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This spicy baked feta brings the bold salty flavor of Greek feta to life with tender roasted vegetables and a kiss of heat. It transforms simple ingredients into a warm melty centerpiece that is just as perfect for sharing as it is for devouring solo on a quiet night.
I first had this in Vienna during a work trip and I remember thinking it was one of the simplest yet most delicious things I had ever eaten. We brought the idea home and have been making it regularly ever since.
Ingredients
- Feta cheese: adds saltiness and creaminess when baked look for authentic Greek feta in block form
- Tomato: brings juicy sweetness and color use ripe firm tomatoes for the best texture
- Red onion: gives mild sharpness and beautiful color slice thinly so it softens well
- Green bell pepper or Italian pepper: offers crunch and balances the heat
- Kalamata olives: add briny contrast seek pitted high quality olives for best results
- Oregano: boosts the Greek flavor dried works fine here
- Chilli flakes: bring that spicy kick adjust depending on heat tolerance
- Black pepper: deepens spice profile crack fresh for bold aroma
- Olive oil: ties everything together with richness use extra virgin for best taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Foil:
- Place a large piece of foil inside a small baking dish ensuring enough overhang to fold over the top later. The foil helps contain the moisture and infuse flavors
- Layer the Vegetables:
- Arrange the sliced tomatoes green pepper red onions and olives evenly across the base of the foil. Season with freshly cracked black pepper and drizzle generously with olive oil
- Place the Feta:
- Set the block of feta cheese directly on top of the layered vegetables. Sprinkle the top of the cheese with oregano chilli flakes and black pepper then drizzle with more olive oil to keep it moist
- Seal and Bake Covered:
- Fold the foil over the dish to form a loose seal. Bake in a preheated oven at two hundred twenty degrees Celsius or four hundred thirty Fahrenheit for ten minutes allowing the ingredients to gently steam together
- Uncover and Finish Baking:
- Open the foil to expose the cheese and return to the oven for another ten minutes. The feta should lightly brown and the vegetables will be tender and flavorful
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Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat place in the oven at a low temperature to preserve texture. Leftovers make a great spread just blend into a creamy dip
Ingredient Substitutions
Use vegan feta for a dairy free version. Try goat cheese for a tangy twist though the texture will be softer. If you don’t have chilli flakes use finely chopped fresh chili
Serving Suggestions
Serve with warm pita bread or crusty baguette for scooping. Add to a mezze board with dips fruits and crudités. Pair with a crisp white wine like Assyrtiko or Sauvignon Blanc
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I love using Kalamata olives in this because they bring just the right balance of salt and acidity. One time I added a few cherry tomatoes and the roasted sweetness made it even better
Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes
- → How long does spicy baked feta take to cook?
It takes about 20 minutes to bake plus 5 to 10 minutes of prep. You can enjoy it in roughly 30 minutes total.
- → Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes you can use a vegan feta cheese like Violife Greek White Block or make your own plant-based version.
- → What can I serve with spicy baked feta?
Serve it with pita bread hummus tzatziki or as part of a mezze or cheese board. It pairs well with grilled dishes too.
- → Can I use a different cheese instead of feta?
Feta is best for this dish but goat cheese or ricotta can be used for a different texture and taste.
- → What vegetables work best in this dish?
Use tomato red onion and green pepper as a base. Kalamata olives and olive oil enhance the flavor perfectly.