Pin it
Picture the mouthwatering smell of baked tomatoes and softening feta filling your kitchen as you whip up this surprisingly simple yet impressive dish. Baked Feta with Cherry Tomatoes turns a few basic ingredients into something with amazing depth and taste. The plump tomatoes burst and brown, letting out their natural sweetness while the feta turns soft and creamy at the center, pulling everything together. This dish from the Mediterranean became an internet hit not because it's hard to make, but because the flavors and textures work so perfectly together.
I made this for some friends last weekend, and even my buddy who usually stays away from cheese couldn't help taking 'just a little bit'—which quickly turned into several scoops! The real magic happens when it's in the oven, where the heat changes these everyday ingredients into something truly amazing.
Key Ingredients and Smart Shopping Advice
- Feta Cheese: Go for real Greek or Bulgarian feta that comes in blocks stored in brine. This gives you a creamier cheese that melts better.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Pick ones that are ripe and firm with bright colors. Using different colored tomatoes makes the dish look prettier and taste better.
- Olive Oil: Don't skimp here—good extra virgin olive oil makes a big difference in flavor. It works wonderfully with the cheese and tomatoes.
- Fresh Basil: Brings a bright, herbal note that cuts through the richness of the cheese and oil.
Pin it
Simple Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
- Step 1:
- Get your oven hot at 400°F (200°C). Take all your stuff out so it can warm up to room temp before cooking.
- Step 2:
- Pour 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a 9-inch baking dish, making sure the bottom gets covered.
- Step 3:
- Throw in 2 pints of cherry tomatoes, 3-4 cut-up garlic cloves, and 1 thinly sliced shallot. Toss them with some salt, pepper, and about ¼-½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
- Step 4:
- Put an 8-ounce block of feta right in the middle of the tomatoes. Drizzle 2 more tablespoons of olive oil on top with a bit more pepper.
- Step 5:
- Cook for about 20 minutes until you see the tomatoes starting to pop and get juicy.
- Step 6:
- Turn your oven to broil and cook another 5 minutes until you see some dark spots on the tomatoes and the feta gets a nice golden color.
- Step 7:
- Take it out and sprinkle fresh basil all over.
- Step 8:
- Grab a fork and smoosh the feta a bit, mixing it with the soft tomatoes to make a chunky sauce.
- Step 9:
- Serve it while it's warm with some crusty bread, over pasta, or next to roasted veggies.
I first tried this at a friend's party where people were literally fighting over the last bits, using pieces of bread to wipe the dish clean. The host just smiled and told me she found it on social media but kept making it because it always got rave reviews. Since then, I've cooked it tons of times, and I'm always amazed at how something this easy can bring so much joy to the dinner table.
When I first made this for my family, my teenage kid who normally picks out 'anything green or red' couldn't fight off the amazing smell. He cautiously tried some bread dipped in the sauce and was totally won over. Now he keeps asking for 'that cheesy tomato stuff' all the time, which just goes to show that the simplest foods often have the widest appeal.
Pin it
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Which kind of feta should I buy?
- Sheep's milk feta, like Greek or Bulgarian varieties, melts creamily and has a tangy flavor. Block feta (not crumbled) works best, and Maplebrook Farm feta is a great pick if you find it.
- → Can this be made beforehand?
- You can prep it a day in advance and keep it in the fridge covered. Let it sit at room temperature before baking. Or, bake it fully, cool it, and reheat at 350°F for 10-15 minutes before serving.
- → What can I use if I don't have cherry tomatoes?
- Grape tomatoes, Roma tomatoes cut into pieces, or larger diced tomatoes work well too. Adjust the roasting time since bigger pieces may need longer to soften and caramelize.
- → What other herbs could I add?
- Fresh oregano, mint, or thyme are all great options. Basil adds a sweet contrast, but feel free to mix and match herbs for various twists.
- → What can I pair this with besides bread?
- It’s also great with sliced veggies like cucumbers, bell peppers, crackers, pita chips, or endive for a low-carb choice. Or, serve it warm on greens as a hearty salad.