Baked Feta Cheese with Olives Recipe
A deliciously rich and aromatic baked feta cheese dish featuring zesty citrus rind, fresh rosemary, spicy red chili, and mixed olives, all baked to bubbly perfection. Ideal as an elegant appetizer or a flavorful snack, served warm with crusty bread or pita.
- Author: Emma
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Main Ingredients
- 200 g (7 oz) Greek feta cheese
- ¼ cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 3 strips orange rind
- 3 strips lemon rind
- 1 tablespoon (20 ml) lemon juice
- 1 cup mixed olives
- 3 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves
- 1 long red chilli, sliced into thin strips (adjust to taste)
- Preheat and Prepare Ingredients: Preheat the oven to 180°C (355°F). Thinly slice the red chilli into strips, strip the rosemary leaves from the sprig, and prepare the strips of lemon and orange rind.
- Arrange Feta and Olive Oil: Place the block of feta cheese in a small oven-proof dish, then pour the extra virgin olive oil evenly over the top.
- Add Citrus, Olives, and Seasonings: Lay the strips of lemon and orange rind on and around the feta. Drizzle with the lemon juice. Distribute the mixed olives evenly around the feta. Sprinkle the rosemary leaves and sliced chilli on top.
- Bake the Feta: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, until the feta is hot and bubbling and the edges turn slightly golden brown. For extra color, optionally place the dish under the grill/broiler briefly.
- Serve Warm: Remove from the oven and serve immediately alongside hot crusty bread, warmed pita, or toasted ciabatta for dipping and scooping.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice to brighten the dish and balance the richness of the feta.
- Mixed olives can include a variety of types such as Kalamata, green, or black olives for depth of flavor.
- Fresh rosemary enhances the savory and aromatic profile; if unavailable, dried rosemary may be substituted but use sparingly.
- Adjust the quantity of red chilli to control the heat level according to preference.
- An oven-proof ceramic or glass dish is ideal for even baking and easy serving.
Keywords: baked feta, feta cheese recipe, Mediterranean appetizer, olives, rosemary, citrus feta, spicy feta, easy appetizer