There’s something undeniably cozy and inviting about pulling a bubbling dish of baked feta from the oven. The way the cheese softens and browns at the edges, surrounded by juicy tomatoes, briny olives, and aromatic herbs, makes it feel like a Mediterranean hug in every bite. This Baked Feta Mosaic with Orange Zest, Capers & Crispy Thyme is a simple yet stunning dish—perfect for an appetizer, snack board centerpiece, or light vegetarian meal.
In under 30 minutes, you can serve up layers of flavor that feel both rustic and refined. Whether paired with crusty bread or spooned over warm grains, the mix of salty, creamy, tangy, and herbaceous notes will keep everyone coming back for more.
And if you’re new here, be sure to follow Recipes by Sylvia on Pinterest for more quick, wholesome, and crave-worthy recipes you’ll make again and again.
My Love for All Things Feta
Feta is a staple in my kitchen—not just for crumbling over salads but for baking into melty masterpieces like this one. I first discovered baked feta years ago while traveling through the Greek countryside, where it’s common to see cheese roasted with olives, tomatoes, or herbs in clay dishes at small tavernas. That memory stuck with me, especially the contrast of the golden top and creamy interior.
This particular version—Baked Feta Mosaic with Orange Zest, Capers & Crispy Thyme—was born from a need to use up pantry staples and leftover citrus. The orange zest brightens up the dish, and when combined with capers and chili flakes, it turns this humble block of feta into a bold, savory showstopper.
Why This Recipe Works
The charm lies in its simplicity. There’s very little prep—just a handful of Mediterranean ingredients, a quick roast, and that’s it. Each component brings something: cherry tomatoes blister into jammy sweetness, kalamata olives add depth, chickpeas bring a bit of texture, and the capers lend a briny pop. The thyme crisps up into an aromatic garnish, and that orange zest? It wakes everything up.
If you love easy bakes with layered flavor, this dish sits right beside our Mediterranean Baked Feta and Chickpea, Beet & Feta Salad as a dinner party favorite and cozy-night-in must-have.
Ingredients & Preparation
What You’ll Need
Here’s a quick glance at what you need to make this:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Greek feta cheese | 1 block (7 oz) |
| Cherry tomatoes | 1 cup |
| Kalamata olives | 1/2 cup |
| Canned chickpeas | 1/3 cup, drained |
| Capers | 1 tablespoon |
| Orange zest | Zest of 1 orange |
| Chili flakes / Aleppo | 2 teaspoons |
| Fresh thyme sprigs | 2 |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 1/3 cup |
| Dried oregano | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cracked black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste (optional) |
Pair it with toasted bread or pita if you’d like.
Tools & Swaps
All you need is a small baking dish (oven-safe), a microplane for zesting, and a spoon. If you don’t have fresh thyme, a pinch of dried thyme works too. No orange? Try lemon zest for a sharper brightness. You can even sub in marinated artichokes or roasted red peppers for the chickpeas if you’re looking for more flavor layers.
You might also enjoy this flavor combo on Loaded Mediterranean Flatbread or as a topping for grain bowls like our Spinach Zucchini Chickpea Bake.
Cooking Instructions & Tips
Step-by-Step Method
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Assemble the ingredients: In a small baking dish, place the block of feta in the center. Scatter cherry tomatoes, olives, chickpeas, and capers around it.
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Flavor it up: Drizzle olive oil over everything. Sprinkle orange zest, chili flakes, oregano, and black pepper on top.
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Add the thyme: Place fresh thyme sprigs across the dish for both flavor and aroma.
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Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until the feta is soft and golden and the tomatoes begin to blister.
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Optional Broil: For a crisp top, broil the dish for 2–3 minutes at the end.
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Serve immediately with crusty bread or as part of a mezze platter.
Pro Tips
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Let the feta rest at room temp for 10 minutes before baking for even cooking.
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Use a shallow dish so all ingredients caramelize together.
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Add a few crushed garlic cloves for even more richness.
Serve it with Greek Salad – Traditional Horiatiki or next to our Baked Feta with Cherry Tomatoes for a full Mediterranean feast.
Serving, Storing & Pairing
How to Enjoy It
Serve your baked feta right from the oven with toasted baguette slices, warm pita, or spoon it over couscous, rice, or quinoa. It also makes a fantastic base for grain bowls—try it with lentils, farro, or a mix of roasted veggies.
This dish plays well on any mezze table. Pair it with items like:
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Olive tapenade
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Roasted red pepper hummus
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Stuffed grape leaves
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Or serve as a starter before pasta or lamb
You’ll love how well this works with the Roasted Beet & Feta Salad or even next to our Mediterranean Chickpea Patties for a protein-packed veggie dinner.
Storage Tips
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Reheat gently in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes or microwave on low for 30–40 seconds.
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Don’t freeze—the feta will change texture.
FAQs
Can I use crumbled feta instead of a block?
A block is preferred because it holds shape and bakes more evenly. Crumbles may melt too fast and lose the creamy texture.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes! Use a plant-based feta substitute like Violife and skip the cheese topping, or use nutritional yeast for added flavor.
What’s the best bread to serve this with?
Crusty sourdough, warm pita, or even crostini all work beautifully.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes—assemble everything in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate. Bake right before serving.
How spicy is it with chili flakes?
Moderate heat. Use less or swap for Aleppo pepper for a milder, smoky kick.
Conclusion
This Baked Feta Mosaic with Orange Zest, Capers & Crispy Thyme is the perfect example of how a few pantry ingredients and fresh herbs can come together to create something unexpectedly luxurious. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, a dinner party side, or a rustic main with good bread and wine, it’s a dish you’ll reach for time and again.
For more Mediterranean-inspired recipes, check out our crowd-pleasing Loaded Mediterranean Flatbread or refreshing Chickpea, Beet & Feta Salad.
Tried this recipe? Let us know in the comments!
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Baked Feta Mosaic with Orange Zest, Capers and Crispy Thyme
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Baked Feta Mosaic with Orange Zest, Capers and Crispy Thyme is a 30-minute Mediterranean-style appetizer packed with bold, salty, tangy flavors, caramelized tomatoes, creamy feta, and fresh citrus. Perfect with crusty bread or as a vibrant mezze platter dish.
Ingredients
• 1 block (7 oz) Greek feta cheese
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1/2 cup kalamata olives
• 1/3 cup canned chickpeas, drained
• 1 tablespoon capers
• Zest of 1 orange
• 2 teaspoons chili flakes or Aleppo pepper
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper
• Optional: crusty bread for serving
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the feta block in the center of a small baking dish.
3. Scatter cherry tomatoes, olives, chickpeas, and capers around the feta.
4. Drizzle everything with olive oil, then sprinkle orange zest, chili flakes, oregano, and black pepper over top.
5. Lay the thyme sprigs across the dish.
6. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until the feta is golden and tomatoes are blistered.
7. For a crispy top, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
8. Serve warm with crusty bread for scooping.
Notes
– Use lemon zest if orange isn’t available.
– Add a few garlic cloves for deeper flavor.
– Store leftovers up to 3 days in the fridge.
– Not recommended for freezing.
– Great served over quinoa or couscous instead of bread.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 25
- Method: Oven Baked
- Cuisine: Mediterranean