Looking for a delicious and easy dish to impress your guests or enjoy on a cozy night in? Look no further than this Baked Feta Cheese with Olives recipe! Creamy feta cheese baked to perfection with olives, citrus, and herbs – it’s a flavor explosion in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The combination of tangy feta cheese, briny olives, and fresh herbs creates a perfect balance of flavors.
- With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this dish is perfect for a quick and easy meal.
- Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a satisfying snack, this Baked Feta Cheese with Olives is a versatile dish that will always impress.
Ingredient Notes:
- Greek feta cheese: Creamy and tangy, feta cheese adds richness and flavor to the dish. You can substitute with any other soft cheese like goat cheese.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps to achieve that golden brown crust on the feta.
- Orange and lemon rind: Citrus zest adds a burst of freshness to the dish.
- Lemon juice: Brightens up the flavors and adds a tangy kick.
- Mixed olives: Briny and flavorful, olives complement the creamy feta perfectly.
- Fresh rosemary leaves: Fragrant and earthy, rosemary adds a wonderful aroma to the dish.
- Long red chili: Adds a hint of heat, adjust to your preference.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to Degrees C (F). Cut the chili into thin strips, remove the rosemary leaves from the sprig, and prepare the citrus rind.
- Place the feta in a small oven-proof dish, pour the olive oil over the feta.
- Add the strips of lemon and orange rind, then pour over the lemon juice. Distribute the olives around the feta. Sprinkle with the rosemary leaves and chili.
- Bake for about minutes until hot and bubbling. If desired, briefly place it under the grill for more color.
- Serve hot with crusty bread, pita, or ciabatta.
Helpful Tips:
- For extra flavor, marinate the feta with olive oil and herbs for a few hours before baking.
- Feel free to customize the dish with your favorite herbs and spices.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use high-quality feta cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Experiment with different types of olives to find your favorite combination of flavors.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of fresh salad or roasted vegetables.
- Pair with a glass of crisp white wine or a refreshing cocktail.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To reheat, place the dish in a preheated oven until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to prevent the feta from becoming rubbery.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh rosemary?
Yes, but fresh herbs will provide a more vibrant flavor. - Can I add other ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes or artichokes?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the dish with your favorite ingredients. - Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish up to a day in advance and bake it when ready to serve. - Can I use vegan feta cheese for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute with vegan feta for a plant-based version of the dish.
Conclusion:
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Baked Feta Cheese with Olives recipe and elevate your dining experience. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, this dish is sure to impress. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out!
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Baked Feta Cheese with Olives Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Baked Feta Cheese with Olives recipe is a flavorful and easy appetizer that’s perfect for entertaining. The feta cheese is baked until hot and bubbly, then served with crusty bread or pita for dipping.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
-
- 200 g (7 oz) Greek feta cheese
- ¼ cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil
Seasonings:
- 3 strips orange rind
- 3 strips lemon rind
- 1 tablespoon (20 ml) lemon juice
- 1 cup mixed olives
- 3 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves
- 1 long red chili – or to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 180 Degrees C (355 F).
- Prepare ingredients: Cut chili into strips, remove rosemary leaves, and citrus rind.
- Assemble dish: Place feta in a dish, pour olive oil, add citrus rind, lemon juice, olives, rosemary, and chili.
- Bake: Bake for 20 minutes until bubbly and slightly browned.
- Serve: Serve with crusty bread or pita.
Notes
- Note 1: Adjust lemon juice to taste.
- Note 2: Use your favorite olives for variety.
- Note 3: Fresh herbs can be substituted based on preference.
- Note 4: Adjust chili amount for desired spice level.
- Note 5: Choose a small oven-proof dish that fits the feta snugly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
