If you’ve ever wondered what magic tastes like, you might just find your answer in this Easy Baked Feta with Roasted Vegetables recipe. Picture this: creamy feta cheese, melting into a bubbly, golden perfection, nestled among an array of vibrant veggies that sizzle and pop like a summer’s firework display. It’s as if your taste buds are attending a concert of flavors, and trust me, you won’t want the performance to end.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and adjust the rack to the middle position. Prepare an oven-safe dish by arranging sliced red onions, green bell peppers, and halved cherry tomatoes at the bottom.
- Sprinkle the vegetables with 1 teaspoon of oregano, a pinch of red pepper flakes, and a few fresh thyme sprigs. Drizzle some extra virgin olive oil over the veggies.
- Place a block of feta cheese on top of the seasoned vegetables. Season the feta with the remaining oregano, another pinch of red pepper flakes, and any leftover thyme.
- Generously drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the feta, ensuring to brush some oil on the sides. Place the dish on a baking sheet for easy handling and bake for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Optionally, broil the dish briefly to add a bit of color. Serve the baked feta immediately with crusty bread or pita chips for dipping. Toast the bread slices, if desired, by brushing them with olive oil and briefly baking them.
Ingredients
- ½ red onion, sliced
- ½ green bell pepper, sliced into rounds
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes (approximately 3 ounces), halved
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 3 to 4 fresh thyme sprigs (optional)
- Extra virgin olive oil
- 8 ounces block of quality feta cheese (do not crumble)
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
- Crusty bread or pita chips for serving
Nutritional Values
Calories: 415kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 38g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 50mg | Sodium: 1200mg | Potassium: 200mg | Fiber: 2g | Vitamin A: 700IU | Vitamin C: 30mg | Calcium: 400mg | Iron: 1mg
FAQ
- Can feta cheese be heated without losing its texture?
- Yes, feta cheese can be heated, and in fact, it transforms beautifully when baked. Instead of melting completely, quality feta becomes warm, luscious, and creamy, making it perfect for spreading.
- What type of feta cheese should I use for baking?
- It’s best to use a block of high-quality feta cheese for baking. Greek feta is ideal, but French or Bulgarian white cheese can also work well. Avoid using crumbled feta, as it tends to be too dry for this recipe.
- What’s the best way to serve baked feta?
- Baked feta is best served warm, right out of the oven, while it’s still creamy and spreadable. Pair it with crusty bread or homemade pita chips to enjoy its full flavor.
- What ingredients add the most flavor to baked feta?
- A drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil, along with oregano and fresh thyme, enhances the flavor of baked feta. The combination of these ingredients with bell peppers, red onions, and cherry tomatoes creates a delicious Mediterranean taste.
- How can I ensure my baked feta has a nice color?
- Bake the feta at 400 degrees F until tender. If you want a bit more color, you can place it under the broiler briefly after baking, but keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Tips
- Opt for Quality Feta: Ensure you use a creamy Greek feta or similar options like French or Bulgarian white cheese. Avoid crumbled feta as it tends to be too dry for this recipe.
- Proper Oven Setup: Use a high-heated oven set at 400 degrees F. If the feta needs more color after baking for 25 to 30 minutes, briefly place it under the broiler.
- Choose Good Olive Oil: A few drizzles of high-quality extra virgin olive oil can significantly enhance the dish’s flavor and richness, so invest in a good-tasting one.
- Serve Immediately: To enjoy the dish at its best, serve it while the feta is still warm and spreadable. Pair with toasted Italian bread or pita chips for the perfect accompaniment.
Equipment
- Small oven-safe dish – Such as a terra cotta cazuela, ramekin, or a small well-seasoned cast iron skillet.
- Small baking sheet – To place under the oven-safe dish for ease of use.
