I made it for my family and they absolutely loved bed it!
That is the best news, Kaia! Thank you 🙂
Looks super yum! I am definitely trying it out.
Thank you, Neha! 🙂
I am not a big olive fan, but I think this would be a great thing to bring to a dinner party! It’s so beautiful and elegant looking 🙂
Thank you so much, Dani! 🙂 You can omit the olives – and just bake the feta with herbs, or even some cherry tomatoes would be lovely roasted! 🙂
this looks so tasty 🙂
Thanks, Tracey! 🙂
Greek food is one of my favorite, chicken souvlaki and tzaziki sauce are few of them. I envy you for this trip. I am so excited to try this appetizer myself hubby would love it too.
Thank you so much, Farrah. I hope you’ll be able to travel there one day, also 🙂
This sounds so good, can’t wait to make it! My mouth is watering!
Love to know what you think when you do, Cassie! 🙂 Enjoy!
This is a really interesting recipe. I’ve never known anyone to bake feta before! I love the Mediterranean vibe here.
So glad you share something new with you, Nikki 🙂
This looks like it would be so good! I have never really had all of these together before but I love them all seperately!
Do let me know if you give it a try, Katrina! Enjoy 🙂
that sounds absolutely delicious, I’ll have to make this for Xmas tomorrow for the family! fresh, healthy appetizers are great for parties!
Thanks, Eloise! Enjoy your Christmas 🙂
Absolutely! Seems not complicated at all! want to try!
Enjoy, Angela! 🙂
Oh my goodness this looks incredible! I’m such a big fan of feta and olives, so this recipe is my idea of heaven!
Aww, that is just wonderful, Elizabeth – I hope you’ll love it!
I love olives, but I’ve never had baked feta before. This looks like a delicious appetizer!
Thanks Shannon! Let me know if you give it a try 🙂
showing this to my husband. looks like something we should try!
Hope you’ll both love it!
I always need last minute, EASY, recipes, so this one is definitely going into my rotation! Thank you!!
My pleasure, Rachael! Hope you will enjoy this! 🙂
This would be such a great appetizer year round! I’ve never had feta baked before, but it sounds really yummy, especially with rosemary.
Hi Sam!! I hope you will give this a try! 🙂 Enjoy x
that looks delicious and a warm cozy recipe for this holiday season! yummy
Thank you, Claire 🙂
Oh my goodness it’s like you read my mind! I have been craving everything salty lately and I think this would more.them do the trick! it looks delicious 🙂
Ah, Shar! This sounds perfect for you then! 🙂
Looks delicious! Feta sure is promising in terms of taste!
Thanks Lyosha 🙂 Enjoy this one!
I’ve not baked feta this way before with olives and would love to try this as I do love feta and olives by itself. Looks easy enough to prepare too.
It sure is! Love to know what you think if you give it a try 🙂
This looks super tasty and your instructions were easy to follow. Thanks for sharing.
So glad you find it easy to follow 🙂 Thanks for the feedback!
This looks naughty but very nice – perfect for festive parties
Haha, I like that Kara 🙂 Thanks! Definitely a great party dish 🙂
This is right up my alley! I absolutely love anything with feta and olives! It’s winter here, but it looks like this would go really well with a comfort food cheese plate, too.
Oh definitely! It is a great all year round meal, if you ask me! Enjoy, Tiffany 🙂
What are you doing to me Alex??! I love baked feta, and with olives, it’s a dangerous pairing, mainly because I’ll eat everything! This dish really reminds me of summer too… love it!
It’s such a lovely Summer dish. 🙂 It is Summer here in Australia, so we are enjoying this often! 🙂
This looks so good! I absolutely love feta and olives and this combination is absolutely amazing.
Hope you will love this, Danielle!! 🙂
Sounds amazing! I’m a huge feta fan so I can’t wait to try this. 🙂
Hope you will love it, Lexis! 🙂
That looks so good! This is the perfect appetizer dish for almost any get-together. I love it!
Thanks, Stacie! 🙂 Enjoy x
Feta cheese is one of my favorites! I love the flavors you are using here. This is the perfect dish for parties!
Thank you, Danielle 🙂 Hope you will love this!
I love this twist on olives! Another must try. At this point I need to just go ahead and bookmark your page LOL
Aww, I love that!! 🙂 Please do 😉
Greece is on my bucket list! This would be fun to make while I dream of visiting Greece someday — it looks delicious!
Oh, so true, Amy! It is a must visit. Enjoy this 🙂
I am pretty obsessed with feta, so this looks particularly amazing!
Hope you will try it, Lara! 😀 Enjoy 🙂
I just made this and it was delicious!!!
Oh, Pat! That is wonderful 🙂 Thank you so much for stopping by!
Yummy this looks delicious!!
Thank you, Lia 🙂
This would make a great appetizer for any upcoming holiday parties. I will have to give it a try and report back.
Love to know what you think 🙂
Two of my favorite things are OLIVES and feta, so this is speaking to my heart. My husband won’t eat cheese, so this will be a self-indulgent pleasure ?
Oh, enjoy this one Megan!! Sounds like the perfect dish for you 🙂
This looks so good! I think I have found my Christmas appetizer! I love anything with olives!
Hi Sarah!! I am so pleased to hear that. Have a fabulous Christmas!
This looks delicious and lovely. I have been looking for pretty appetizers for New Year’s Eve Bash. This will be perfect.
So glad you love the look of this, Jenny! Hope you will all enjoy 🙂
This has got my mouthwatering! Especially you describing how the olives soak up the herbs and the feta becomes creamy!
So glad you love the sound of this!! 🙂
A friend served me something like this-it was warm and I think she may have baked it too. It was so good with the good olive oil!
Yes!! This and lots of olive oil – yum! 🙂
Wow. I love feta. Never thought to bake it until now – thanks for another amazing idea.
Hope you will love this one, Alice! 🙂
I will be making this over the weekend for friends. Delicious.
Hope you all enjoy, Brian! 🙂