Step up your appetizer game with our easy Mediterranean Baked Feta Dip. Irresistibly creamy and packed with vibrant flavors, it’s guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering!
Table of Contents
What is Mediterranean Baked Feta Dip?
This Mediterranean baked feta dip is a warm, savory dip that brings together the creamy goodness of baked feta cheese with bright tomatoes, briny olives, a touch of honey, and the perfect combination of Mediterranean spices. We bake it all to ooey-gooey perfection for a rich and melty feta dip that’s always a satisfying snack or starter.
This dip is so delicious we could absolutely just eat it by the spoonful! However, it pairs well with all your favorite dippers, from crispy pita chips or warm pita bread to fresh veggies and crackers. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or a more formal dinner party (or just want an afternoon pick-me-up), this dip is sure to hit the spot!
Ingredients You Need
- Block Feta Cheese – Tangy feta melts beautifully — it’s the perfect base for a warm dip.
- Kalamata Olives – For the best texture and flavor, slice the olives in half just before preparing the dip.
- Green Olives – We like to use these olives too, to add another layer of flavor and a pop of color.
- Grape Tomatoes – Tomatoes balance the dish with their slight acidity. Plus, we love how they become slightly sweet when cooked.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Olive oil adds a rich flavor to the dip.
- Honey – A drizzle of honey adds a bit of sweetness that perfectly complements the salty feta and olives.
- Garlic Cloves – While you can use garlic powder in a pinch, the dip is so much better with freshly minced garlic cloves!
- Dried Oregano – Oregano adds a warm flavor and a hint of earthiness to the dip.
- Dried Thyme – We love the subtle woodsy flavor thyme adds.
- Za’atar – One of our favorite spices, za’atar adds a unique, tangy flavor and a touch of nuttiness.
- Red Pepper Flakes – These give the dip a little kick of heat.
- Kosher Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper – Both salt and pepper help to round out all of the flavors in the dip.
To Garnish:
- Fresh Herbs – We like to sprinkle on a bit of cilantro or parsley for herbal flavor.
- Honey – Just a drizzle of honey after baking gives the dip a final touch of sweetness!
For Serving:
- Pita or Pita Puffs – These are perfect for scooping up the warm dip. You can use pita chips or even make your own pita bread.
How to Make Mediterranean Baked Feta Dip
- Prepare the cheese and toppings. Place the block of feta in the center of a baking dish and sprinkle in the tomatoes and both types of olives so that they’re evenly dispersed in the bottom of the dish.
- Make the marinade. Add the olive oil, honey, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, zaatar, and red pepper flakes to a small bowl and stir to combine before sprinkling in the salt and pepper.
- Add the marinade. Drizzle the olive oil mixture into the dish so that it evenly coats the cheese, olives, and tomatoes.
- Bake. Bake the dip in the preheated oven for the recommended time or until the tomatoes have burst open and the feta is warm, soft, and a light golden color.
- Garnish. After taking the feta out of the oven, sprinkle fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley over top.
- Serve. Transfer to a serving dish or bowl alongside pita bread, pita chips, pita puffs, or other snacks for dipping.
Air Fryer Option
If preferred, you can cook the dip in
Then, instead of baking, air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-15 minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs, transfer the dip to a serving bowl, and enjoy!
Variations
- Capers – These little briny balls of goodness add a tangy and salty punch to the dish.
- Tomatoes – For a slightly different texture and sweetness, try using cherry tomatoes. Or, use grape tomatoes in a variety of colors for a more colorful dip.
- Roasted Red Peppers – These peppers add a smoky flavor and vibrant color.
- Fresh Basil – Use this as a garnish instead of the cilantro or parsley.
- More Crushed Red Pepper – Top the dip with more crushed red pepper for a spicier dip.
Can I Store Leftovers?
You can easily store this dip and you can even prep it up to a day ahead of time, keep it in the fridge, and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready.
Transfer the dip to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to three days.
We don’t recommend freezing the tip because the feta may become grainy once it’s thawed.
More Delicious Dips
If you’re like us, and can’t get enough of creamy, dreamy dips, you won’t want to miss out on our other favorites!
Warm Feta Dip with Marinated Olives
White Bean Dip with Roasted Tomatoes
Chickpeas and Roasted Carrots with Whipped Feta
Mediterranean Baked Feta Dip
Ingredients
- 8 ounces block feta cheese
- 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives drained and halved
- 1/2 cup pitted green olives drained and halved
- 1 cup grape tomatoes
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon honey
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon zaatar
- Pinch red pepper flakes
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Garnish:
- Fresh herbs cilantro, parsley
- Drizzle of honey
To Serve:
- Pita or pita puffs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the baking dish: In a small baking dish, place the block of feta cheese in the center.8 ounces block feta cheese
- Add the toppings: Scatter the halved Kalamata olives, green olives, and grape tomatoes around the feta in the baking dish.1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, 1/2 cup pitted green olives, 1 cup grape tomatoes
- Mix the marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, honey, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, zaatar, and red pepper flakes. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil, 1 Tablespoon honey, 3 garlic cloves, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon zaatar, Pinch red pepper flakes, Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Drizzle the marinade: Pour the olive oil mixture evenly over the feta cheese and the surrounding olives and tomatoes.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the feta is soft and slightly golden, and the tomatoes have burst.
- Garnish: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley. Drizzle with additional honey if desired.Fresh herbs, Drizzle of honey
- Serve: Serve warm with pita or pita puffs for dipping.Pita or pita puffs
Equipment
Notes
Would you like to save this? 🔖
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Such a fun idea!