Andy Montoya
Baked feta cheese and tomatoes is a delicious dish that can be served as an appetizer or a main course. The recipe involves baking feta cheese with tomatoes, olive oil, and various herbs and spices. The baking time for this dish can range from 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the desired level of doneness and the specific recipe followed. The feta cheese and tomatoes can be served as is or paired with bread, pasta, or other sides.
Explore related products
![Order Wholesale Feta & Sun Dried Tomato in a Phyllo Log for Party - Gourmet Frozen Vegetarian Appetizers [Set of 3 Trays]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/413t5L99D0L._AC_UL320_.jpg)
What You'll Learn
How to make baked feta and tomatoes
This is a simple recipe that combines sweet and salty flavours to make a delicious summer appetizer. It can be served with crusty bread, pita chips, or crackers.
Ingredients:
- Feta cheese (a block of feta cheese will give a more melty consistency)
- Cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes (cherry tomatoes are tangier and less sweet)
- Olive oil (extra virgin olive oil is recommended)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic
- Basil
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Shallots (optional)
- Thyme (optional)
- Oregano (optional)
- Kalamata olives (optional)
- Red onion (optional)
- Honey (optional)
Utensils:
- Baking dish
- Stove
- Oven
Method:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Place the cherry tomatoes in an oven-safe baking dish. Pour olive oil on top and season with salt and pepper. Toss until well combined.
- Place the block of feta cheese in the centre of the baking dish, surrounded by the tomatoes. Flip the feta a couple of times to coat it with olive oil and seasoning, or drizzle a little more olive oil and add some cracked black pepper.
- Bake in the oven for 20-45 minutes, until the tomatoes burst and the feta is soft and creamy. If you want more colour, place under the grill/broiler for the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Remove from the oven and add some fresh garlic and basil. Toss to combine.
- Serve with crusty bread, pita chips, or crackers.
Tips:
- For a fuller, more flavourful sauce, use two pints of tomatoes instead of one.
- If you want to make this into a pasta dish, cook the pasta separately and add it to the baked feta and tomatoes, stirring to combine.
Baking Cheesy Potato Bacon: The Perfect Comfort Food
You may want to see also
What to serve with baked feta and tomatoes
Baked feta and tomatoes is a delicious dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas on what to serve with it:
As an Appetizer
Baked feta and tomatoes can be served as a delicious and flavorful appetizer. Simply bake the feta and tomatoes until they are soft and melty, and serve them with some good bread for dipping. This can be served as a tasty starter for your meal.
With Pasta
One popular way to serve baked feta and tomatoes is by tossing it with pasta. The feta and tomatoes create a salty and cheesy sauce that coats the pasta. You can use any type of pasta you like, such as penne, spaghetti, or bow-tie. This dish is best served straight out of the oven, but you can also save leftovers for later.
With Chicken
If you're looking for a heartier meal, you can serve baked feta and tomatoes with chicken. It pairs well with chicken souvlaki, and the dip can be a substitute for tzatziki. You can also serve it with grilled Greek chicken for a delicious Mediterranean-inspired dish.
With Bread
Baked feta and tomatoes go well with different types of bread. Warm focaccia is a great option to dip into the melted feta and tomatoes. You can also serve it with warm slices of bread, such as sourdough or focaccia, on the side.
With Salads and Vegetables
For a lighter option, you can serve baked feta and tomatoes with a salad or roasted vegetables. It can be a tasty addition to a grilled vegetable dish or a fresh summer salad.
With Rice
Baked feta and tomatoes can also be served with rice. Jasmine rice, in particular, pairs well with the dish and can be a nice alternative to pasta.
Feel free to experiment with different combinations and add your favorite ingredients to create a unique and tasty dish!
Ricotta Cheese: How Long Does it Last in Fridge?
You may want to see also
How long to bake feta and tomatoes
Baking feta and tomatoes is a simple and delicious dish that can be served as an appetizer or a meal. The process is straightforward, but there are a few key steps to ensure the best results. Here is a detailed guide on how long to bake feta and tomatoes:
Ingredients and Preparation:
Before baking, gather your ingredients, which typically include feta cheese, tomatoes (cherry or grape tomatoes are recommended), olive oil, and various seasonings such as garlic, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. You can also add other ingredients like shallots, red onion, or chilli for extra flavour.
Once you have your ingredients, start by preheating your oven to 400°F. While the oven is heating up, prepare your baking dish by combining the tomatoes, olive oil, and desired seasonings in the dish. You can also add other ingredients like shallots, garlic, or chilli to this mixture. Toss everything together to ensure an even coating.
