Baked Feta Recipe

Learn how to make this easy homemade baked feta recipe that transforms a simple block of cheese into a Mediterranean masterpiece. The best appetizer for entertaining, this foolproof dish combines creamy cheese with roasted tomatoes, herbs, and honey for an irresistible melty centerpiece that's ready in minutes.

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

5 mins

Cook Time:

25 mins

Serves:

4 servings

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"> <li class="ingredients-single-item">200g block of feta cheese (not crumbled)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">250g cherry tomatoes</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">3 cloves garlic, peeled and lightly crushed</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 small red bell pepper, sliced into chunks</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">80ml extra virgin olive oil</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tsp dried oregano</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp dried thyme</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp honey</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 small lemon, zested</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">Fresh basil leaves, for garnish</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">Freshly ground black pepper</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">Sea salt flakes</li> </ul>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 serving

🔥 Calories: 210 calories

🥑 Fat: 18 g

🧈 Saturated Fat: 9 g

🍞 Carbohydrates: 6 g

🍭 Sugar: 4 g

🍗 Protein: 8 g

🫀 Cholesterol: 45 mg

🧂 Sodium: 580 mg

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"> <li class="equipment-single-item">25cm oven-safe baking dish or small cast iron skillet</li> </ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4> Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). This high temperature will help caramelize the tomatoes and create those desirable golden edges on the cheese. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> Place your block of feta in the center of your baking dish. Pat it dry with paper towels first - this helps develop better caramelization as excess moisture is the enemy of browning. Arrange the cherry tomatoes, garlic cloves, and bell pepper chunks around the feta. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> Drizzle everything generously with olive oil, making sure the feta is well-coated on top. The oil conducts heat evenly and prevents the cheese from drying out while baking. Sprinkle with dried oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), a pinch of salt (go easy as feta is already salty), and freshly ground black pepper. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> Drizzle the honey over the feta in a thin stream, allowing it to pool slightly on top. The honey will caramelize beautifully in the oven, creating a sweet contrast to the salty cheese. Add the lemon zest over everything. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4> Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the tomatoes have burst, releasing their juices, and the feta has softened significantly and developed golden-brown edges. The cheese should be soft enough to spread but still holding its shape - if you press it gently with a spoon, it should give way easily. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4> Remove from the oven and let it rest for 2-3 minutes. The feta will continue to soften slightly as it stands. Scatter fresh basil leaves over the top and finish with another light drizzle of olive oil and a few flakes of sea salt if desired. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4> Serve immediately while still warm and bubbling, with plenty of crusty bread, pita, or crackers for dipping. The ideal way to enjoy this dish is to encourage everyone to mix the melty feta with the burst tomatoes and roasted garlic as they dip. </li> </ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Baked Feta Recipe?

The Baked Feta Recipe uses a 200g block of feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, garlic, red bell pepper, olive oil, dried herbs (oregano and thyme), red pepper flakes, honey, lemon zest, fresh basil, black pepper, and sea salt flakes. Serve with crusty bread for dipping.

How to cook Baked Feta Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Baked Feta Recipe by preheating your oven to 200°C, placing the feta in a baking dish surrounded by tomatoes, garlic and peppers, drizzling with olive oil, herbs and honey, then baking for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is soft with golden edges and the tomatoes have burst. Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately with crusty bread.

Can I use crumbled feta instead of a block for baking?

A solid block of feta is essential for this Mediterranean-style bake. Crumbled feta will melt too quickly, become dry, and won't achieve that perfect contrast between the caramelised exterior and creamy interior that makes this dish special. Always use a whole block for best results.

What breads pair best with warm baked feta?

Crusty sourdough, rustic ciabatta, warm pita, or a traditional Greek village bread (horiatiko psomi) work beautifully. The ideal bread has a sturdy crust and chewy interior to stand up to the melty cheese and tomato juices while providing textural contrast to the creamy feta.

How can I make this Mediterranean cheese bake into a main course?

Transform this appetiser into a main by tossing the baked feta and tomatoes with 300g cooked pasta, adding extra olive oil and pasta cooking water to create a creamy sauce. Alternatively, serve alongside a Greek salad and roasted potatoes for a complete Mediterranean feast.

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