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Easy to Make Roasted Tomato and Feta Dip Recipe
Since it's (arguably) cool enough to use the oven again, the appetizer course for our Labor Day Cookout is a Roasted Tomato Feta Dip. Don't worry! The oven will only be on for 25 minutes, tops, and at the end you'll have a bowl of cheesy, tomato-laden goodness as a reward. At this time of year, my cherry tomato plants are just covered in ripe fruit, and my favorite way to use up a bunch all at once is to roast them with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roasting tomatoes brings out tons of natural sweetness - I don't love fresh tomatoes, but I love roasted cherry tomatoes.
I didn't want this roasted tomato feta dip to be fresh - I wanted it to be indulgent, spreadable, and addictive. There are several roasted feta recipes out there that have you roast a block of feta with just a little olive oil, or with a pile of tomatoes on top, which makes for a very elegant appetizer. I considered going that route, but ultimately wanted this to be a dip that didn't require a knife to spread it out, so I whipped some cream cheese and high quality feta together, and spread it on top of the cherry tomatoes. Hot gooey cheese hiding sweet and garlicky roasted tomatoes underneath? Delicious. This dip would pair equally well with La Crema's Monterey Pinot Gris or Monterey Chardonnay, although I have a slight preference for the chardonnay - buttery chardonnay and creamy cheese is one of those combos I just can't resist.
Why You’ll Love This Roasted Tomato and Feta Dip
While some appetizers feel a bit too light for a holiday cookout, this dip hits that sweet spot between a summer harvest and a comforting, decadent treat. The beauty here is in the structural layers. By roasting the tomatoes first, you’re creating a warm, jammy base that keeps the whipped cheese from getting lost.
It is also a total chameleon on your appetizer table. Whether you are serving it alongside charred bread from the grill or crunchy pita chips, it manages to feel both sophisticated and approachable. It’s the kind of dish that makes people ask for the recipe before the first bottle of Chardonnay is even finished. If you’ve been looking for a way to bridge the gap between "fresh from the vine" and "comfort food," this is the dish that does it.
Key Ingredients
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, which means every single ingredient has a chance to shine. Since we are aiming for a dip that is spreadable rather than crumbly, the quality of your cheeses makes all the difference. Look for a block of feta kept in brine to ensure it stays creamy when mixed, and don't be afraid to pick up a variety of cherry tomatoes for a beautiful pop of color. The addition of a fresh chile adds a subtle back-of-the-throat heat that cuts right through the richness of the cheese, making the whole dish feel balanced rather than heavy.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Look for firm, ripe tomatoes. A mix of red and gold varieties adds a lovely visual depth to the baking dish.
- Feta Cheese: High-quality crumbled feta provides that signature salty tang. If you can find sheep's milk feta, it melts beautifully.
- Cream Cheese: Using light cream cheese keeps the texture airy and easy to dip without sacrificing the richness.
- Fresh Chile: A Sandia or Fresno pepper provides a mild to medium heat. If you prefer things on the cooler side, be sure to remove the seeds.
- Fresh Thyme: This herb brings an earthy, floral note that bridges the flavors of the tomato and the wine.
- Garlic and Olive Oil: These kitchen staples act as the flavor foundation, mellowing out in the oven to create a fragrant, savory oil.
How to Make a Tomato Feta Dip
The secret to the success of this dip is the two-step roasting process. We start by letting the tomatoes, garlic, and chiles have a head start in the oven. This initial roast allows the tomatoes to burst and release their juices. This creates a built-in sauce that sits underneath the cheese. If we put the cheese on right away, the tomatoes wouldn't have enough time to caramelize. You would miss out on that concentrated sweetness.
- Prep the Base: Toss your halved tomatoes with the olive oil, minced chile, garlic, and thyme. This foundation is where all the aromatics begin to meld together.
- The Initial Roast: Bake the tomato mixture for about 8 to 10 minutes. You want to see the skins just starting to soften and the juices beginning to pool.
- Whip the Cheese: While the tomatoes are in the oven, beat your room-temperature cream cheese with olive oil until smooth. Fold in the crumbled feta and remaining thyme for a consistent, spreadable texture.
- The Final Bake: Spread the cheese mixture over the partially roasted tomatoes. Be sure to go all the way to the edges of the dish. Return it to the oven for another 10 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
Roasted Tomato and Feta Dip Recipe
Author: Katie Morris of Katie at the Kitchen Door
Prep time: 10 mins
Cook time: 20 mins
Total time: 30 mins
Serves: 3-4
Ingredients
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tsp olive oil, divided
- 1 tsp minced hot chile, such as Sandia or Fresno
- 1 clove garlic, peeled and minced
- 2 sprigs thyme, divided
- Sea salt to taste
- 4 oz. light cream cheese, at room temperature
- 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
- Pita chips or sliced bread, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400F. Mix the halved cherry tomatoes, 1 tsp of olive oil, minced chile, minced garlic, leaves from 1 sprig of thyme, and sea salt together in a bowl, then transfer to the bottom of a small baking dish (ideally 1/2 quart, but 1 quart will work as well). Roast for 8-10 minutes, until tomatoes are just starting to soften.
- In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese together with 1 tsp of olive oil until it is smooth and spreadable. Stir in leaves from 1 sprig of thyme, then mix in crumbled feta cheese, stirring until well incorporated. Spread the cheese mixture on top of the partially roasted tomatoes. Try to spread the cheese out to the edges of the baking dish on all sides. Return the dip to the oven and roast for 10 minutes more, until the cheese is melty and beginning to brown on top. Serve immediately with pita chips or sliced bread.
Recipe Variations to Try
The base of this roasted tomato feta dip is incredibly versatile. While the original recipe is a perfect balance of salty and sweet, you can easily tweak the ingredients to match your personal taste or the occasion. If you prefer a bit more punch, you can double the garlic or experiment with different types of peppers. The goal is to keep that creamy consistency while playing with the flavor profile.
- Add a Mediterranean Twist: Stir in some chopped Kalamata olives or a spoonful of capers into the tomato base before roasting. This adds a briny depth that pairs beautifully with the feta.
- Turn Up the Heat: If Fresno chiles aren't available, a half teaspoon of red pepper flakes works perfectly. For those who love a smoky flavor, try using a minced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce instead.
- Swap the Herbs: While thyme is classic, fresh basil or oregano are fantastic alternatives. If you use basil, stir it in at the very end after the dip comes out of the oven to keep the flavor bright and green.
- Go Extra Creamy: For an even richer texture, you can substitute the light cream cheese with full fat goat cheese. This adds a distinct tang that complements the roasted tomatoes.
- Add Some Crunch: Top the finished dip with a handful of toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts right before serving. This adds a nice textural contrast to the soft, melted cheese.
Perfect Pairings with La Crema
No Labor Day cookout is complete without the right beverage to pull the meal together. This roasted tomato feta dip is a natural match for La Crema Monterey Chardonnay. The buttery notes and bright acidity of the wine cut through the richness of the melted cheese, while the subtle fruitiness complements the sweetness of the roasted tomatoes. If you prefer something even crisper, a Monterey Pinot Gris is another fantastic choice that highlights the fresh herbs and garlic.
Ready to host your own end of summer celebration? Be sure to stock up on your favorite bottles by at our online wine shop. Whether you are planning a large backyard bash or a quiet evening on the patio, these wines are the ultimate companion for every recipe on your menu.
