This baked feta with crostini is bursting with flavour. Crunchy bread topped with warm soft cheese, salty olives, sweet tomatoes and herbs, it’s easy to see why this holiday appetizer recipe is a favourite!

Baked Feta with Olives and Tomatoes in White Dish

Hello friends. Can you believe we’re pretty much covered in snow here already? Although it still looks like autumn in many parts of the country, our sudden weather change got me thinking about the upcoming holiday season. Did you know Christmas is a little less than two months away? I feel like time is flying by and it will be here before we know it!

I realize it may seem early to be talking about the holidays. However, this year has been challenging to say the least, and I know many of you are looking for inspiration to bring more joy into your lives. So, today, I’m joining a lovely group of blogger friends in sharing some of our favourite holiday ideas, starting with appetizer recipes. How does baked feta with crostini sound to you?

Crostini with Baked Feta, Tomatoes and Olives on a Grey Plate

Bread and Cheese Appetizer

Anything with bread and cheese always gets my attention. I usually try to stay away from both, but occasionally enjoy a gluten-free version with a small bit of cheese. As with most indulgent appetizers, moderation is key. Although, I’d have to say I’m a little more lenient during the holidays. You?

I like how simple, yet tasty this feta appetizer recipe is. It requires very little prep, making it super quick to throw together. Don’t worry about exact measurements either. You really can’t mess up this rustic dish!

I prefer making my own crostini to serve with this baked cheese appetizer, but store-bought will work too. Or, substitute fresh baguette slices if you’re time-crunched. Get ready to soak up that deliciousness!

Baked Feta with Tomatoes and Olives in White Dish

Make it Look Festive

Doesn’t this feta cheese appetizer look festive? The traditional red and green are perfect for Christmas, as is the wreath shape. I suggest using round feta and a pie dish to recreate this look.

After I shot the photos, I was thinking I should’ve sprinkled the herbs over the feta in the shape of a tree or star. Next time! Other options are cutting the feta into a Christmas shape using a large cookie cutter or using smaller cookie cutters to create cutouts. Be creative!

Baked Feta with Cherry Tomatoes, Olives and Herbs in White Pie Dish

Just look at those salty olives combined with sweet bursting cherry tomatoes. Along with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic and fresh herbs for seasoning, they’re the perfect topping for crunchy or chewy bread.

And let’s not forget about the warm and soft cheese. Yes, good quality feta cheese can be heated, but doesn’t melt like most varieties of cheese. I like how it holds its bite while eating making it less messy.

Baked Feta with Tomatoes and Olives in White Dish With Crostini

Of course, this dish can be made year round. We already celebrated Thanksgiving in Canada, but I highly suggest adding it to the menu as a starter if yours is still to come.

Baked Feta with Tomatoes and Olives on Crostini

I think it’s safe to say it will be a huge hit. Each and every time I serve it I get an “OMG-this-is-scrumptious” reaction from our guests. Of course, recipes with olives and feta usually do. Enjoy!

Baked Feta with Cherry Tomatoes and Olives in White Dish

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How to Make Baked Feta with Crostini

Kitchen Supplies

pie or gratin dish
cutting board
bread and kitchen knives
lemon reamer
baking sheet and parchment paper
cheese knife, spoon and small plates (for serving)

The full list of ingredient measurements and instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Ingredients

baguette
extra virgin olive oil and butter
feta cheese
lemon juice
olives
cherry tomatoes
garlic, oregano and rosemary
crushed red pepper flakes and black pepper

Homemade Crostini and Baked Feta Instructions

To make crostini, start by preheating oven to 425°F. Slice baguette on angle into ½ inch ovals. Mix olive oil and butter, and lightly brush each side of bread. Place on lined baking sheet.

Bake for 5-6 minutes until lightly browned, turning over halfway through. Set aside to cool.

To make baked feta, set oven to 350°F. Place cheese in middle of pie dish. Add olive oil and lemon juice to outside edge, followed by garlic, olives and tomatoes. Lightly drizzle more olive oil over entire top. Sprinkle evenly with oregano, rosemary, red pepper flakes and cracked black pepper.

Bake for about 25 minutes, or until it’s hot and bubbly and tomatoes split open. As an option, broil 1-2 minutes to lightly brown top of cheese. Serve warm with crostini.

Feta Cheese Appetizer Recipe Tips

What kind of olives do I use? To make it quick and easy, I used pitted olives. Those with with pits tend to have more flavour, so go that way if you prefer. Any kind will work.
Will grape tomatoes work? I recommend cherry tomatoes, as they’re less meaty and much sweeter. But, they can be used.
Can I use dried herbs? Reduce amount to about ¼ tsp. Fresh is best!
Can I make it spicy? Of course! Simply add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the liquid.
For gluten-free version, serve with gluten-free crostini or sliced baguette.

More Bread Appetizer Recipes

Be sure to pin this baked feta cheese appetizer for later!