Baked feta with olive oil and herbs for nights when I do not want to plan
Easier-to-swallow option below ↓I keep a block of feta for this. It takes five minutes to put together in a small dish with olive oil119 kcal, smashed garlic cloves, and thyme sprigs. Then the oven takes over while I sit.
The heat softens the feta and the oil picks up the garlic and herb flavor. I tear bread into pieces and drag them through the dish so the oil and cheese110 kcal come along. It is salty and rich and warm. I eat until the bread is gone and the dish has only a little oil left.
I make this more than anything else because it asks almost nothing and still feels like I took care of myself.
Why it works
The cheese and oil provide the substance without meat or many steps. On lower appetite days I can mash it further or eat with a spoon if bread texture is too much. The dish is small and there is almost nothing left to clean.
Baked feta with olive oil and herbs for nights when I do not want to plan
Ingredients
- 1 block (8 oz) feta cheese
- 1/3 cup olive oil, plus more for drizzling if needed
- 3 garlic cloves, smashed
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Crusty bread or pita for serving
Method
- Preheat oven to 375F.
- Place the feta block in a small oven-safe dish.
- Pour the olive oil over and around the feta.
- Add the smashed garlic cloves and thyme sprigs to the oil.
- Season with black pepper and red pepper flakes if using.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes until the feta is soft and the edges are just starting to brown.
- Remove from oven. Let sit for a minute or two.
- Serve warm in the dish with bread for scooping or spreading.
Nutrition figures are home-kitchen estimates, not lab-verified Nutrition Facts. This is food and comfort guidance, not medical advice.
Make it your own
- The dish can be assembled ahead and baked when ready.
- Leftovers keep in the fridge for 2 days and reheat gently.
- The oil solidifies when cold but loosens again at room temperature or with gentle warming.
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