- August 19, 2024
- Main Dishes
Baked Feta Dip Recipe
This Baked Feta Dip recipe with smashed olives and za’atar seasoning is a flavorful and easy twist on a classic appetizer, combining creamy feta with the briny richness of olives and the aromatic blend of za’atar. Perfectly roasted cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness, making it an irresistible dip for flatbreads or pita chips.
Why This Recipe Works
Simple Yet Elegant: This baked feta dip recipe shines because it relies on just a few high-quality ingredients that come together beautifully. Ripe cherry tomatoes burst with sweetness as they roast, garlic adds a savory depth, and a drizzle of olive oil ties everything together. The feta is the star, but each component plays an essential role in creating a harmonious blend of flavors!
Quick and Easy to Prepare: Baked feta dip is not only delicious but also incredibly simple to make! With minimal prep time and just one dish to clean, it’s a stress-free option for entertaining. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want a quick snack, this dip comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.
Supplies Needed
- Cast Iron Skillet or Baking Dish
Ingredients
- Feta Cheese: You definitely have to use a block of feta cheese there! I like to use one that is packed in brine for the best flavor.
- Olives: I used a combination of pitted green and kalamata olives. Then, I manually smashed them with the side of a knife. This will ensure that they get softer in the oven and are much easier to eat with the dip this way.
- Cherry Tomatoes: For a bit of freshness!
- Garlic: Garlic will add a deeper savory flavor to the dip.
- Za’atar Seasoning: For loads of flavor!
- Olive Oil: I recommend using a high quality extra virgin olive oil.
- Salt & Pepper: To taste.
How To Make Baked Feta Dip
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat the oven to 400 F. In a baking dish or cast iron skillet, place a feta block into the center.
- Prep Remaining Ingredients: Prep the ingredients by taking whole pitted olives and using the side of the knife to smash down to crack and break the olives. Halve the cherry tomatoes and mince the garlic. Toss all of this together in a bowl and then scatter the mixture around the sides of the block of feta in the pan.
- Season: Drizzle the 1/4 cup of olive oil over the feta and the olive and tomato mixture. Season with the Za’atar seasoning over the top (and salt and pepper if desired- feta and olives are often salty already though so keep that in mind).
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the feta is soft and the tomatoes are roasted and slightly burst.
- Cool Slightly & Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh herbs. Serve warm with crusty flatbread or pita chips for dipping.
Variations
- Add Extra Ingredients: This baked feta dip recipe is versatile enough to add or omit ingredients according to your preferences. You can add extra ingredients like artichoke hearts and roasted red peppers. Or, try drizzling it with balsamic glaze before serving for a touch of sweetness! Alternatively, you can omit ingredients. If you aren’t a fan of olives, replace them with artichoke hearts instead!
- Make it Lemony: Add some lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice to the dish before baking. It’s the perfect zesty version for summer!
- Pack it With Veggies: Incorporate vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and red onions alongside the tomatoes for a heartier baked feta dip that’s loaded with flavor and nutrients.
What To Serve With Baked Feta Dip
I could probably eat this baked feta dip with a a spoon, but it goes great with some pita chips, crackers, or crusty sourdough bread! You can also serve it with a side of fresh vegetables for dipping. For a larger appetizer spread, try serving it with spinach artichoke dip and garlic bread with steak bruschetta!
To serve this dip as a side dish, I recommend serving it with simple grilled meats like smoked chicken breast or a flatiron steak!
If you love all things feta, be sure to also try my Tirokafteri Greek Feta Dip, too!
More Recipes To Try
- Smoked BLT Dip
- Smoked Pimento Cheese
- How to Build a Caviar Board
- Pepperoncini Dip Recipe
- Brie Fondue Recipe
Baked Feta Dip Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 oz. Feta Cheese (block) find cheese that's packed in the brine for best flavor
- 1/2 cup Olives pitted and smashed
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes halved
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 2 tsp Za'atar Seasoning
- 1/4 cup Olive Oil
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 F.
- In a baking dish or cast iron skillet, place the feta block into the center.
- Prep the ingredients by taking whole pitted olives and using the side of the knife to smash down to crack and break the olives. Halve the cherry tomatoes and mince the garlic. Toss all of this together in a bowl and then scatter the mixture around the sides of the block of feta in the pan.
- Drizzle the 1/4 cup of olive oil over the feta and the olive and tomato mixture. Season with the Za'atar seasoning over the top (and salt and pepper if desired- feta and olives are often salty already though so keep that in mind).
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the feta is soft and the tomatoes are roasted and slightly burst.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh herbs. Serve warm with crusty flatbread or pita chips for dipping.