Description
Albanian Baked Feta is a simple and flavorful appetizer featuring a block of feta cheese baked with fresh tomatoes, bell peppers, garlic, and olive oil. This warm, slightly caramelized dish is perfect as a starter or part of a mezze spread, offering a delightful combination of creamy, tangy cheese and roasted vegetables, enhanced by herbs and spices.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 block feta cheese (about 7 oz)
- 1 medium tomato, sliced
- 1 small red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small green chili or banana pepper, sliced (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the feta and vegetables evenly.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Place the block of feta cheese in the center of a small baking dish or oven-safe skillet to allow even heat circulation.
- Arrange Vegetables: Arrange the sliced tomato, red bell pepper, and green chili (if using) around and slightly over the cheese to infuse their flavors during baking.
- Add Garlic and Seasoning: Sprinkle the minced garlic evenly over the top of the cheese and vegetables. Drizzle everything with olive oil and season with dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and freshly ground black pepper.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with foil to retain moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, allowing the cheese to soften and flavors to meld.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 5 to 7 minutes until the cheese is soft and the vegetables are slightly caramelized, enhancing their sweetness.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm with crusty bread or pita for a delicious appetizer or mezze dish.
Notes
- Use a clay baking dish for a more traditional Albanian flavor and even heat distribution.
- Feel free to add sliced onions or olives for added depth and variety.
- Serve as an appetizer or incorporate it into a mezze platter with other small dishes.
