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**Step 3: Add the Olives**
Scatter your olives around the feta. You can use any variety of olives, but a mix of green and black olives adds both flavor and color to the dish. If your olives have pits, make sure to pit them beforehand or use pitted olives to save time.
**Step 4: Season the Feta**
Drizzle the **olive oil** over the feta cheese and olives. The olive oil will help the cheese melt and infuse the olives with flavor as it bakes. Sprinkle the **oregano** and **minced garlic** over the top, along with a pinch of **red pepper flakes** if you want a little heat.
**Step 5: Bake**
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about **20-25 minutes**, or until the feta is soft and golden around the edges. The feta should be slightly melted, and the olives will begin to warm through, releasing their delicious briny flavor.
**Step 6: Garnish and Serve**
Once the dish is out of the oven, you can garnish it with **fresh herbs** like basil, thyme, or rosemary, if desired. For an extra touch of brightness, you can also sprinkle some **lemon zest** over the top before serving.
Serve the **Baked Feta and Olives** with **crusty bread**, **pita wedges**, or **crackers** for dipping. The warm, creamy feta with the flavorful olives is a match made in heaven!
### Tips and Variations
– **Add Tomatoes**: For a Mediterranean twist, you can add cherry tomatoes to the dish before baking. The tomatoes will roast beautifully and complement the feta and olives perfectly.
– **Spice it Up**: If you love heat, try adding a few slices of **fresh chili pepper** or a teaspoon of **harissa** (North African chili paste) to the dish.
– **Sweet and Savory**: For a more complex flavor profile, drizzle a bit of **honey** over the feta before baking. The sweet honey balances the salty olives and feta for a delightful contrast.
– **Serve it as a Main**: While Baked Feta and Olives is a great appetizer, you can also serve it as a light main dish by adding a salad or pairing it with a side of roasted vegetables.
### Why This Appetizer Is Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, having friends over for a casual evening, or just want a tasty snack, **Baked Feta and Olives** is an ideal choice. It’s a dish that’s simple enough to make on a whim but impressive enough to serve at a gathering. The rich, creamy feta paired with the briny olives and aromatic seasonings creates a savory bite that’s hard to resist.
It’s also incredibly versatile. You can serve it as a **starter** for a Mediterranean-inspired meal, pair it with a glass of **wine** (a crisp white wine or a light red would complement it beautifully), or enjoy it as a snack with some bread for dipping.
### Final Thoughts
If you haven’t tried **Baked Feta and Olives** yet, now’s the time to give it a go. This dish is packed with flavors, requires minimal effort, and can be made in under 30 minutes. Perfect for any occasion, this appetizer will quickly become a crowd favorite, and you’ll be amazed at how such a simple combination of ingredients can create something so delicious.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and enjoy a little Mediterranean magic in your kitchen with this irresistible appetizer. Happy baking!
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