If you’re looking for a dish that feels effortlessly elegant but is secretly incredibly easy, this Baked Feta with Roasted Tomatoes & Herbs is about to become your go-to. Creamy, salty feta softens perfectly in the oven alongside juicy, jammy tomatoes, all brought together with a shower of fresh herbs and a drizzle of really good olive oil. Whether you need a show-off appetizer for company or a dreamy snack just for you, Baked Feta with Roasted Tomatoes & Herbs checks every box. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to share, but also fiercely guard that last scoop for yourself!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Baked Feta with Roasted Tomatoes & Herbs is in its simplicity—just a handful of high-quality ingredients, each one making its mark. Choose the best you can find, and you won’t believe the flavor that emerges from such easy prep.
- Feta cheese (8 oz block): Opt for a good-quality block of feta; it’s creamier and melts more lusciously than its pre-crumbled counterpart.
- Olive oil (3 tbsp, divided): Your best fruity olive oil will enhance both the feta and the roasted tomatoes, so don’t be shy.
- Dried oregano or thyme (1 tsp): These classic Mediterranean herbs highlight the rustic, savory notes of the whole dish.
- Black pepper (½ tsp, divided): Just a sprinkle wakes up all the flavors and balances the richness.
- Cherry or grape tomatoes (1 pint, halved): Sweet, bursting tomatoes add vibrant color and natural acidity that brightens every bite.
- Sea salt (½ tsp): Tomatoes love salt, so don’t skip this step for their full flavor potential.
- Balsamic vinegar (1 tsp, optional): Adds a luxurious sweet-tangy note if you want to elevate the tomatoes even more.
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish): A generous handful of vibrant herbs finishes everything with fresh, aromatic flair.
- Crusty bread or crackers (for serving): Consider these your vehicles for scooping up all that irresistible cheesy, tomatoey goodness.
How to Make Baked Feta with Roasted Tomatoes & Herbs
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by cranking your oven up to 400°F (200°C). This is the ideal temperature to soften the feta to creamy bliss while coaxing the tomatoes into their sweetest, most concentrated selves. Giving your oven enough time to get hot ensures everything bakes quickly and evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Tomatoes
Grab your ripe cherry or grape tomatoes and slice them in half. In a mixing bowl, toss them with olive oil, a sprinkle of sea salt and black pepper, and the optional splash of balsamic vinegar—that extra touch adds beautiful depth. Once everything is glossy and fragrant, spread the tomatoes out in a single layer on a baking sheet, cut-side up to maximize their caramelization.
Step 3: Prep and Season the Feta
Place the block of feta in a snug, oven-safe dish—something that will catch any delicious olive oil bubbling around the cheese. Drizzle olive oil over the top and dust generously with dried oregano or thyme and black pepper. At this point, your kitchen will already smell amazing, and you’re barely getting started!
Step 4: Bake Everything to Perfection
Place the dish with the feta and the tray of tomatoes in the hot oven, side by side if you have room. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes. The tomatoes should look soft, wrinkly, and bursting with sweet juices, while the feta will be golden at the edges and surprisingly creamy, holding its shape but soft enough to scoop. If it isn’t quite there, give it another couple of minutes—don’t worry, the payoff is worth it!
Step 5: Assemble and Garnish Your Baked Feta with Roasted Tomatoes & Herbs
If you baked the feta separately, gently transfer it to a pretty serving dish and spoon the roasted tomatoes all around it. Shower the whole dish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for that “I just made this for you” look and a hit of herbal brightness. The colors are absolutely stunning and signal the feast to come.
How to Serve Baked Feta with Roasted Tomatoes & Herbs
Garnishes
A scatter of fresh basil or parsley isn’t just for looks—it gives every bite a fresh, aromatic lift and plays beautifully off the warm, salty feta. A final drizzle of robust olive oil or even a touch more balsamic is pure magic here too. Don’t be afraid to experiment with herbs; any fresh green on hand will do the trick.
Side Dishes
This dish is a natural partner to slices of toasted sourdough, airy pita, or your favorite rustic crackers. For a heartier spread, it rounds out beautifully alongside olives, thinly sliced cured meats, or a crisp green salad. Sometimes I even pile it right onto cooked pasta or rice for an outrageously easy dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting, serve Baked Feta with Roasted Tomatoes & Herbs straight from the oven in a gorgeous baking dish. For a more personalized touch, spoon the feta and tomatoes onto crostini as a passed appetizer or pile onto a board with fresh veggies. You can even top grilled chicken or salmon with leftovers for a next-day gourmet lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happened to have any leftovers (which is always a big “if”), transfer the cooled feta and tomatoes to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, Baked Feta with Roasted Tomatoes & Herbs keeps beautifully for up to three days. You’ll be so glad you saved some—those flavors only get deeper overnight!
Freezing
While feta itself holds up fine in the freezer, the tomatoes can turn a bit mushy after thawing, so it’s not ideal for freezing the assembled dish. If you must, freeze the feta and tomatoes separately and combine after reheating, though for the very best texture, fresh is best.
Reheating
To bring your leftovers back to life, place the cold feta and tomatoes in an oven-safe dish, drizzle with a touch of olive oil, and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes. You can also microwave in short bursts, but oven heating helps retain the crave-worthy texture of both the cheese and tomatoes.
FAQs
Can I use crumbled feta instead of a block?
While crumbled feta will work in a pinch, a whole block of feta keeps its structure and gets delightfully creamy in the oven. The presentation is much more impressive, too! Aim for a block if you can find one.
What herbs work best if I don’t have oregano or thyme?
Baked Feta with Roasted Tomatoes & Herbs shines with oregano or thyme, but rosemary, marjoram, or even herbes de Provence all pair wonderfully. Fresh or dried, use what you have and love the most.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The Baked Feta with Roasted Tomatoes & Herbs itself is completely gluten-free. If you serve it with gluten-free bread or crackers, it’s a perfect starter or snack for anyone avoiding gluten in their diet.
Can I make this dish ahead for a party?
You can roast the tomatoes and bake the feta up to a day in advance. Just assemble, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, gently reheat as directed, then garnish with fresh herbs right before guests arrive.
What’s the best way to transport this dish?
Prepare Baked Feta with Roasted Tomatoes & Herbs in a sturdy, oven-safe dish with a lid. After baking, keep it covered for transport and reheat gently before serving to keep everything warm, gooey, and irresistible.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Feta with Roasted Tomatoes & Herbs truly is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something memorable. Once you dig in with a chunk of warm bread, you’ll see why it’s adored by anyone who tries it. Give it a go, and let it become your new favorite—your friends and family will thank you, I promise!
