Baked Feta with Olives and Rosemary

Baked Feta with Olives and Rosemary
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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.

Baked Feta with Olives and Rosemary - It's Not Complicated Recipes #feta #vegetarian #vegetarianrecipes #olives #sides

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 Mediterranean.

With this recipe, there are really three appetisers in one.

There’s the rich, creamy, spreadable cheese, the fragrant, warm olives and the flavour infused oil that is perfect for enjoying with crusty bread. If you have not previously tasted warm olives, they are a revelation. Heating the herbs and spices in olive oil releases their flavours, and the olives happily soak them up.

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 quartered, marinated artichoke hearts. Whatever you choose will give the feta wonderful flavour.

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!

5 from 42 votes
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Baked Feta with Olives and Rosemary

You will love this baked feta recipe. The flavours are bold and addictive; the brightness of rosemary stimulates the palate, whilst the feta becomes smooth and creamy. The sun-filled, vibrant flavours of the Mediterranean are highlighted in this quickly and easily prepared appetiser. And if you are having a meat-free meal, serve it as a main course alongside a green salad and crusty bread. Have it on the table in 30 minutes.

Course Appetizer, Entree, Side Dish, Starter
Cuisine Greek, Mediterranean
Keyword baked feta, delicious, easy, feta, gluten free, Greek mezze, simple
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 303 kcal
Author Alexandra

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

  1. Preheat the oven to 180 Degrees C (350 F).

    Get your ingredients organised.

  2. Place the feta in a small oven-proof dish.*

    Pour the olive oil over the feta.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

Recipe Notes

*Sheep milk feta is traditional, but you can use the feta of your choice. Personally, I like the creaminess of Danish feta.

*If you enjoy soaking up flavour-filled olive oil with crusty bread, use a little extra oil.

*Wash the orange and lemon well as you will be using some of the skin.

*Reserve the orange for another use. Enjoy the fruit, or make it into juice.

*I prefer olives with pits as I believe they have better flavour, but use pitted olives if you prefer them that way.

*I like to use fragrant rosemary, but you could use fresh thyme or dried oregano.

*Use chilli flakes if you prefer, or omit them and use freshly ground black pepper.

*You will serve the baked feta in the same dish.

*If you require a dish that’s gluten free, use some gluten free crackers.

* As it cools, the feta will firm up. It can be reheated to soften it again or crumble it over salads or roasted vegetables.

*Feta is packed in a salt brine so there’s no need to add any extra.

Nutrition Facts
Baked Feta with Olives and Rosemary
Amount Per Serving
Calories 303 Calories from Fat 261
% Daily Value*
Fat 29g45%
Saturated Fat 10g63%
Cholesterol 44mg15%
Sodium 1083mg47%
Potassium 45mg1%
Carbohydrates 4g1%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 2g2%
Protein 7g14%
Vitamin A 380IU8%
Vitamin C 4mg5%
Calcium 268mg27%
Iron 0.6mg3%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Baked Feta with Olives and Rosemary
Baked Feta with Olives and Rosemary - It's Not Complicated Recipes #feta #vegetarian #vegetarianrecipes #olives #sides
Baked Feta with Olives and Rosemary - It's Not Complicated Recipes #feta #vegetarian #vegetarianrecipes #olives #sides

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178 Comments on “Baked Feta with Olives and Rosemary”

  7. Reply

    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 ?

  8. Reply

    This would make a great appetizer for any upcoming holiday parties. I will have to give it a try and report back.

  18. Reply

    5 stars
    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!

  19. Reply

    5 stars
    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.

  24. Reply

    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 🙂

  26. Reply

    5 stars
    This would be such a great appetizer year round! I’ve never had feta baked before, but it sounds really yummy, especially with rosemary.

  32. Reply

    5 stars
    that sounds absolutely delicious, I’ll have to make this for Xmas tomorrow for the family! fresh, healthy appetizers are great for parties!

  33. Reply

    This looks like it would be so good! I have never really had all of these together before but I love them all seperately!

  36. Reply

    5 stars
    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.

    1. Reply

      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! 🙂

  40. Reply

    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!

  42. Reply

    5 stars
    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

  48. Reply

    5 stars
    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.

  49. Reply

    5 stars
    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!

    1. Reply

      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!

  51. Reply

    5 stars
    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.

  53. Pingback: Tasty Dips for Entertaining - It's Not Complicated Recipes

  54. Pingback: Soy Roasted Almonds - It's Not Complicated Recipes

    1. Reply

      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! 🙂

  58. Reply

    5 stars
    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!

    1. Reply

      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. 🙂

  62. Reply

    5 stars
    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! 🙂

    1. Reply

      Hi Fatima, the rosemary adds fantastic flavour but you could also use thyme. This recipe lends itself to being adapted to suit your taste. 🙂

  64. Reply

    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.

  65. Reply

    5 stars
    Wow alex this really looks incredible. Even if I try i cannot make it. So wonderful and delicious!

    1. Reply

      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! 🙂

  66. Reply

    5 stars
    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

    1. Reply

      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. 🙂

  72. Reply

    5 stars
    This recipe looks delicious as I see it on your list of ingredients. I bet my Mom would be glad to try this.

  81. Reply

    This looks and sounds so delicious. I really love feta a n never knew what to do with block feta instead of crumbling.

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