Baked Feta with Roasted Tomatoes and Herbs Recipe

Introduction

Baked feta is a simple, flavorful dish that brings together creamy cheese and roasted vegetables in one comforting bake. Perfect as an appetizer or a snack, it pairs beautifully with crusty bread or pita chips. This recipe is quick to prepare and bursting with Mediterranean flavors.

A white baking dish contains a meal with layers starting from the bottom with roasted red cherry tomatoes that are shiny and slightly wrinkled, mixed with thin slices of cooked purple onions scattered throughout. On top, there is a large block of baked white cheese with grill marks and sprinkled with dried herbs and small green fresh leaves for garnish. At the back of the dish, there are two slices of toasted brown bread with a crisp texture resting against the side. A silver fork is placed at the front inside the dish, partially touching the tomatoes and cheese. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 2/3 cup cherry tomatoes
  • 1 small red onion, sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
  • 3/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Fresh thyme sprigs (optional)
  • Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
  • 8 ounce block feta cheese
  • Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
  • Crusty bread or pita chips for serving

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and chopped garlic at the bottom of an oven-safe dish.
  2. Step 2: Sprinkle the vegetables with dried rosemary, half of the dried oregano, a pinch of red pepper flakes, and some fresh thyme sprigs if using. Drizzle generously with extra virgin olive oil.
  3. Step 3: Place the block of feta cheese on top of the vegetables. Season it with the remaining dried oregano, a pinch of red pepper flakes, and any leftover thyme. Drizzle more olive oil over the feta.
  4. Step 4: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until the feta softens and the vegetables are roasted. For a golden top, broil for 1 to 2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  5. Step 5: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired. Serve warm with crusty bread or pita chips for dipping.

Tips & Variations

  • Use other herbs like basil or oregano if fresh thyme isn’t available to keep the flavor vibrant.
  • For extra richness, add a splash of lemon juice or zest before baking.
  • If you prefer a milder heat, omit the red pepper flakes or reduce the amount.
  • Try swapping cherry tomatoes for roasted bell peppers or zucchini for a different vegetable mix.

Storage

Store any leftover baked feta and vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warm, but avoid overheating to prevent the feta from drying out. This dish is best enjoyed fresh for optimal flavor and texture.

How to Serve

The dish shows a white baking dish filled with roasted whole cherry tomatoes forming a vibrant red ring around the edges. Inside the ring is a thick, creamy white block of baked cheese topped with dried herbs like oregano and thyme, showing a slightly browned, grilled surface. Underneath and around the tomatoes, there are thin slices of red onion cooked to soft, translucent layers with a few caramelized edges. The baking dish sits on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use crumbled feta instead of a block?

Using a block of feta helps the cheese maintain its shape while baking and creates a creamy center. Crumbled feta may melt away and won’t have the same texture, so it’s not recommended for this recipe.

Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, baked feta with vegetables is vegetarian-friendly, but it is not vegan since it contains cheese.

Print

Baked Feta with Roasted Tomatoes and Herbs Recipe

This easy and flavorful baked feta recipe features a block of feta cheese nestled atop roasted cherry tomatoes, red onion, and garlic, infused with fragrant herbs like rosemary, oregano, and thyme. Perfectly baked until soft and slightly golden, this dish makes a delicious appetizer served with crusty bread or pita chips, bringing Mediterranean flair to your table with minimal effort.

  • Author: Elena
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Herbs

  • 2/3 cup cherry tomatoes
  • 1 small red onion, sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
  • 3/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Fresh thyme sprigs (optional)

Cheese

  • 8 ounce block feta cheese

Others

  • Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
  • Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
  • Crusty bread or pita chips for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for roasting the vegetables and baking the feta evenly.
  2. Arrange vegetables: Place the cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and chopped garlic at the bottom of an oven-safe dish, spreading them out evenly for uniform roasting.
  3. Season vegetables: Sprinkle the vegetables with dried rosemary, half of the dried oregano, a pinch of red pepper flakes if using, and some fresh thyme sprigs if desired. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil to help the herbs infuse and prevent sticking.
  4. Add feta cheese: Place the block of feta cheese on top of the seasoned vegetables. Season the feta with the remaining dried oregano, a pinch of red pepper flakes, and any leftover fresh thyme. Drizzle generously with extra virgin olive oil.
  5. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the feta is softened and the vegetables are roasted and slightly caramelized. Optionally, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end to add a golden color to the feta.
  6. Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired. Serve warm with crusty bread or pita chips to scoop up the creamy baked feta and flavorful vegetables.

Notes

  • Red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted based on your spice preference.
  • Fresh thyme adds a fragrant note but can be omitted if unavailable.
  • Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven; watch for softened feta and roasted vegetables.
  • Broiling at the end is optional but adds a nice golden crust to the feta.
  • Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Keywords: baked feta, Mediterranean appetizer, roasted feta, easy feta recipe, baked cheese, feta and tomatoes, vegetarian appetizer

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