Baked Feta with Green Olives and Figs

This Baked Feta with Green Olives and Figs recipe is the perfect end-of-summer, welcome-to-fall appetizer. With only 5 minutes of prep time and a one-pan bake, this easy-to-prepare appetizer can be ready in less than 25 minutes!

Jump to:

• Ingredients for Baked Feta with Green Olives and Figs
• Choosing the Ideal Feta Cheese for Baked Feta
• Choosing the Perfect Olives for This Baked Feta Appetizer
• Choosing the Perfect Figs for this Baked Feta Appetizer
• How to Make Baked Feta with Green Olives and Figs
• What to Pair This Baked Feta Appetizer With
• Essential Tools for Making Baked Feta Cheese with Green Olives and Figs
• Looking for More Easy Appetizer Recipes?
• Baked Feta with Green Olives and Figs

Ingredients for Baked Feta with Green Olives and Figs

To create this mouthwatering quick and easy appetizer, you'll need the following high-quality ingredients:

• Feta Cheese: Opt for Greek block feta in brine, known for its creamy texture and tangy flavor, which perfectly complements the sweetness of the figs.
• Figs: Select ripe Black Mission figs, prized for their luscious and sweet, honey-like taste and tender texture when baked. You can also use Brown Turkey figs if you cannot find Black Mission figs.
• Green Olives: Use Castelvetrano olives, renowned for their mild, buttery taste and vibrant green hue, providing a delightful contrast to the other flavors. If you cannot find Castelvetrano olives, you can also use Cerignola olives or Manzanilla olives.
• Olive Oil: A drizzle of high-quality extra-virgin olive oil enhances the richness of this dish.
• Lemon Zest: Fresh lemon zest adds a zesty, citrusy note that brightens the overall flavor profile. I love to use a citrus peeler like this one for long thin lemon ribbons, but you are welcome to use a citrus zester instead.
• Tarragon: While fresh tarragon is ideal for its aromatic qualities, dried tarragon can also be used to create a lovely herbaceous flavor.
• Cracked Black Pepper: A dash of cracked black pepper adds a subtle, peppery kick, to this creamy appetizer.

Choosing the Ideal Feta Cheese for Baked Feta

Selecting the right feta cheese can significantly impact the outcome of this Mediterranean-inspired baked feta appetizer. Here are some tips to help you make the best choice:

• Greek Block Feta in Brine: For the ultimate creamy texture and authentic Mediterranean flavor, opt for Greek block feta immersed in brine. The saltwater brine not only preserves the feta's freshness but also extends its shelf life, making it a perfect choice if you plan to prepare this dish a few days in advance.
• Vacuum-Packed Blocks: In the absence of Greek block feta in brine, vacuum-packed feta blocks are a viable alternative. While they may be slightly less creamy than their brined counterparts, they still yield delicious results.
• Avoid Pre-Crumbled Feta: Whenever possible, steer clear of pre-crumbled feta for this recipe. Pre-crumbled feta tends to be drier and less flavorful than block feta, which can affect the overall taste and texture of your dish.

Choosing the Perfect Olives for This Baked Feta Appetizer

Selecting the right olives is crucial to achieving the ideal flavor balance in this olive and feta appetizer. Here are my favorite options:

• Castelvetrano Olives: My top choice for this recipe is the vibrant green Castelvetrano olive. These olives are firm enough to withstand the oven's heat and impart a mild, sweet, and buttery flavor that compliments the rich flavors of the feta and figs. While I usually opt for pre-pitted Castelvetrano olives to simplify preparation, purists may prefer to buy them with pits intact and pit them yourself for the fullest flavor experience.
• Cerignola Olives: If Castelvetrano olives are unavailable, Cerignola olives are a worthy substitute. They share the firm and buttery characteristics that work well in this recipe.
• Manzanilla Olives: In a pinch, Manzanilla olives, often stuffed with red pepper, can also be used. These briny olives are readily found in most grocery stores. Keep in mind that they are brinier and slightly bitter compared to Castelvetrano olives, but they will still contribute delicious flavors to your dish.