Baking Time and Temperature:
Now it's time to add the feta cheese. Place the feta block in the centre of the baking dish, surrounded by the tomato mixture. Drizzle the feta with a small amount of olive oil and add any desired seasonings or herbs on top.
The baking time will vary depending on your preferences and the specific recipe you are following. For a simpler dish without pasta, bake for around 20 minutes at 400°F. If you want to add colour to the dish, you can briefly place it under the broiler after baking.
If you're making the popular baked feta pasta dish, the baking time will be longer. Bake the feta and tomatoes for 35 to 45 minutes at 400°F until the tomatoes burst and the feta becomes soft and creamy. Keep in mind that feta cheese doesn't melt like other cheeses, so don't expect it to become gooey.
Serving Suggestions:
Once your feta and tomatoes are baked to perfection, it's time to serve them. This dish is often served as an appetizer with crusty bread, pita chips, or crackers on the side. You can also serve it as a meal by adding cooked pasta to the baking dish and tossing everything together.
For an extra touch of flavour, you can garnish the dish with fresh herbs like basil before serving. If you're serving the baked feta and tomatoes with pasta, don't forget to reserve some of the pasta cooking water to add to the dish if you need more sauce.
Tips and Variations:
When choosing feta cheese, opt for a block of Greek feta made from sheep's milk if possible. This type of feta has a unique flavour and a softer texture. If you can't find Greek feta, look for feta made with sheep's milk instead of cow's milk.
You can also experiment with different types of tomatoes. While cherry or grape tomatoes are commonly used, larger tomatoes or even canned diced tomatoes can be used. However, keep in mind that different types of tomatoes may affect the flavour and cooking time.
Feel free to customise the dish by adding other ingredients like kalamata olives, chilli peppers, or lemon zest. You can also try mixing the baked feta and tomatoes with cooked spaghetti squash or serving it with grilled chicken for a heartier meal.
Goat Cheese: How Long Does It Last?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
What type of feta to use
Feta cheese is a Greek delicacy that is made from sheep's milk, with occasional additions of goat's milk. It has a salty and tangy flavour and a creamy texture when baked. When cooking feta cheese with tomatoes, it is important to use a block of feta cheese for the best results. This is because the block is less processed and will give a more melty and consistent texture when baked.
There are many types of feta cheese available, but for baking, it is best to use a good-quality Greek feta. Greek feta is the most traditional and authentic variety, and it pairs well with the other ingredients in the dish. It can be found in most supermarkets and specialty stores.
When selecting feta cheese, look for a nice thick slab that will form the centerpiece of the dish. It should be well-drained and handled gently to keep its shape intact. A good-quality feta will have a strong, tangy flavour and a slightly crumbly texture.
If you are unable to find Greek feta, there are some acceptable alternatives. French feta, for example, tends to be creamier and less salty, which can be a good option for those who prefer a milder flavour. Danish feta is another option, which is typically made from cow's milk and has a milder flavour and softer texture. Bulgarian feta is also an option, which tends to be saltier and more pungent in flavour.
However, it is important to note that while other countries produce similar types of cheese, only Greek cheeses can be labelled as feta. This is something to keep in mind when shopping for feta cheese to ensure you are getting an authentic product.
In terms of brands, Maplebrook Farm feta is a popular choice and can be found in some local markets.
When preparing the feta for baking, it is recommended to drizzle it with olive oil and season it with pepper to taste. This will enhance the flavour and help the feta develop a nice golden colour when baked.
By using a good-quality feta and preparing it properly, you will ensure that your baked feta and tomato dish turns out delicious and enjoyable for you and your family.
Violife Cheese: How Long Does It Last?
You may want to see also
What type of tomatoes to use
When it comes to choosing tomatoes for your baked feta dish, there are a few options to consider. Cherry tomatoes are a popular choice, as their small size means optimal flavour, and they present beautifully when they burst open in the oven. Grape tomatoes are also an option and will work well, although cherry tomatoes are preferred as they burst more readily and look stunning in the baking dish. If you are unable to find cherry or grape tomatoes, you can use regular whole tomatoes or even canned diced tomatoes, but the flavour won't be quite as good.
In the traditional Greek version of this dish, called Bouyiourdi, larger tomatoes are used. If you are making the viral TikTok version of baked feta pasta, however, cherry tomatoes are definitely the best choice, as their smaller size and higher ratio of pulp to juice make them ideal for creating a saucy pasta dish.
Blue Cheese Dressing: How Long Does It Really Last?
You may want to see also
