Baked Feta with Sumac & Grapes Recipe

Introduction

This baked feta with sumac and grapes is a vibrant, flavorful dish perfect for sharing. The combination of tangy feta, sweet roasted grapes, and zesty sumac creates a delightful balance that’s sure to impress. Serve it warm with bread for a simple yet elegant appetizer or snack.

The image shows a dish wrapped in crinkled parchment paper filled with two thick white cheese blocks topped with green dill and small pieces of herbs. Around the cheese, there are red roasted radishes and thin slices of red onions with some fresh green herbs scattered on top. The parchment paper and food rest on a white marbled surface with a glass of pink liquid nearby and part of a white plate with a scoop of soft white bread visible at the bottom right. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 small red onion, halved and sliced
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp golden caster sugar
  • 350g red grapes, left on the vine in small bunches
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp sumac
  • ½ small pack dill, chopped
  • 2 x 250g blocks feta
  • Bread or sesame flatbreads, to serve (optional)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Put the red onion in a bowl and add the red wine vinegar, golden caster sugar, and a pinch of salt. Massage everything together with your fingers for 1 minute to slightly pickle the onions.
  2. Step 2: Heat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan/gas mark 6). Scrunch up a sheet of baking parchment and use it to line a gratin dish.
  3. Step 3: Add the grapes to the dish, drizzle over 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of sumac, most of the chopped dill, and season with salt and pepper. Toss everything gently to coat.
  4. Step 4: Nestle the blocks of feta among the grapes, then scatter over the pickled onions along with any remaining pickling liquid. Drizzle over the remaining olive oil and sumac.
  5. Step 5: You can refrigerate the dish for up to 24 hours if preparing ahead, or bake it straight away.
  6. Step 6: Bake for 30–35 minutes until the feta is golden and the grapes are juicy and softened.
  7. Step 7: Scatter over the remaining dill and serve immediately in the middle of the table with bread or flatbreads for scooping up the cheese, grapes, and juices.

Tips & Variations

  • Use seedless grapes for a sweeter, less tart bite.
  • For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of chili flakes before baking.
  • Try substituting dill with fresh thyme or oregano for a different herbal note.
  • Serve with warm pita or focaccia instead of flatbreads.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through, as microwaving may cause the feta to become grainy.

How to Serve

The image shows a piece of white parchment paper lined inside a white dish, filled with a cooked dish featuring two thick white cheese blocks placed in the center. Around and slightly under the cheese, there are roasted pink radishes and sliced red onions, all glistening with a light oil or sauce. Fresh green dill sprigs are sprinkled on top of the cheese and vegetables, giving a fresh touch. The parchment edges are crumpled and browned from cooking. Nearby is a glass filled with a pink drink, set on a white marbled surface with a soft pink cloth napkin partially visible at the bottom left corner. 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 works best for its crumbly texture and salty tang, but halloumi or goat cheese can be alternatives. Keep in mind they will change the flavor and texture of the dish.

Is it necessary to pickle the onions?

Pickling the onions adds a pleasant acidity and depth of flavor, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this step and scatter raw sliced onions over the dish before baking.

Print
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Baked Feta with Sumac & Grapes Recipe


  • Author: Luna
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This baked feta with sumac and grapes is a delightful Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring creamy feta cheese baked alongside juicy red grapes, pickled red onions, and fragrant dill. The sumac adds a tangy, citrusy note that complements the natural sweetness of the grapes and the savory feta, making it a perfect appetizer or light meal served with crusty bread or flatbreads.


Ingredients

Scale

Pickled Red Onions

  • 1 small red onion, halved and sliced
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp golden caster sugar
  • Pinch of salt

Main Ingredients

  • 350g red grapes, left on the vine in small bunches
  • 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
  • 2 tsp sumac, divided
  • ½ small pack dill, chopped (divided)
  • 2 x 250g blocks feta
  • Bread or sesame flatbreads, to serve (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pickle the onions: Place the sliced red onion in a bowl, add the red wine vinegar, golden caster sugar, and a pinch of salt. Massage the mixture with your fingers for about 1 minute to slightly pickle the onions and soften their flavor.
  2. Prepare the oven and dish: Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or gas mark 6. Scrunch up a sheet of baking parchment and line a gratin dish with it to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
  3. Toss grapes and seasonings: Add the red grapes to the lined dish. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, sprinkle 1 teaspoon of sumac, most of the chopped dill, and add seasoning to taste. Toss everything gently to ensure the grapes are evenly coated.
  4. Add feta and onions: Nestle the blocks of feta cheese among the grapes. Scatter over the pickled red onions along with any remaining pickling vinegar from the bowl. Drizzle the remaining olive oil and scatter the remaining sumac on top.
  5. Optional resting: At this point, you can refrigerate the assembled dish for up to 24 hours to allow flavors to meld or proceed straight to baking.
  6. Bake the dish: Place the gratin dish in the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the feta is browning on top and the grapes have become juicy and soft.
  7. Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven, scatter the remaining dill over the top, and serve immediately. Accompany with bread or sesame flatbreads for scooping up the cheesy, juicy mixture.

Notes

  • If you prefer a more intense pickled onion flavor, increase the massaging time to 2 minutes.
  • You can prepare this dish a day ahead by assembling it and storing it covered in the fridge before baking.
  • Use good quality, ripe grapes for the best natural sweetness and juiciness.
  • Serve warm for the best texture and flavor, but it can be enjoyed at room temperature as well.
  • For a vegan alternative, substitute feta with a vegan cheese option and omit the dill if desired.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Keywords: baked feta, sumac, grapes, Mediterranean appetizer, baked cheese, pickled onions, feta recipe, easy appetizer

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