Choosing the Perfect Figs for this Baked Feta Appetizer

Selecting the right figs is pivotal for creating the perfect sweet and savory fig appetizer. Here's some guidance to help you make the ideal choice:

• Timing Matters: Figs have two short seasons, one in early summer and another in late summer/early fall. The latter is particularly well-suited for this recipe. During this time, figs tend to be at their sweetest, enhancing the overall flavor profile when baked with creamy feta and mild and briny green olives.
• Black Mission Figs: My preferred choice for this baked feta recipe is the exquisite Black Mission fig. These figs are renowned for their supremely sweet and syrupy flavor, which beautifully complements the salty creaminess of the feta and the mild butteriness of the olives. Recognizable by their dark purple skins and vibrant pink flesh, Black Mission figs are typically petite, making them ideal for halving and adding bite-sized bursts of sweetness to your dish.
• Brown Turkey Figs: If you can't find Black Mission figs, Brown Turkey figs are a common alternative. They have multi-colored brown, purple, and green skins with slightly paler pink flesh. Keep in mind that Brown Turkey figs are generally less sweet than Black Mission figs and larger in size. If using Brown Turkey figs, consider quartering them and adding a drizzle of honey to complement their flavor in the recipe.

How to Make Baked Feta with Green Olives and Figs

This quick and easy baked feta recipe is super simple to prepare. With just 5 minutes of prep time, this Mediterranean-inspire appetizer can be ready in 25 minutes or less:

1. Preheat and Prep:
   Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius). Place a block of feta in a medium broil-safe baking dish, surrounding it with olives and figs.
2. Season and Drizzle:
   Drizzle the feta and ingredients generously with olive oil. Sprinkle lemon zest, tarragon, and cracked black pepper evenly.
3. Bake and Broil:
   Bake on the middle rack for 15 minutes, then transfer to the top rack and broil on high for an extra 5 minutes. The feta should be soft and the figs lightly caramelized.
4. Serve Warm:
   Carefully remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve the Baked Feta with Green Olives and Figs warm with crackers, bread, or other delicious pairings (see more below).

What to Pair This Baked Feta Appetizer With

Enhance your Baked Feta with Green Olives and Figs by serving it alongside complementary dishes and accompaniments. Here are some delightful pairings to consider serving alongside this easy entertaining appetizer:

• Crackers: Start with a selection of crackers to provide the perfect canvas for enjoying the creamy feta, olives, and figs. Croccantini crackers, with their delicate texture and subtle flavor, are an excellent choice. You can also explore other options like whole wheat crackers, artisanal crisps, or gluten-free crackers to cater to various dietary preferences.
• Freshly Baked Bread: A warm baguette or crusty artisan bread is an excellent choice. Its soft interior and crisp crust are perfect for scooping up the creamy feta, olives, and figs.
• Mixed Greens Salad: Balance the richness of the baked feta with a light salad. A mix of fresh greens, such as arugula or baby spinach, drizzled with a balsamic vinaigrette, adds a refreshing contrast.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or asparagus, make a colorful and flavorful side dish that complements the savory-sweet flavors of the baked feta.
• Mediterranean Mezze Platter: Create an impressive spread by adding hummus, tzatziki, stuffed grape leaves, and pita bread to your table. This Mediterranean-inspired mezze platter pairs wonderfully with the baked feta.
• Couscous or Quinoa: Serve a fluffy side of couscous or quinoa for a hearty and nutritious accompaniment.
• Honey Drizzle: A drizzle of honey over the baked figs and feta can intensify the sweetness and create a delightful contrast with the salty olives.

Essential Tools for Making Baked Feta Cheese with Green Olives and Figs

• A medium baking dish
• A cutting board
• A chef's knife or paring knife
• A citrus peeler or zester
• Measuring spoons
• A kitchen scale

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Looking for More Easy Appetizer Recipes?

Love this Baked Feta with Green Olives and Figs appetizer recipe? Here are some more of my favorite easy appetizer recipes that everyone will love:

• Crispy Cauliflower with Romesco and Feta
• Olive Tapenade
• Artichoke Spinach Dip
• Bacon Ranch Deviled Eggs
• Roasted Pepper and Burrata Salad
• Roasted Radishes with Garlic Chive Yogurt

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