Baked Feta Cheese with Olives, Lemon and Rosemary
User Reviews
3.5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
10 servings
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Calories
201 kcal
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Course
Appetizer
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Cuisine
Mediterranean
Baked Feta Cheese with Olives, Lemon and Rosemary
Description
This dish uses a block of sheep milk feta cheese placed in an ovenproof dish with extra virgin olive oil, fresh rosemary, mixed olives, lemon juice, and a touch of red pepper flakes and black pepper. Baking at 350°F for about 20 minutes melts the cheese and infuses the olive oil with the aromatics and bright citrus notes from the lemon. The feta becomes creamy and warm rather than fully melted, making it ideal for spreading or dipping.
The variety of olives contributes salty and briny flavors, complementing the herbal rosemary and the citrus tang. The gentle heat from red pepper flakes balances the richness of the cheese and olive oil. Baking the feta in one dish makes preparation straightforward.
Serve this baked feta warm with toasted bread to scoop up the mixture as an appetizer or light snack. The combination works well with fresh vegetables or as part of a mezze platter.
Variations include adding shrimp for a heartier meal or substituting fresh thyme for rosemary. Cutting the feta into cubes before baking can alter texture and presentation. This approach allows customization while retaining the core flavors.
Ingredients
- 10 ounce sheep milk feta cheese block; amount may vary; can slice into thinner slabs
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- lemon juice of 1/2 large
- 1 1/2 cups olive mixed varieties
- 3 Tbsp rosemary fresh leaves
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- black pepper a few coarse grindings
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F.
- Put the feta in a gratin dish or other small ovenproof dish that you will also use for serving.
- Pour the olive oil into the dish, followed by the lemon juice. Arrange the olives around the cheese, with the rosemary. I quarter the squeezed lemon half and throw that in as well. Sprinkle the red and black pepper over all.
- Bake for about 20 minutes, or until hot and bubbling. I loosely laid a sheet of foil over mine. You can finish under the broiler if you like for a little charring effect.
- Serve hot with toasted bread.
Notes
- Add shrimp to the dish before baking to make it a more substantial meal.
- Substitute fresh thyme for rosemary for a different herbal flavor.
- Cut the feta into large cubes instead of baking it as a whole block to change texture.
- Serve hot with toasted bread to enjoy the creamy cheese and flavorful olive oil.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 10servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 201 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 201kcal | 10% |
| Carbohydrates | 2g | 1% |
| Protein | 4g | 8% |
| Fat | 20g | 31% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Cholesterol | 25mg | 8% |
| Sodium | 633mg | 26% |
| Potassium | 32mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 246IU | 5% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 153mg | 15% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
3.5
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