This simple tomato appetizer with crumbled feta and extra virgin olive oil is the easiest and most delicious fresh tomato recipe you’ll try! It takes only 4 ingredients and comes together in less than 5 minutes, and you can also serve it as a no-cook side next to your favorite meats or fish (a few ideas below).
There is no shortage of ways to use up fresh tomatoes, but this simple fresh tomato appetizer, topped with crumbles of creamy feta is the easiest fresh tomato recipe you’ll find. And it’s a personal favorite of mine because it tastes so much like my childhood home!
Like watermelon and feta, tomatoes and feta is another genius snack I grew up with in Port Said, Egypt. And I can’t even tell you how often I had pita pockets with feta and tomatoes for lunch (and sometimes for dinner too). It was a regular thing, particularly during the hot summer months.
This easy tomato appetizer is a grown-up version of my childhood snack. And I made a couple of simple additions that make it an elegant mezze for when I need something quick to serve company. It comes together in less than 5 minutes!
4 Ingredients to make this tomato and feta appetizer
This fresh tomato recipe is made up four simple ingredients: fresh tomatoes, feta, extra virgin olive oil, and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or Aleppo-style pepper, which is not as hot. A few ingredient notes and tips:
- For a perfect hand-held tomato appetizer, I like to use campari tomatoes. Campari tomatoes are slightly larger than a cherry tomato, but smaller and rounder than a regular plum tomato. Camparis are also some of the sweetest and most flavorful tomatoes out there. If you can’t find them, you can use a smaller plum tomato or Roma tomatoes, and you’ll just need to slice them differently, since they’re not round.
- Use a block of creamy feta rather than already crumbled feta. I’ve mentioned this several times before, but whether you need a big block to make baked feta or just a few crumbles on a salad or your sliced tomatoes like in this appetizer, it’s best to begin with a block of feta stored in the brine. It’s easy enough to break the cheese with a fork, but feta in the brine is more creamy. Already crumbled feta is dry and often too salty.
- Choose a quality extra virgin olive oil that will enhance the flavor of this simple appetizer. I used our fruity Spanish Hojblanca olive oil for this recipe, but equally delicious here is Italian Nocellara Extra Virgin Olive Oil which boasts notes of freshly-picked tomatoes.
- Red pepper flakes or Aleppo-style pepper are optional. If you want just enough of a kick without making it too spicy, go with the Aleppo-style pepper.
How to make this fresh tomato appetizer
This easy recipe is fairly obvious to make just by looking at the photos. You’ll start by slicing the Campari tomatoes in half horizontally (through the equator), this will give you the best round shape. Arrange the tomato halves on a platter, flesh side up, then add the feta on top. Drizzle with the olive oil and finish with a pinch of red pepper flakes. That’s it!
Serve it with
Serve these tomatoes as an appetizer, and you can add fresh sliced French baguette, if you like. You can also serve them as a cold side for a summery brunch next to an herby potato omelet or a chicken salad sandwich (oh, and you can certainly start with a refreshing apperol sprtiz).
To serve them hot, bake the tomatoes for a few minutes just until the feta is warmed through and somewhat softened and serve as a side next to your favorite grilled meats or things like chicken schnitzel or seared fish.
More tomato appetizers to try
Appetizer and Mezze
Pan Con Tomate (Spanish Tomato Bread)
Appetizer and Mezze
Burrata Recipe with Tomato, Basil, and Prosciutto
Appetizer and Mezze
Stuffed Zucchini Boats with Tomato and Feta
5-Minute Tomato Appetizer with Feta
Ingredients
- 6 Campari tomatoes, (or you can use Roma tomatoes)
- 3 to 4 tablespoons feta cheese, crumbled
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Aleppo pepper or red pepper flakes, optional
Instructions
- Slice the Campari tomatoes in half horizontally (around the equator). If using Roma tomatoes instead, cut them in half vertically (the long way).
- Assemble the tomato halves on a plate with flesh side facing you. Top each half with some crumbled feta. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, and finish with a pinch of Aleppo-style pepper or red pepper flakes, if using. Serve.
Video
Notes
- Leftovers will keep in the fridge for 2 days or so, but this appetizer is best served fresh.
- Visit Our Shop to browse quality Mediterranean ingredients, including extra virgin olive oils and spices. For this recipe, I recommend our Spanish Hojblanca EVOO or our Italian Nocellara EVOO.
Amazingly fresh recipies. Full of flavour when you buy the Best quality ingredients.
Very true! Thanks, Sally!
Hi! Thank you, so much, Suzy…I love finding you FB watch for your mini lessons. And have incorporated many of your ideas. I have never tried this tomato recipe, but I will quite soon! Again, I love your style & recipes ❗
I make these all the time, except I broil them. I cut a teeny slice off the bottom so they stand better and just toss it in the pan and we eat the “ends” with the rest.
I’ve done it with fresh Mozzarella too. Then sprinkle fresh basil over them.
Ooo! YUM! Thanks for sharing that idea!
My family has made something similar for many years that we call “garlic tomatoes.” Sliced tomatoes topped with chopped garlic and crumbled feta and olive oil drizzled over it all. When covered and refrigerated, the garlic really stands out! I love your idea of adding the red or Aleppo pepper flakes for some heat. I’ll definitely try that when I have some good homegrown tomatoes ready!
Ooo! Garlic! I’ll need to try that!
Nice…going to try.
Hope you enjoy it!
I actually made this for lunch today. What a great idea! Delish!
Thanks, Lauren!