Did you know you can bake feta? Throw a whole block into the oven with Mediterranean vegetables and flavours and 30 minutes later you’ll have a virtually effortless but incredibly delicious dish. You could say it’s like a warm Greek salad, and it makes a delicious shared appetizer, lunch, or side!
Every once in a while, I make a new recipe that I know I’ll make again and again (and again). It gets the seal of approval from my ‘chief testers’ aka Mr. Scrummy and our son. It’s also easy enough and yet impressive enough to serve to guests.
This Greek chicken and potatoes falls into that category. As do these mind blowing crispy halloumi fries. Oh, and this 6-ingredient Swedish chocolate cake. They just… work.
You know what I’m going to say now. This dish is a firm family favourite, too. It’s an idea I fall back on often for very good reasons.
OK… but what is baked feta?
If you’ve ever been to Greece, you may have eaten various versions of cooked feta cheese.
The dish that my recipe is based on is called ‘bouyiourdi’ in Greece. I’ve eaten it there and it’s delicious but usually it’s very heavy on the feta and not so heavy on the veggies.
This is most definitely inspired by my time living in Greece. But to make it into a more filling and versatile dish I wanted to massively increase the amount of tomatoes, peppers, onions and olives.
Why this quickly became a family favourite
- It’s versatile. It can be a fancy shared appetizer for a nibbles and drinks sort of occasion. Or an easy lunch.. Or even an easy side dish.
- It’s quick and easy. We’re talking VERY easy. Throw everything in a dish and bake for 30 minutes sort of easy.
- It’s incredibly delicious. In my opinion of course. But if you like Greek salads then you’ll like this too. You could say it’s a warm Greek salad!
- You can prepare it ahead. Always a bonus when preparing food for guests.
What ingredients you need
This is one of those recipes that hardly needs a recipe, if you know what I mean. After you’ve made it a couple of times you’ll probably feel comfortable not worrying about exact amounts.
The amounts are really just a guide!
feta cheese: As this is the star of the show in this recipe, I like to buy good quality feta cheese. Preferably Greek. You’ll need a thick slice. Or two thick slices for a slightly bigger crowd. Don’t buy ‘Danish feta’, which is delicious too but a bit too soft and creamy for this recipe.
cherry tomatoes: Just slice in half and throw them in!
peppers: 1 medium sized pepper is about right. I like to use half a green pepper and half a red to make the dish more colourful.
onion: Just a 1/4 to 1/2 a medium sliced onion is enough.
Kalamata olives: Around 15 as a general guide. Just slice and throw them in. Or throw them in whole – it’s up to you!
olive oil and dried oregano: Toss everything apart from the feta in a generous amount of olive oil and oregano. It’ll combine with the veggies to make the most delicious juices to mop up with toast.
paprika: For sprinkling over the whole dish before baking.
How to make it
Apart from how crazy delicious it is, the best thing about this baked feta recipe is how easy it is to make.
You could virtually make it blind-folded.
See how easy it is? Slice the cherry tomatoes in half – if you like – then roughly chop the peppers and onion.
Toss plenty of olive oil and dried oregano through. Then nestle a whole block of quality feta cheese in the middle.
Scatter with paprika and a bit more olive oil, then bake for about 30 minutes or until bubbling and starting to brown.
How to serve baked feta
Yep, looks and sounds delicious, I hear you Mediterranean food lovers thinking. But is it an appetizer, a baked feta dip, party dish, lunch, side dish or dinner?
Would you believe me if I said it could be any one of the above?
My favourite way to serve Greek baked feta is as a shared appetizer or as part of a buffet style meal. I prefer to give everyone their own plate and throw a big spoon in the dish so everyone can serve themselves.
It’s important to serve it immediately. Preferably with a big plate of these 2-minute olive oil toasts.
When it’s just out of the oven the squidgy warm feta is perfect for smooshing onto the toast with some of the roasted Mediterranean vegetables. Don’t forget to mop up the amazing juices!
You can also serve this oven baked feta dish like this:
- as a lunch for 2, or for 4 if you double it and serve in a bigger dish.
- for dinner with a simple meat, fish or veggie protein.
- as a BBQ side dish.
- as a kind of feta dip at a party.
- with wine (or ouzo!) and nibbles outside on a warm summer evening.
It’s a pretty simple idea, right? But it tastes as good as if you’d slaved over a hot stove for hours!
As the examples above show, you can serve it for several occasions. But here’s my top recommendation:
Step 1: Wherever in the world you are, wait for a setting sun on a nice day.
Step 2: Grab a friend or loved one.
Step 3: Sit outside on a veranda or in a garden and enjoy this delicious baked feta with a glass of chilled wine (or ouzo!).
If you like this recipe, you might also like these baked feta filo pies with honey!
More Mediterranean inspired family favourites to try
- No apologies for spamming you with these incredible Greek potatoes. Wow guests with them or make them as a midweek treat to go with whatever you have in the fridge.
