BAKED FETA

The holidays can feel like you are suddenly in the kitchen for 95% of your time. And, the other 5% is shopping, prepping, cleaning- you name it. 

That is why we are LOVING recipes like this one. It is quick, easy, crowd-pleasing and did we mention… quick. 😅

Feta, the main ingredient of today’s recipe, actually packs a big punch! And, is perfect for all of you cheese lovers. 

Firstly, Feta is amazing for people who are sensitive to cow’s milk. It is a much more mild option and is easier for a lot of people to digest. Traditionally, feta is 100% sheep’s milk or a combination of sheep and goat’s milk with no more than 30% goat’s milk. 

Second, feta is actually great for your immune system.

Weird, right? Feta has a protein called histidine. When that protein is combined with Vitamin B6, also found in feta, it becomes a histamine. 

This histamine triggers a small inflammatory response, which actually allows your immune system to fight disease. 

All from a little sheep’s milk cheese! 

Give this recipe a try this holiday season, and let us know how you enjoy it! 

Ingredients: 

• ½ red onion sliced
• ½ green bell pepper sliced into rounds
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes about 3 ounces, halved
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional
• 3 to 4 fresh thyme sprigs optional
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil 
• 8 oz Block of quality feta cheese do not crumble
• Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional) 
• Crusty bread or pita chips to serve

Instructions: 

• Heat the oven to 400 degrees F and adjust a rack in the middle.
  
  
• Arrange the onions, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes at the bottom of a ramekin or oven-safe dish. Sprinkle with 1 tsp oregano, pinch red pepper flakes, and add some of the fresh thyme. Drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil. 
  
  
• Add the feta on top of the arranged veggies. Season the feta block with the remaining dried oregano, pinch of red pepper flakes and whatever remains of the fresh thyme. Drizzle a generous amount of extra virgin olive oil on the feta and make sure to brush the sides with some of the oil. 
  
  
• Place the baking dish on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 20 to 30 minutes (and if you like, you can stick it under the broiler very briefly to add color). 
  
  
• Serve with pita chips or toasted Italian bread.