Baked Feta with Cherry Tomatoes
A block of feta cheese nestled among juicy cherry tomatoes, baked until the cheese turns soft and creamy while the tomatoes burst into a sweet, tangy sauce. Drizzle with olive oil, scatter fresh basil, and serve with crusty bread for an effortless appetizer or light meal.
For 4 servings
- prep
Preheat the oven and prep the tomatoes.
1.Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).2.Place the cherry tomatoes in the baking dish. Add sliced garlic and toss everything with 2 tablespoons olive oil, oregano, chili flakes, black pepper, and salt. - assemble
Nestle the feta among the tomatoes.
1.Make a well in the center of the tomatoes.2.Place the block of feta cheese in the well.3.Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over the feta. - bake · ~30 min
Bake until the tomatoes burst and feta softens.
Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, until the cherry tomatoes have blistered and burst open, releasing their juices, and the feta is soft and lightly golden on top.
TIPSwitch to broil for the last 2-3 minutes for a deeper golden top if your baking dish is broiler-safe. - serve
Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.
Remove from the oven. Scatter fresh basil leaves over the baked feta and tomatoes. Serve immediately while warm, directly from the baking dish with crusty bread or pita for scooping.
TIPGive everything a gentle stir at the table to mix the melted feta with the tomato juices.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use a block of feta that is not brine-cured for best melting texture.
- 2Arrange tomatoes snugly so they steam and burst evenly during baking.
- 3For extra flavor, toss tomatoes with a pinch of sugar to balance acidity.
- 4Let the dish rest 2 minutes after baking so the feta sets slightly for scooping.
- 5Serve straight from the baking dish to keep the feta warm and creamy.
- 6Broil the last 2 minutes only if your dish is oven-safe to avoid cracking.
Adapt it for your goals.
Herb swap
Replace oregano with dried thyme or rosemary for a different aromatic profile that still complements Mediterranean flavors.
Low oilLow-oil
Reduce olive oil to 2 tablespoons total—still enough to coat tomatoes and drizzle feta—for a lighter version without sacrificing moisture.
Add olivesAdd olives
Toss 1/4 cup pitted Kalamata olives with the tomatoes before baking for a briny, savory boost that pairs perfectly with feta.
Spicy kickSpicy kick
Increase red chili flakes to 1 teaspoon or add a sliced fresh chili to the tomatoes for extra heat that contrasts the creamy feta.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Calcium
Feta cheese provides a good source of calcium, which supports bone health, and the tomatoes contribute vitamin C for immune function.
Antioxidant Boost from Tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes are packed with lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that may help reduce inflammation and support heart health.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Extra-virgin olive oil delivers monounsaturated fats and polyphenols that can improve cholesterol levels and reduce oxidative stress.
Frequently asked questions
Crumbled feta will melt into a grainy sauce rather than staying creamy and scoopable, so a block is strongly recommended for the best texture.