- This is our favourite Greek baked eggplant with tomatoes and feta. It goes especially well with meatballs!
- This baked Greek chicken and potatoes is another staple in our house. Always serve with a traditional Greek salad and tzatziki!
- This spinach and feta filo pie makes a perfect lunch for guests.
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Our favorite baked feta with tomatoes, peppers and olives
Equipment (affiliate links)
Ingredients (UK/Australia? Click below for grams/ml)
- 3.5 ounces feta cheese (Try to buy an entire thick slice – I prefer Greek)
- 9 ounces cherry tomatoes cut in half
- ½ red pepper sliced into smallish strips
- ½ green pepper sliced into smallish strips (or just use 1 green or red pepper)
- ¼ medium onion (¼ to ½) sliced thinly
- 15 Kalamata olives stoned and chopped in half (or leave whole but buy stoned olives)
- ½ tablespoon dried oregano
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil plus a little extra
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pre-heat the oven to 190C/375F. Put the tomato halves, pepper pieces, onion and olives into a small to medium baking dish (around 8 inch x 8 inch or similar).
- Sprinkle over the oregano and pour over the olive oil. Mix well.
- Clear a gap in the middle of the vegetables. Nestle the block of feta in it.
- Sprinkle the whole dish with the paprika and some black pepper (to taste). Drizzle the top of the cheese with a little more olive oil.
- Bake for 30 minutes until the vegetables are starting to bubble and brown and the feta is soft.
- Serve immediately with fresh toasted bread (everyone serves themselves onto individual plates).
Pam says
Fantastic! Why I have I never thought of doing this? I seriously could eat this as a main dish and be perfectly happy.
Helen says
Hello, Pam! Thanks so much for passing by and taking the time to read my post. I love all comments, but especially from new visitors! So glad you liked the fritters. I would eat them as a main dish, too … I think I might just do that next time, now that you’ve mentioned it!
Aleks @ CanuckCuisine.com says
I totally lol-ed when I read this post! Totally reminds me of grocery shopping in Italy – people go nuts trying to outpace each other, like you will get the nice tomato instead, or something. I’d totally do it again, though :P:P:P
Great blog, btw.
Helen says
Hey, welcome, Aleks! Thanks so much for taking the time to pass by and comment. I’m glad you ‘get’ what I’m saying here. I felt a bit cheeky saying it, but just couldn’t resist! Thanks for the compliment on the blog. So glad you like it! 🙂
Sarah & Arkadi says
such a great appetizer idea! feta goes so well with the rest of the ingredients!
Helen says
Hello, Sarah & Arkadi, and thank you!
Chris @ Shared Appetite says
Oh jeez sounds like grocery store trips are going to be quite the experience for you! People aren’t even like that here in NY! This snack sounds fantastic!
Helen says
The Greeks are actually great people, Chris. It’s just that some of those ladies can get a bit ‘determined’ with their trolleys, let’s say, when shopping! Glad you liked the appetizer!
shashi @ http://runninsrilankan.com says
I have never had baked feta before – pairing it with tomatoes and olives sounds like a foodgasm for the tastebuds! 🙂
Helen says
Haha! Try it, Shashi … it’s delicious!
Shelley @ Two Healthy Kitchens says
Oh wow! I think my eyes popped out just a little when I got the first glimpse of this post! I want this baked feta … right in front of me … now!!!! You know I looooove super-easy recipes, so I for sure will not be slapping you (egads!) for saying you like them, too! Why make something difficult when it can be this lovely, with plenty of time left over to actually relax and ENJOY it?!?!? Ok – and totally hysterical about maniacal grannies crashing your bum with their trolleys! 😀 Pinning this beauty super-fast!!!
Helen says
Shelley, this is a very sweet comment … thanks so much for the encouragement! And I’m so glad you won’t be slapping me!! I felt a bit naughty mentioning my ‘observations’ about the Greek granny supermarket-goers, but just couldn’t resist 😉
Denise says
This looks sounds and I can nearly taste this right through the screen. Love the simplicity of this. Not so much the shopping that sounds exhausting!
Helen says
Haha! Yes, it was pretty tiring but totally worth it to get this at the end! Glad you like it, Denise!
Skye says
What a stunning recipe. And what pretty pictures. I’ve had baked camembert and brie before, but never feta – inspired idea.
Helen says
Thank you, Skye, and thanks so much for taking the time to pass by! I’m so enjoying getting to know all you marvelous people! I’m pretty sure you’d like this if you like baked camembert and brie. Actually, it’s like a much lighter version of those kinds of appetizers 🙂
Mariana @The Candid Kitchen says
Never thought about baking feta…what a great idea, thanks for sharing 😉
Helen says
You’re welcome, Mariana! The Greeks figured out ages ago how good it is!
