Ingredients
Cheese
- 8 oz Greek block feta cheese in brine, brine discarded
Fruits and Olives
- 6 oz (1 cup) Black Mission figs, stemmed and halved
- 5 oz pitted Castelvetrano olives
Other Ingredients
- 50 g (4 tbsp) olive oil
- Zest/peel of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp fresh tarragon
- Cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) to prepare for baking the feta and accompanying ingredients.
- Arrange Ingredients: Place the drained block of feta cheese in a medium broil-safe baking dish. Arrange the pitted Castelvetrano olives and halved Black Mission figs evenly around the feta.
- Season: Drizzle the olive oil over the feta, olives, and figs. Sprinkle the lemon zest, fresh tarragon, and cracked black pepper over the top for bright flavor and aroma.
- Bake and Broil: Bake the dish on the middle rack of the oven for 15 minutes. Then move it to the top rack and broil on high for 2 to 5 minutes until the feta softens and the figs are lightly caramelized.
- Serve: Carefully remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve the warm baked feta with crackers or bread as a savory appetizer.
Notes
- Discard the brine from the feta to prevent the dish from becoming too salty.
- Use a broil-safe baking dish to avoid damage or unsafe cooking conditions.
- Adjust broiling time based on your oven’s heat intensity to avoid burning the figs or feta.
- This dish is best served warm for optimal texture and flavor.
- Pair with crusty bread or assorted crackers for a delightful appetizer experience.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
