Baked Feta Cheese with Olives Recipe

If you’ve never tried baked feta before, this Baked Feta Cheese with Olives Recipe is about to become your new favorite easy appetizer or snack. It’s one of those dishes that somehow feels fancy but is incredibly simple to throw together, which means you can impress guests or elevate a casual weeknight dinner without breaking a sweat. The combination of creamy feta melting into its own bubbling pool of olive oil, with the brightness of citrus and the kick of chilli, really makes it special.

What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is—perfect served alongside crusty bread or tossed with pasta. I remember the first time I made it, I couldn’t believe how a handful of olives and a few strips of lemon peel turned simple cheese into a party-worthy dish. If you want something effortless but unique, this Baked Feta Cheese with Olives Recipe is absolutely worth trying out in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays its part in balancing boldness and freshness, creating layers of flavor that make baked feta so addictive. When shopping, look for a good-quality Greek feta and fresh rosemary to really lift the dish.

• Greek feta cheese: Choose a block rather than crumbled for the best texture when baking.
• Extra virgin olive oil: A fruity oil enhances the richness and helps the feta bubble beautifully.
• Orange rind: Adds a subtle sweetness and fragrant aroma.
• Lemon rind: Brightens the dish with zesty citrus notes.
• Lemon juice: Balances the creaminess and adds brightness—freshly squeezed works best.
• Mixed olives: Use a variety of flavors and textures; Kalamata are a favorite of mine.
• Fresh rosemary leaves: Give a fragrant piney touch—strip them fresh from the stem.
• Long red chilli: Adds heat; you can tame or amp up the spice depending on your preference.

Variations

This recipe is a fantastic blank canvas for your creativity—I’ve tweaked it depending on what I have on hand or the occasion, and each time it’s been a winner.

• Add herbs like thyme or oregano: I love swapping rosemary for thyme sometimes to give it an earthier vibe.
• Use spicy sausage or sun-dried tomatoes: For a heartier twist, I sometimes toss in sliced chorizo, which pairs wonderfully with the feta.
• Make it vegan: Try a firm plant-based cheese alternative and vegan olives to accommodate dietary needs—it won’t be exactly the same, but still delicious.
• Seasonal adjustments: Swap olives for capers or roasted cherry tomatoes based on what’s fresh in your market.

How to Make Baked Feta Cheese with Olives Recipe

Step 1: Prep your ingredients carefully

First, preheat your oven to 180°C (355°F). While that’s warming up, thinly slice the red chilli and strip the rosemary leaves from their stems. It’s important to slice the chilli thin so it infuses the oil without overpowering the dish. I also peel strips of lemon and orange rind—this might feel a bit fiddly at first, but trust me, the citrus oils really elevate the overall aroma and flavor.

Step 2: Assemble in an oven-proof dish

Place the block of feta in a small oven-proof dish — one just a bit larger than the cheese works best to keep the oil pooling nicely. Pour the olive oil evenly over the feta. Then scatter over the citrus strips, followed by the lemon juice. Arrange the mixed olives around the cheese, and finish with fresh rosemary leaves and chilli strips on top. I always taste my olives before adding since some can be very salty and you might want to rinse or adjust the salt elsewhere accordingly.

Step 3: Bake until perfectly bubbly and golden

Slide your dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges of the feta start to brown slightly and the cheese is bubbling warmly. If you want a little extra color, pop it under a hot grill (broiler) for a minute or two, but keep a close eye to avoid burning. This step gives the top that gorgeous toasted look I adore.

How to Serve Baked Feta Cheese with Olives Recipe

Garnishes

I love to garnish baked feta with a few sprigs of fresh rosemary and an extra drizzle of good-quality olive oil. Sometimes, I throw in a handful of freshly cracked black pepper just before serving to add a little pop. These simple touches make the presentation inviting and add subtle flavor layers.

Side Dishes

For me, hot crusty bread or warmed pita are essentials — they’re perfect for scooping up the melted, flavorful cheese and oily goodness. I’ve also served baked feta alongside grilled vegetables or as part of a mezze spread with hummus and roasted nuts. It pairs wonderfully with simple salads, too, especially ones featuring cucumbers, tomatoes, and herbs.

Creative Ways to Present

When hosting, I like to bake individual portions in small ramekins for each guest. It feels personal and looks elegant on a tray. Another trick I’ve tried is layering the feta with a few slices of roasted red peppers underneath for a pop of color and extra sweetness. Trust me, it makes for a stunning centerpiece that gets everyone chatting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which I rarely do!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure you include some of that luscious olive oil to keep the feta moist. I usually eat the leftovers within 2 days for the best taste and texture.

Freezing

I don’t typically freeze baked feta because the texture can get crumbly once thawed, but if you want to, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge and be aware the texture changes, so it’s best used in cooked recipes after freezing.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the baked feta back in the oven at 160°C (320°F) for about 10 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if you can; the oven preserves the texture better and keeps it bubbling nicely.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Baked Feta Cheese with Olives Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s just so simple yet so full of flavor. I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I do—whether it’s a cozy night at home or a last-minute get-together, it always brings that little wow factor without fuss. Give it a go and watch how quickly it becomes one of those go-to recipes you share with friends over coffee or wine.

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