Baked Feta Cheese and Tomatoes Recipe

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Cook Time: 20 minutes

This warm and savory dish is a delightful mix of creamy feta, juicy tomatoes, briny olives, and fresh herbs. Perfect for a quick dinner or a tasty appetizer!

Ingredients

• 1 (7 ounce) block Greek feta cheese
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Drizzle of olive oil
• 2 cups halved cherry or grape tomatoes
• 1/3 cup halved Kalamata olives
• 1/3 cup thinly sliced red onion
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400F (200C).

Step 2: Place the feta cheese in the center of a baking dish. Spread the honey over the top of the cheese and drizzle with olive oil.

Step 3: In a small bowl, combine the halved tomatoes, Kalamata olives, red onion, olive oil, and minced garlic. Sprinkle with oregano and season with salt and pepper. Toss to combine.

Step 4: Arrange the tomato and olive mixture around the feta in the baking dish.

Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is soft and the tomato mixture is bubbling. If you prefer a more golden color, briefly place the dish under the broiler.

Step 6: Garnish with fresh basil, if desired, and serve warm.

Cook's Note

For the best results, choose a high-quality feta made from sheep's milk. It's creamy, soft, and perfect for this dish. This combination also makes a fantastic topping for pasta, so keep some leftovers for a quick meal the next day!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	182
Total Fat	15g (19%)
Saturated Fat	6g (30%)
Cholesterol	29mg (10%)
Sodium	401mg (17%)
Total Carbohydrates	8g (3%)
Dietary Fiber	1g (4%)
Total Sugars	6g
Protein	5g (11%)
Vitamin C	8mg (9%)
Calcium	181mg (14%)
Iron	1mg (4%)
Potassium	167mg (4%)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

This Baked Feta Cheese and Tomatoes recipe is a modern twist on traditional Greek flavors, combining the creamy richness of feta with the bright sweetness of tomatoes. It's a perfect dish for a summer appetizer or a light dinner. Let's explore its origins, regional variations, and why this dish stands out from other similar recipes.

History and Origins

The roots of baked feta cheese and tomatoes can be traced back to Greece, where feta cheese has been a staple of the Mediterranean diet for centuries. Feta, made from sheeps milk, is one of the most iconic cheeses of the region and plays a significant role in many Greek dishes. While the exact origins of this specific baked combination are unclear, it is likely inspired by the traditional Greek practice of combining cheese, olives, and vegetables like tomatoes in simple, flavorful dishes. The dish is a modern variation, gaining popularity in recent years, especially through social media platforms and food blogs.

Regional Features

In Greece, feta cheese is often served in various forms, from crumbled on salads to baked with vegetables like eggplant or zucchini. The combination of tomatoes and feta is popular across the Mediterranean, but this specific baked version is most commonly associated with Greek cuisine. The addition of olives, garlic, and oregano adds a distinctively Greek touch, enhancing the dish's Mediterranean flavors. In some regions, the dish may also be served with a drizzle of honey, creating a beautiful balance of sweet and savory flavors.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

While there are many dishes that feature baked cheese and vegetables, Baked Feta Cheese and Tomatoes stands out due to the unique texture and flavor of feta cheese. Unlike ricotta or mozzarella, feta has a firm and crumbly texture that softens beautifully when baked, making it a perfect cheese for roasting. The use of high-quality, sheeps milk feta cheese is crucial in this recipe to achieve the best flavor. Furthermore, the combination of tomatoes, olives, and herbs creates a distinctly Mediterranean taste that sets this dish apart from other baked cheese recipes, such as baked brie or cheese-stuffed vegetables.

Where It's Served

This dish is often served as an appetizer or a side dish in Mediterranean restaurants, particularly in Greece and the surrounding countries. Its commonly accompanied by crusty bread, pita chips, or crackers, allowing diners to scoop up the warm, melted feta and savory tomato mixture. Its also an ideal dish for gatherings and dinner parties due to its easy preparation and impressive presentation. In Greece, it can be enjoyed as part of a larger mezze platter, where small dishes are shared among family and friends.

Interesting Facts

1. Feta cheese is one of the oldest cheeses in the world, with its origins dating back to ancient Greece. Its name comes from the Italian word fetta, meaning slice, due to the way it is traditionally cut into large blocks.

2. While feta is often associated with Greek cuisine, it is also widely enjoyed in countries across the Mediterranean, including Turkey, Cyprus, and Bulgaria. Each country has its own unique way of incorporating feta into dishes.

3. The combination of baked feta and tomatoes has become increasingly popular on social media, especially after it went viral in 2020. Food influencers and bloggers shared their own versions of the dish, making it a trendy item in home kitchens worldwide.

Conclusion

The Baked Feta Cheese and Tomatoes recipe is not just a dish; it's a celebration of Greek culinary traditions. By combining the creamy, tangy flavor of feta with sweet tomatoes, salty olives, and fragrant herbs, this dish captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. Whether served at a casual dinner or a festive gathering, its sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Dont forget to pair it with a glass of white wine for the ultimate Mediterranean experience!

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