Mediterranean Baked Feta is a simple, flavor-packed dish where a block of creamy feta bakes in olive oil with cherry tomatoes, olives, garlic, and herbs until warm, soft, and irresistibly scoopable. The feta edges get lightly golden while the tomatoes burst into a saucy, tangy base that’s perfect for dipping bread or spooning over pasta, rice, or salads.

This recipe uses just a handful of Mediterranean staples—feta, olive oil, tomatoes, olives, herbs, and lemon—to create a dish that feels restaurant-worthy but takes only minutes to prep. Pop it in the oven, and by the time it’s bubbly, your kitchen will smell incredible and your appetizer (or light meal) will be ready.

Perfect for parties, mezze platters, casual dinners, or weeknight “snack dinners,” this Mediterranean Baked Feta is the kind of dish that disappears quickly and has everyone reaching back with their bread for “just one more scoop.”

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy & Savory – Warm feta becomes spreadable, salty, and rich.
Fresh & Zesty – Cherry tomatoes, lemon, and herbs brighten every bite.
Ridiculously Easy – Toss, bake, and serve—almost no hands-on work.
Versatile – Serve as a dip, appetizer, or spooned over pasta, grains, or roasted veggies.

Ingredients

For the Mediterranean Baked Feta:

1 block feta cheese (about 7–8 oz / 200–225 g), preferably in brine
1½ cups cherry or grape tomatoes, whole or halved
¼ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved (or mixed Mediterranean olives)
3–4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
2–3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced or minced
1 tsp dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)
½ tsp dried thyme (optional)
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Salt and black pepper, to taste (go light—feta and olives are salty)

Finishing & Garnish:

1–2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1–2 tbsp fresh basil or mint, torn (optional)
1–2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Lemon zest (optional)

For Serving:

Crusty bread, pita, crostini, or crackers
Or cooked pasta, rice, quinoa, or couscous to turn it into a meal

Instructions

Prep the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Place the feta block in the center of a small oven-safe baking dish.

Add the Tomatoes and Olives
Scatter cherry tomatoes and olives around the feta in the dish.

Season and Oil
Drizzle olive oil over the feta, tomatoes, and olives.
Sprinkle sliced/minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme (if using), red pepper flakes, and a light pinch of black pepper over the top.
Go easy on extra salt—remember, feta and olives are already salty.

Bake
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until the feta is soft, the edges are lightly golden, and the tomatoes are starting to burst and release their juices.

Optional: Broil for Extra Color
For a more golden top, switch the oven to broil for 1–3 minutes at the end, watching closely so it doesn’t burn.

Finish with Fresh Flavor
Remove from the oven.
Drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle with chopped parsley and basil/mint if using.
Add a little lemon zest on top for extra brightness, if desired.

Serve
Serve immediately while warm and soft.
Use a spoon to gently break into the feta and mix slightly with the tomatoes and olives to create a saucy, scoopable mixture.
Serve with crusty bread, pita, crackers, or spoon over pasta, rice, or grains.

Nutritional Information

(Approximate per serving, 1 of 4 as an appetizer)

Calories: ~260
Protein: 8g
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 7g
Sugar: 3g
Fiber: 1g

(Does not include bread or side grains.)

Tips for Success

Use Block Feta in Brine – It melts and softens better than pre-crumbled feta and has more flavor.
Don’t Over-Salt – Taste after baking and add more salt only if needed.
Adjust the Heat – Use more or less red pepper flakes depending on how spicy you like it.
Serve Hot and Fresh – Baked feta is best warm from the oven, when it’s at peak creaminess.

Why This Recipe Works

Feta softens beautifully when baked, turning from firm and crumbly into warm, spreadable cheese that still holds its shape. Cherry tomatoes burst and release sweet, tangy juices that mingle with olive oil, garlic, and herbs, creating an instant sauce that bathes the feta and olives.

Finishing with lemon and fresh herbs adds brightness and cuts through the richness, giving you a balanced bite every time. With almost no prep work and just one baking dish, this Mediterranean Baked Feta delivers big flavor with minimal effort—perfect for everyday or entertaining.