Dinner

Baked Feta, Tomatoes & Garlic with Herbed Focaccia Recipe

ByHarry Bern January 8, 2026January 8, 2026

Introduction

This baked feta with tomatoes and garlic is a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. Creamy feta cheese bakes alongside juicy cherry tomatoes, garlic, and aromatic herbs, creating a warm and inviting appetizer. Serve it with honey-drizzled focaccia for a delightful dipping experience.

The image shows a white oval baking dish filled with a large block of browned, soft cheese sitting on top of colorful roasted cherry tomatoes in red, yellow, and orange shades. The cheese has a slightly crispy, caramelized top with a few dark spots and flecks of herbs. Surrounding the dish are thick slices of golden, crispy focaccia bread sprinkled with chili flakes and herbs. A butter knife with an off-white handle rests on the baking dish, and a small glass bowl with honey and a honey dipper is placed in the top left corner, all set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pint cherry tomatoes
3-4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1 tbsp fresh oregano
2 tsp crushed red peppers, divided
1 pinch of salt
⅓ cup olive oil, plus more for drizzling
1 tsp herbes de Provence
Honey, to taste
1 block of feta cheese
1 focaccia loaf

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Carefully poke a small hole in each cherry tomato with the end of a knife to prevent them from bursting while hot.
Step 3: Place the tomatoes in a baking dish with the sliced garlic, fresh oregano, 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper, and a pinch of salt. Pour in ⅓ cup of olive oil and gently mix to combine.
Step 4: Place the block of feta cheese on top of the tomato mixture and drizzle with a little more olive oil.
Step 5: Bake for 45-50 minutes, basting the mixture a couple of times during baking to keep everything moist.
Step 6: While the feta bakes, prepare the focaccia. Place the focaccia on a parchment-lined baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil and honey. Sprinkle the remaining 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper and herbes de Provence evenly over the top.
Step 7: When the baked feta has about 15 minutes left, add the focaccia to the oven. Bake the focaccia for 10-15 minutes or until golden and crispy.
Step 8: Once done, drizzle the baked feta with a bit more olive oil and honey. Slice the focaccia and use it to scoop up the warm, flavorful baked feta and tomato mixture.

Tips & Variations

Use high-quality olive oil for the best flavor and richness.
Fresh herbs like thyme or basil can be substituted for oregano to change the flavor profile.
Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper to control the spice level according to your preference.
For a creamier texture, crumble the feta slightly before baking instead of using a whole block.

Storage

Store leftover baked feta and tomatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. The focaccia is best eaten fresh but can be stored wrapped at room temperature for 1-2 days and reheated before serving.

How to Serve

The image shows a baked dish in a white oval ceramic baking dish filled with a golden-brown cheese block in the center, slightly charred on top with melted spots, surrounded by roasted red and yellow cherry tomatoes in a shiny, oily sauce with some herbs. On the right side, a silver butter knife with a cream-colored handle rests on the edge of the baking dish, near slices of light beige bread with a soft texture. In the background, there is a small white bowl with chili flakes and a glass bowl with a wooden brush resting inside, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?

Regular tomatoes can be used but will require longer cooking time and should be cut into smaller pieces for even baking.

Is there a substitute for feta cheese in this recipe?

If you prefer, you can substitute feta with halloumi or goat cheese for a different texture and flavor, keeping in mind the cooking times may vary slightly.