If you're looking for an appetizer that feels a little fancy without much effort, this Baked Feta Cheese with Olives & Garlic is it. Creamy baked feta is surrounded by briny olives, sweet roasted garlic, and red onion, then finished with a drizzle of honey and fresh parsley.
Why You'll Love this Baked Feta Cheese:
- An easy appetizer that looks impressive.
- Sweet, salty, creamy, and savory in every bite.
- Perfect for entertaining or holiday gatherings.
- The roasted garlic becomes buttery and spreadable.
- Ready with just a handful of simple ingredients.
Jump to:
Ingredient Notes:
- Block Feta: Buy feta in a block instead of crumbles. It softens while still holding its shape.
- Olives: Use your favorite blend! A Mediterranean blend adds the best variety of flavors, but Kalamata or Castelvetrano olives work wonderfully too.
- Whole Garlic Cloves: Roasting transforms them from sharp to sweet, soft, and buttery.
- Honey: Just a drizzle balances the salty feta and briny olives without making the dish overly sweet.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Since it's one of the main flavors, use a good-quality olive oil if you can.
Dietary Swaps:
- Vegetarian: As written.
- Gluten-Free: Serve with gluten-free crackers or sliced vegetables.
- Lower Sugar: Skip the honey or drizzle on just a little.
Recipe Variations:
- Add cherry or sundried tomatoes before baking.
- Sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Tips & Recipe Notes:
- Leave the feta block whole so it stays creamy in the center.
- Don't skip the broiler, it gives the feta and garlic that beautiful golden finish.
- Let the dish cool for about 5 minutes before serving so you do not melt your mouth. Ask me how I know!
- Serve with toasted baguette slices, pita chips, crackers, or even warm pita.
More Mediterranean Style Recipes You Will Love:
- Shrimp and Orzo Pasta with Baked Feta
- Greek-Inspired Grilled Chicken Skewers with Zucchini Ribbons
- Greek Lemon Orzo Soup
- Mediterranean White Bean Salad
- White Bean & Couscous Tabbouleh Salad
- Mediterranean Pasta & Kale Salad with Garlic Basil Dressing
Recipe
Baked Feta Cheese with Olives & Garlic
Creamy baked feta is surrounded by briny olives, sweet roasted garlic, and red onion, then finished with a drizzle of honey and fresh parsley.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups pitted olives drained
- ½ cup whole garlic cloves
- ¼ cup sliced red onion
- 1 8-ounce block feta cheese
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh cracked black pepper
- Honey for drizzling
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Crackers or crusty bread for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Add the olives, garlic cloves, and sliced red onion to a 9x9-inch baking dish and gently toss together.
- Create a small well in the center and place the block of feta inside.
- Drizzle the olive oil over everything, then sprinkle with Italian seasoning and several cracks of black pepper.
- Bake for 30 minutes, until the garlic is soft and the feta is warm.
- Switch the oven to broil and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the feta is lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and drizzle with honey. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and let cool for about 5 minutes.
- Serve warm with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or crusty bread.
Notes
- Leave the feta block whole so it stays creamy in the center.
- Don't skip the broiler, it gives the feta and garlic that beautiful golden finish.
- Let the dish cool for about 5 minutes before serving so you do not melt your mouth. Ask me how I know!
- Serve with toasted baguette slices, pita chips, crackers, or even warm pita.
- Nutrition information is an estimate only.
Nutrition
Calories: 340kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 7gFat: 33gSodium: 560mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4g
Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!
Tried this Baked Feta Cheese? I'd love to hear how it turned out! ⭐ Please leave a star rating and review in the recipe card below. Your feedback helps others discover this easy recipe. Enjoy, and happy cooking! Follow me on Instagram and Subscribe to my newsletter more delicious recipes, travel inspiration, and behind-the-scenes content.
Comments
No Comments