Allie | Baking a Moment says
Omg, totally drooling over here! Deconstructed Greek salad sounds right up my alley, and the picture you’ve painted, nibbling on this on a warm sunny evening, glass of wine in hand, is so bewitching! Pinned!
Helen says
That really is one of the best things about Greece – sitting outside on a warm evening and tucking into simple but delicious food with friends. If you ever get the chance to visit Greece, DO! 🙂
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says
Hehe now I’ve learned a new term: “trollied backside”! I’ve never been to Greece but it’s always interesting to see what local supermarkets offer! This looks like a simple but delicious standby recipe.
Helen says
Hehe indeed … I have to admit I had a bit of a chuckle over that one myself. I love visiting the supermarkets in different countries, too. I even enjoyed having a good look what Coles had to offer when I was living in Australia these past months. I loved all the dips and Asian produce … and Tim Tams of course! It is a bit of a relief to get back to cheaper tomatoes, though! They are so tasty here, too.
Ashley says
Oh goodness gracious this sounds delicious! I love feta but baked and with all those awesome tomatoes and peppers? Perfect! Plus, anything that remotely resembles a greek salad is a huge win in my opinion : )
Helen says
Glad you like it, Ashley! The best part is mopping up the lovely tomatoey juice at the end!
Natalie @ Tastes Lovely says
This appetizer sounds delicious! Warm cheese on a crostini? Yum!
Helen says
I guess that’s exactly what it is, Natalie … fabulous way to describe it!
Christina @ The Hungry Australian says
After your experience at the supermarket I’ll bet it felt really good to sit down and enjoy this lovely dish. And yes, simple is always good 🙂
Helen says
If a bad supermarket trip is pretty much all I have to complain about and then I get to eat something so beautifully simple as this, then I guess I’m not doing too badly! Thanks for passing by and commenting, Christina. 🙂
Sam says
Feta and olives and tomato are my favourite combination right now! This looks beyond delicious. Such gorgeous photos!
Helen says
Thank you, Sam, that’s so sweet of you to say! If you like Greek salad, you’ll love this, I promise you. Thanks for passing by, too!
Erin | The Law Student's Wife says
Despite the madness, I think I could live in that market on olives and feta alone. These are some of my favorite flavors!
Helen says
Thanks, Erin, and thank you too for passing by and reading! I know what you mean about these flavours together. They just WORK!
✽. aimée .✽ / WallflowerGirl.co.uk says
oh wow, this is a must try! I had some Mediterranean veg for dinner tonight and WISH I had some baked feta to go with it. I’ll remember it for the future 🙂
Helen says
It’s sooo worth the ‘effort’, Aimee, even if you don’t have all of the ingredients. It’s really delicious!
Chrissy says
Foreign supermarkets are my favorite! I feel like grocery shopping is always a “to-do” no matter where I go because it’s fascinating to see the kinds of things they have and sell. It usually ends up actually making me quite sad, because I know how prevalent it is in other countries to still have a cheese shop, a fishmonger, a bakery, a butcher, etc and with our superstore conglomerates, that is lost here. I’d take your grocery store any day, crazy grannies and all!
Helen says
I know what you mean, Chrissy. I actually enjoy having a good look around foreign supermarkets, too. Also, when I go back to the UK now I actually feel almost a little overwhelmed by how much choice there is. Somehow simple but fresh feels better!
cheri says
Hi Helen, Had myself a chuckle reading about your shopping experience. This baked feta looks divine and would be great to share with friends. Happy week-end to you!
Helen says
Hehe … I could tell you so many more supermarket stories! This sure is a great ‘bonding with friends’ appetizer, as is much Greek food. Hope you have a great weekend, too!
Norma | Allspice and Nutmeg says
Feta is one of my fettishes. (is that a word?) Anyway, I love this, and I want to try baked feta.
Helen says
I hope you do try it, Norma. I think I could eat some of this every day!
Cindy @ Pick Fresh Foods says
Haha Helen, I love easy recipes and I always am drawn in when someone says this is easy. I know it will be up my alley 😀 This looks delicious! I love feta and it sounds like a perfect combination with fresh baked bread!
Helen says
Thanks, Cindy! I think this would be up anyone who loves feta’s alley!
Joanne says
I can never resist some good authentic feta! This baked version sounds absolutely delicious!!
Helen says
Thank you, Joanne! It really is good and I hope you try it some time. Enjoy your weekend!
Jess says
Helen, this looks delicious! I love Greek food and reading your article I didn’t enjoy the supermarkets in Greece either! Whenever we’re on holiday in Greece we always buy the fresh feta cheese, and make a Greek salad with some crusty bread. So good, always recreate it in the Summer back here in the UK. 🙂
Helen says
Haha! I was trying not to be too rude but I couldn’t help not poking just a little bit of fun at those ‘dedicated’ ladies! I could literally eat Greek salads every day, but this is a perfect winter alternative!