Baked Feta & Olive Dip

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This baked feta and olive dip hits all the marks: creamy, rich and a perfect complement to bread, crackers or crudités. The tomatoes burst as they roast and release their juices, which combine with the softened feta, cream cheese and briny mixed olives. Red pepper flakes add a little heat, but feel free to leave them out if you prefer a milder dip.

a recipe photo of the Baked Feta & Olive Dip
Credit:

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser

Active Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
35 mins
Servings:
16
  • This tangy feta and cream cheese dip is assembled and baked in one dish to cut down on cleanup.
  • Juicy cherry tomatoes and red peppers add a burst of healthy vitamins and antioxidants.
  • Use dried herbs sparingly; they’re more potent than fresh and add concentrated flavor.

Nutrition Notes

Are Tomatoes Good for You?

Tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C and a good source of vitamin K and potassium. They’re also loaded with several different types of antioxidants that support heart, skin and eye health.

Is Feta Healthy?

While not one of the healthiest types of cheese—partly due to its sodium content—feta can still be enjoyed in moderation. It offers several nutrients in small amounts and is a good source of vitamin B12. Because it is a more pungent cheese, you can use less of it to enjoy its flavor without getting too much sodium.

Tips from the Test Kitchen

Can I Use Dried Herbs Instead of Fresh?

Absolutely. Dried herbs are much stronger than fresh, so you will use much less. The rule of thumb is a 3-to-1 ratio of fresh to dry. What that means in this recipe is that for 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano, you would use 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano. For 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary, you’re looking at 1/3 teaspoon dried rosemary (roughly 1/4 teaspoon plus 1/8 teaspoon rosemary). We suggest carefully following the recipe; you can always gradually add more dried herbs to taste after assembling.

How Should I Store Leftovers?

If you have leftover Baked Feta and Olive Dip, refrigerate it in an airtight container. It should be good for about five days.

Additional reporting by Carrie Myers, M.S. and Linda Frahm

the ingredients to make the Baked Feta & Olive Dip

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser

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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 16 servings

  • 12 ounces cherry tomatoes

  • 1 1/2 cups chopped red bell pepper

  • 2/3 cup pitted mixed olives, coarsely chopped

  • 2 tablespoons thinly sliced garlic

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano

  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary

  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper

  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

  • 1 (8-ounce) block feta cheese, cut into 4 pieces

  • 4 ounces cream cheese, cut into 4 pieces

  • Crackers, bread, pita chips and/or crudités for serving

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 450°F. Combine tomatoes, bell pepper, olives, garlic, oregano, rosemary and crushed red pepper in a 2-quart ceramic baking dish. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon oil; toss to coat.

    a photo of the olive oil being poured over the vegetables and seasonings

    Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser

  2. Roast until the mixture is sizzling and the tomatoes are beginning to burst, 15 to 20 minutes. Nestle feta and cream cheese pieces into the mixture; drizzle the cheese pieces with 1 tablespoon oil.

    a photo of the olive oil being poured over the vegetables, seasonings, and cheese

    Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser

  3. Roast until the tomatoes burst and the cheeses are soft, 10 to 15 minutes. Stir the mixture until creamy, about 1 minute. Drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon oil. Serve with crackers, bread, pita chips and/or crudités, as desired.

    a photo of the cooked ingredients mixed together

    Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What Can I Make with Leftover Cream Cheese?

    There are many ways to use up cream cheese. In addition to the obvious ways—like topping bagels and toast and using it as a spread for sandwiches—it’s delicious added to scrambled eggs, omelets and mashed potatoes. You can add it to oatmeal or enjoy it on top of a sweet potato. Plus, you can stuff chicken breasts with it and use it in mac and cheese.

EatingWell.com, April 2024

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

100 Calories
9g Fat
3g Carbs
3g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 16
Serving Size 3 Tbsp.
Calories 100
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 3g 1%
Dietary Fiber 1g 3%
Total Sugars 2g
Added Sugars 0g 0%
Protein 3g 6%
Total Fat 9g 11%
Saturated Fat 4g 20%
Cholesterol 20mg 7%
Vitamin A 69µg
Vitamin C 18mg 20%
Vitamin D 0µg
Vitamin E 1mg 6%
Folate 14µg
Vitamin K 4µg
Sodium 196mg 9%
Calcium 87mg 7%
Iron 0mg 2%
Magnesium 8mg 2%
Potassium 99mg 2%
Zinc 1mg 5%
Vitamin B12 0µg
Omega 3 0g

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.