Baked Feta Cheese Dip
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I’ve made a lot of dips over the years, but this baked feta cheese dip stands out as one of the most satisfying.
It’s warm, creamy, and incredibly rich, the kind of appetizer that makes you pause mid-bite and just nod. No frills, no shortcuts, just solid ingredients coming together in the best way for an appetizer recipe this year you can be proud to serve up.
Let’s get started!!!
Feta cheese completely transforms in the oven. It goes from its usual crumbly texture to a hot, whipped feta situation that’s melty, garlicky, and packed with Greek flavor.
This baked appetizer recipe works for everything from casual gatherings to fancier spreads. I’ve served it with crusty French bread abut also with just simple crackers and it always disappears quickly.
Ingredients
- Feta Cheese: I usually use a 16-ounce block, but 8 ounces also works, really depends on how much you need. Blocks melt more evenly than crumbles, though both are fine in a pinch.
- Grape Tomatoes: Two pints of fresh grape tomatoes give the dip its roasted, juicy base. Cherry tomatoes are a fine substitute.
- Minced Garlic
- Olive Oil
- Fresh Basil: Don’t sub dried here. Fresh basil is a must.
- Sea Salt and Cracked Black Pepper
You can serve this with just about anything that can scoop: French bread, melba toast, pita chips, bagel crisps, or even raw veggies like bell pepper strips.
How to Make Hot Whipped Feta Dip
Preheat your oven to 400°F. In a 2½-quart baking dish, place the feta block in the center and surround it with grape tomatoes.
Drizzle everything with olive oil, add the minced garlic, and sprinkle sea salt and black pepper over the top. Toss in a handful of sliced fresh basil.
Bake uncovered for about 30 minutes. The cheese will soften, and the tomatoes should start to split and release their juices.
If they haven’t burst on their own, give them a gentle press with the back of a spoon after baking.
Once bubbling, stir everything together until the cheese and tomatoes combine into a warm, whipped dip. It doesn’t need to be perfectly smooth, just creamy enough to scoop.
Sprinkle with a little more fresh basil before serving.
Can I Use Crumbled Feta Instead of a Block?
You can. While blocks melt into a smoother consistency, crumbled feta still works. The result might be a little chunkier, but the flavor is still satisfying.
What to Do with Leftovers
This dip is filling, so you might have some left.
Stir leftovers into warm cooked pasta. I’ve used bowties and rotini, and both work great. It melts into a creamy tangy baked feta pasta dinner recipe.
You can also toss it with zucchini noodles for something lighter, or top it with rotisserie chicken for a quick, hearty dinner that feels more effortful than it is. Once you try and make this feta and tomato combo, it can be eaten SO many ways!
More Greek Feta Cheese Recipes to Try
If you’re on a feta kick, don’t stop here:
- Olive Feta Dip – Creamy, salty, and briny, this one’s whipped with kalamata olives and pairs beautifully with crusty bread or crisp crackers.
- Whipped Feta and Honey Dip – A sweet-savory combo with warm honey and crushed red pepper. This one’s addicting.
- Feta Cheese and Tomato Dip – Simple, clean flavors with roasted tomatoes and herbs.
Baked Feta Cheese Dip
Ingredients
Feta Cheese Dip Ingredients
- 16 oz. feta cheese block
- 2 pints grape tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- sea salt
- cracked black pepper
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil plus more for serving
Dipper Ideas
- melba toast
- bagel chips
- pita bread pieces
- French bread pieces
- sliced vegetables
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Add block of feta cheese and grape tomatoes to a 2-1/2 quart casserole dish.16 oz. feta cheese block, 2 pints grape tomatoes
- Drizzle top of cheese and tomatoes with minced garlic and olive oil. Season generously with salt and pepper. Top dish with 1/3 cup freshly sliced basil. Bake dip for 30 minutes.1 tablespoon minced garlic, 1/3 cup olive oil, sea salt, cracked black pepper, 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil
- Remove Feta Cheese Dip from oven and stir. Tomatoes should pop open, however, if they don't, give them a little poke with a knife or flatten with the back of the spoon. Mix all ingredients well.
- Sprinkle Feta Dip with more fresh basil before serving with melba toast, bagel chips, or pita bread pieces.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer: The nutritional data provided here is auto-calculated and intended for your convenience only. As it’s generated via automation, its accuracy may be compromised. For precise nutritional insight, please compute the values utilizing the actual ingredients in your recipe through your chosen nutrition calculator or application.
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I made this for family get together. It is so simple to make and delicious. I will be making again soon.