Description
Heavenly Baked Feta with Olives & Thyme is a simple yet elegant Mediterranean-inspired appetizer featuring a block of quality feta cheese baked with garlic, fresh thyme, Castelvetrano olives, honey, and a zesty lemon finish. This warm, flavorful dish is perfect for serving with crostini, toasted bread, or crackers and brings together a delightful balance of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors with a hint of sweetness and herbal freshness.
Ingredients
Cheese and Seasonings
- 6-8 ounces good-quality feta cheese block, patted dry (do not crumble)
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 4-6 cloves garlic, smashed
- 4-6 sprigs fresh thyme
- Optional: up to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Olives and Citrus
- 8 ounces Castelvetrano olives, drained and torn in half or roughly chopped
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
For Serving
- Crostini, toasted bread, or crackers of choice
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Gather all ingredients and prepare them according to the list: pat dry the feta block, smash the garlic cloves, tear or chop the olives, and zest and juice the lemon.
- Assemble and bake the feta: Place the feta block in the center of a small baking dish. Drizzle the olive oil and honey on top, then nestle the smashed garlic cloves and fresh thyme sprigs around the feta. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle up to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes over everything. Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes.
- Add the olives: After the initial 20 minutes of baking, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Use a spoon to baste some of the infused olive oil around the feta to keep it moist and flavorful. Then add the torn or chopped Castelvetrano olives to the baking dish and sprinkle the lemon zest over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the feta softens to your desired texture and the olives are warmed through.
- Serve: Finish the baked feta by squeezing fresh lemon juice over the cheese and olives to brighten the flavors. Start with the juice of half a lemon, adding more to taste according to the tanginess of your feta. Let the dish cool slightly before serving immediately alongside crostini, toasted bread, or crackers. Enjoy the warm, creamy, and herby feta with your choice of crunchy sides!
Notes
- Do not crumble the feta before baking; bake it as a block or brick to maintain creaminess and structure.
- Castelvetrano olives are mild and buttery, but you can substitute with other green olives if needed.
- The honey adds a subtle sweetness, balancing the feta’s saltiness—adjust to taste or omit if preferred.
- Fresh thyme is preferred for its aromatic flavor, but you can also use rosemary or oregano as alternatives.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes according to your preferred level of spice or omit for no heat.
- Serve immediately for best texture; leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
