If you’re searching for a Mediterranean-inspired appetizer that delivers tang, creaminess, and a pop of fresh flavor in every bite, Broiled Feta with Garlicky Tomatoes & Capers is your answer. Picture a golden, just-warm block of feta, nestled among juicy, blistered cherry tomatoes, capers, and a sizzle of garlicky olive oil—ready for scooping onto crusty bread. With vibrant colors and enticing aromas, this recipe is a breeze to throw together yet feels so special, you’ll want to make it at every gathering (or whenever you crave something cozy and bright!).
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of pantry staples and a couple of fresh ingredients, you can create the sensational layers of taste, texture, and color that define Broiled Feta with Garlicky Tomatoes & Capers. Each ingredient plays a key role, so let’s spotlight what you’ll need and why you won’t want to skip a thing!
- Feta Cheese Block: For best results, seek out a creamy 8-ounce block—not crumbles—which will soften deliciously under the broiler.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Halved for maximum juiciness, these burst and caramelize under high heat, infusing the dish with sweetness and color.
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: A fruity drizzle that coats the tomatoes and feta, helping everything roast beautifully and forming a luscious sauce for dipping.
- Garlic Cloves: Minced garlic adds unmistakable warmth and depth, taking the tomatoes to a new level of savory.
- Capers: Briny, tangy bites that bring a bright contrast and a hit of salt, making the medley truly pop.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): For those who love a gentle heat, these flakes wake up the flavors without overpowering.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Adds a pleasant peppery kick to the dish and highlights the tomatoes and feta.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley or Basil: A sprinkle of fresh herbs brings color, aroma, and a sense of finish to every bite.
- Crusty Bread (for Serving): Essential for scooping and savoring all the creamy, juicy goodness, and mopping up every last drop.
How to Make Broiled Feta with Garlicky Tomatoes & Capers
Step 1: Prep Your Broiler and Dish
Start by preheating your broiler to high and arrange an oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source. This close distance ensures your feta becomes beautifully golden and your tomatoes blister quickly, developing deep flavor without overcooking everything else. Use a small ovenproof dish or a trusty cast-iron skillet, which holds heat and looks great for serving.
Step 2: Arrange the Feta
Nestle your block of feta cheese in the center of the dish. It’s important to use a block rather than crumbles here—block feta softens into a luscious, creamy centerpiece, whereas crumbled feta won’t melt or brown as nicely. This is the star of your Broiled Feta with Garlicky Tomatoes & Capers show!
Step 3: Make the Tomato Mixture
In a medium bowl, toss the halved cherry tomatoes with the extra-virgin olive oil, minced garlic, capers, red pepper flakes if you want a little fire, and freshly ground black pepper. This quick marinade gives the tomatoes a chance to soak up the oil and seasonings, amping up the flavor each bite will deliver.
Step 4: Assemble for Broiling
Spoon the tomato mixture around and over your feta block. The tomatoes should mostly line the dish, but don’t shy away from letting a few snuggle up against the cheese. As they cook, their juices will mingle with the olive oil, creating a delicious sauce that flavors the feta as well.
Step 5: Broil to Perfection
Slide the dish under the broiler and let it work its magic for about 5 to 7 minutes. Watch closely: you’re aiming for the feta to become soft and lightly golden on top, while the tomatoes collapse, blister, and release their sweet-tart liquid. The aroma at this moment makes it almost impossible to wait!
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Carefully remove your bubbling Broiled Feta with Garlicky Tomatoes & Capers from the oven. Shower it generously with chopped fresh parsley or basil to add freshness and a lovely burst of green. Serve immediately, preferably while everything is piping hot and the feta is gloriously creamy. Don’t forget plenty of warm crusty bread for scooping up the melty cheese and juicy tomatoes.
How to Serve Broiled Feta with Garlicky Tomatoes & Capers
Garnishes
Finish your Broiled Feta with Garlicky Tomatoes & Capers with a flourish of chopped parsley or basil for color and herby flavor. For extra flair, try a handful of torn mint or oregano, or even a few curls of lemon zest to brighten up the richness. And don’t underestimate a quick grind of black pepper right before serving for that final, fresh aroma.
