Name: Baked Feta with Cherry Tomatoes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 7 oz High-quality Greek feta cheese; 20 oz Cherry tomatoes; 0.5 cup Extra virgin olive oil; 4 cloves Garlic cloves, smashed; 1 tsp Dried oregano; 0.5 tsp Red pepper flakes; 0.25 cup Fresh basil leaves, torn; 1 loaf French baguette or crusty bread

Appetizers & Starters

Baked Feta with Cherry Tomatoes

This Mediterranean-inspired baked feta features juicy cherry tomatoes that burst into a jammy sauce, perfectly complementing the warm, creamy cheese. Infused with garlic, oregano, and high-quality olive oil, it is a sophisticated yet simple dish that pairs perfectly with crusty bread or fresh pasta.

Prep

10m

Cook

30m

Serves

Calories

485kcal

Qty	Ingredient
7 oz 200 g	High-quality Greek feta cheese
20 oz 565 g	Cherry tomatoes
0.5 cup 120 ml	Extra virgin olive oil
4 cloves 4 cloves	Garlic cloves, smashed
1 tsp 5 g	Dried oregano
0.5 tsp 1 g	Red pepper flakes
0.25 cup 10 g	Fresh basil leaves, torn
1 loaf 250 g	French baguette or crusty bread

2 Method

Step 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 2. In a medium-sized oven-safe baking dish, add the cherry tomatoes, smashed garlic cloves, and dried oregano. Pour the olive oil over the top and season with red pepper flakes and a pinch of black pepper.

Step 3. Toss the tomatoes until evenly coated, then create a space in the center of the dish.

Step 4. Place the whole block of feta in the center. Flip it once to ensure it is coated in the olive oil.

Step 5. Bake in the center rack for 30 minutes, or until the cherry tomatoes have burst and the feta looks soft.

Step 6. For a golden finish, turn the oven to broil for 2-3 minutes at the end of the cooking time, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Step 7. Remove from the oven and immediately stir in the fresh torn basil leaves. Use a fork to gently mash the feta and tomatoes together into a chunky, creamy sauce.

Step 8. Serve warm directly from the dish with slices of toasted baguette.

·
Always use a block of feta in brine rather than pre-crumbled feta for a much creamier texture.
·
If you want to turn this into a full meal, toss the finished sauce with 8 ounces of cooked pasta and a splash of pasta water.
·
Do not over-salt the dish before baking, as feta cheese is naturally very high in sodium.
·
Ensure your garlic is smashed rather than minced to prevent it from burning during the roasting process.

? FAQ

Can I use different types of tomatoes?

Yes, grape tomatoes or even chopped Roma tomatoes work, but cherry tomatoes provide the best 'burst' effect and sweetness.

What is the best type of feta to use?

Authentic Greek feta made from sheep's milk or a blend of sheep and goat's milk provides the richest flavor and best melting properties.

Can I make this ahead of time?

This dish is best served fresh and hot. However, you can prep the tomatoes and oil in the dish and store it in the fridge until you are ready to bake.

Is this dish spicy?

It has a very mild heat from the red pepper flakes. You can omit them if you prefer a completely mild flavor profile.