Dessert

Baked Feta Dip with Cherry Tomatoes and Pine Nuts Recipe

ByAiden Wells January 9, 2026January 9, 2026

Introduction

Baked Feta Dip is a warm, flavorful appetizer that combines creamy feta with roasted cherry tomatoes and a medley of herbs and spices. Perfect for sharing, it pairs beautifully with crusty bread for a simple yet impressive snack or party dish.

A white oval baking dish contains a dish with two main layers: a base of roasted cherry tomatoes that are soft and slightly charred, shiny with red and orange hues, and a thick square piece of grilled cheese on top, golden brown with dark sear marks and specks of black pepper. The cheese is garnished with chopped fresh green herbs scattered over it. Around the dish, there are triangles of toasted bread with a crisp, golden surface and porous inside, all set on a white plate with a thin black rim, resting on a white marbled surface. A silver spoon is partially out of the baking dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pint cherry tomatoes (poke a hole in each)
8 oz feta (one block)
4 garlic cloves (thinly sliced)
1/4 cup pine nuts
Parsley (to taste)
3 tbsp olive oil (plus extra to drizzle on feta)
1 lemon zest
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp crushed red peppers
Salt and pepper (to taste)
1 tbsp honey
Fresh parsley (to taste)
Crusty bread (for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F. In a baking dish, combine the cherry tomatoes, sliced garlic, pine nuts, honey, lemon zest, olive oil, salt, pepper, crushed red peppers, and oregano. Mix gently to combine.
Step 2: Place the block of feta cheese on top of the tomato mixture. Drizzle extra olive oil and sprinkle additional oregano over the feta.
Step 3: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the feta is golden and the tomatoes are bursting. Halfway through baking, baste the feta and tomatoes with the juices at the bottom of the dish to keep them moist.
Step 4: Remove from the oven and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dip. Top with fresh parsley to brighten the flavors.
Step 5: Serve warm with crusty bread for dipping and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For a nut-free version, omit the pine nuts or replace them with toasted breadcrumbs for added texture.
Add a handful of fresh spinach or kale under the feta before baking for extra greens.
Use a mix of cherry tomato colors for a more visually appealing dish.
If you like a milder spice, reduce or omit the crushed red peppers.

Storage

Store leftover baked feta dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or oven until warmed through. It’s best enjoyed fresh but can still be delicious when reheated.

How to Serve

A white oval dish holds a baked block of cheese with a golden brown, slightly charred top crust. Around the cheese, there are bright red roasted cherry tomatoes in a rich, oily red sauce with some visible seeds. Fresh green chopped herbs are scattered over the cheese and tomatoes. The dish sits on a white plate with a thin black rim, which also has four toasted triangular bread slices arranged around the oval dish. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese instead of feta?

Feta is ideal for this recipe because it softens but holds its shape when baked. You could try halloumi or goat cheese, but the flavor and texture will differ.

Is it necessary to poke holes in the cherry tomatoes?

Poking holes helps the tomatoes burst and release their juices during baking, creating a saucier dip. If you prefer firmer tomatoes, you can skip this step.