Side Dishes
A generous basket of toasted baguette, pita, or ciabatta is a must for scooping, but this dish also pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or a platter of marinated olives. You can even serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a Mediterranean-style main course that wows everyone at the table.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Broiled Feta with Garlicky Tomatoes & Capers straight from the skillet for maximum rustic charm, or spoon portions onto individual plates along with a warm slice of bread. For a party, offer mini versions in ramekins or on crostini as passed appetizers. You can take it further with a swirl of balsamic glaze, a sprinkle of chopped olives, or a few toasted pine nuts for added crunch and flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, transfer the cooled feta and tomato mixture to an airtight container and keep in the fridge. The flavors deepen as they sit, making lunch or a quick snack the next day even more delicious.
Freezing
Broiled Feta with Garlicky Tomatoes & Capers is best enjoyed fresh, as the texture of tomatoes and feta can suffer in the freezer. However, if needed, you can freeze leftovers in a tightly sealed container for up to one month—just know the feta will become more crumbly and the tomatoes a bit softer once thawed.
Reheating
To reheat, place the mixture in an ovenproof dish and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 10 minutes. A quick run under the broiler for a minute or two will help restore some of the golden top and revive its irresistible aroma. Stir gently before serving to redistribute the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use feta crumbles instead of a block?
While crumbles will technically work, a feta block is the best choice because it will soften and brown beautifully under the broiler, turning creamy on the inside with just the right golden crust on top.
What other herbs go well besides parsley or basil?
Fresh mint, oregano, or dill are excellent alternatives. Each brings its own unique note: mint is cooling, oregano is robust, and dill adds a bright, slightly anise flavor—all fantastic in Broiled Feta with Garlicky Tomatoes & Capers.
Is this dish gluten-free?
The main recipe is naturally gluten-free; just be sure to serve with a gluten-free bread or skip the bread to keep the whole meal celiac-friendly.
Can I add olives or other toppings?
Absolutely! Sliced Kalamata or green olives are a delicious addition, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of lemon zest can offer even more complexity, making your Broiled Feta with Garlicky Tomatoes & Capers uniquely yours.
Can I make this in advance for a party?
You can prep the tomato mixture and feta in advance and store, covered, in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, broil just before guests arrive so everyone can enjoy the dish at its wonderfully melty best.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about the simplicity and wow-factor of Broiled Feta with Garlicky Tomatoes & Capers. It’s fast, unfussy, and full of the sun-drenched flavors that make Mediterranean cooking a joy. Give it a try—share it with friends, enjoy it as a snack, or let it steal the show at your next dinner party. Once you taste that melty feta, you might just want to make it again tomorrow!
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Broiled Feta with Garlicky Tomatoes & Capers Recipe
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
Indulge in the savory goodness of broiled feta with garlicky tomatoes and capers, a Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s bursting with flavor. Creamy feta cheese melds with juicy tomatoes, zesty garlic, and briny capers for a delightful appetizer that pairs perfectly with crusty bread.
Ingredients
Feta Cheese:
1 block (8 ounces)
Cherry Tomatoes:
2 cups, halved
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil:
2 tablespoons
Garlic Cloves:
2, minced
Capers:
2 tablespoons, drained
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes:
1/4 teaspoon (optional)
Freshly Ground Black Pepper:
1/4 teaspoon
Fresh Parsley or Basil:
2 tablespoons, chopped
Crusty Bread:
for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Broiler: Preheat the broiler to high and position a rack about 6 inches from the heat source.
- Prepare Feta: Place the block of feta in a small ovenproof dish or cast-iron skillet.
- Prepare Tomatoes: In a medium bowl, toss the cherry tomatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, capers, red pepper flakes, and black pepper.
- Assemble: Spoon the tomato mixture around and on top of the feta.
- Broil: Broil for 5 to 7 minutes until the feta is soft and golden, and the tomatoes are blistered.
- Finish: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh herbs, and serve hot with crusty bread.
Notes
- Enhance with olives or balsamic glaze for added flavor.
- Best served immediately while the feta is warm and creamy.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 1/4 block feta with tomatoes
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
