Healthy Recipes Appetizers Dips & Spreads Hot Dip Recipes Baked Feta & Olive Dip Is a Must-Have Appetizer 5.0 (2) 2 Reviews This baked feta and olive dip hits all the marks: creamy, rich and a perfect complement to bread, crackers or crudités. The tomatoes burst as they roast and release their juices, which combine with the softened feta, cream cheese and briny mixed olives. Red pepper flakes add a little heat, but feel free to leave them out if you prefer a milder dip. By Julia Levy Julia Levy Julia Levy has been working in recipe publishing for almost a decade, but testing recipes for as long as she's been able to wield a spoon. EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines Published on April 11, 2024 Tested by Amanda Stanfield Tested by Amanda Stanfield Amanda Stanfield is a Test Kitchen assistant in the Dotdash Meredith Food Studios. She completed her undergraduate degree in journalism and strategic communications at Hampton University. After graduation, Amanda worked in the nonprofit sector as a marketing associate for a global nonprofit organization. In 2018, she pivoted into the food industry and began training in fine-dining restaurants around Atlanta. Later she gained her culinary degree from Johnson & Wales University and went on to work in a variety of kitchens from boutique restaurants to conference hotels. As a true foodie, Amanda seeks out nutritious and unique flavors to inspire others to eat happily and healthfully. When she's not cooking up delicious recipes, you can find her lap swimming in the pool or watching a good sci-fi movie. Meet the EatingWell Test Kitchen Reviewed by Dietitian Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD Reviewed by Dietitian Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD Emily Lachtrupp is a registered dietitian experienced in nutritional counseling, recipe analysis and meal plans. She's worked with clients who struggle with diabetes, weight loss, digestive issues and more. In her spare time, you can find her enjoying all that Vermont has to offer with her family and her dog, Winston. EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines Rate PRINT Share Trending Videos Close this video player Photo: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser Active Time: 10 mins Total Time: 35 mins Servings: 16 Nutrition Profile: Sesame-Free Nut-Free Soy-Free Vegetarian Egg-Free Gluten-Free Nutrition Notes Are Tomatoes Good for You? Tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C and a good source of vitamin K and potassium. They’re also loaded with several different types of antioxidants that support heart, skin and eye health. Is Feta Healthy? While not one of the healthiest types of cheese—partly due to its sodium content—feta can still be enjoyed in moderation. It offers several nutrients in small amounts and is a good source of vitamin B12. Because it is a more pungent cheese, you can use less of it to enjoy its flavor without getting too much sodium. Tips from the Test Kitchen Can I Use Dried Herbs Instead of Fresh? Absolutely. Dried herbs are much stronger than fresh, so you will use much less. The rule of thumb is a 3-to-1 ratio of fresh to dry. What that means in this recipe is that for 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano, you would use 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano. For 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary, you’re looking at 1/3 teaspoon dried rosemary (roughly 1/4 teaspoon plus 1/8 teaspoon rosemary). We suggest carefully following the recipe; you can always gradually add more dried herbs to taste after assembling. How Should I Store Leftovers? If you have leftover Baked Feta and Olive Dip, refrigerate it in an airtight container. It should be good for about five days. Additional reporting by Carrie Myers, M.S. and Linda Frahm Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser Ingredients 12 ounces cherry tomatoes 1 1/2 cups chopped red bell pepper 2/3 cup pitted mixed olives, coarsely chopped 2 tablespoons thinly sliced garlic 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided 1 (8-ounce) block feta cheese, cut into 4 pieces 4 ounces cream cheese, cut into 4 pieces Crackers, bread, pita chips and/or crudités for serving Directions Preheat oven to 450°F. Combine tomatoes, bell pepper, olives, garlic, oregano, rosemary and crushed red pepper in a 2-quart ceramic baking dish. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon oil; toss to coat. Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser Roast until the mixture is sizzling and the tomatoes are beginning to burst, 15 to 20 minutes. Nestle feta and cream cheese pieces into the mixture; drizzle the cheese pieces with 1 tablespoon oil. Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser Roast until the tomatoes burst and the cheeses are soft, 10 to 15 minutes. Stir the mixture until creamy, about 1 minute. Drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon oil. Serve with crackers, bread, pita chips and/or crudités, as desired. Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser Nutrition Information Serving Size: 3 TablespoonsCalories 107, Fat 9g, Saturated Fat 4g, Cholesterol 20mg, Carbohydrates 4g, Total Sugars 3g, Added Sugars 0g, Protein 3g, Fiber 1g, Sodium 240mg, Potassium 134mg Frequently Asked Questions What Can I Make with Leftover Cream Cheese? There are many ways to use up cream cheese. In addition to the obvious ways—like topping bagels and toast and using it as a spread for sandwiches—it’s delicious added to scrambled eggs, omelets and mashed potatoes. You can add it to oatmeal or enjoy it on top of a sweet potato. Plus, you can stuff chicken breasts with it and use it in mac and cheese. EatingWell.com, April 2024 Rate It Print