Tomato Confit and Whipped Feta

Introduction

Tomato Confit and Whipped Feta is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines slow-cooked, caramelized tomatoes with a creamy, tangy whipped feta spread. The tomatoes are cooked in olive oil with garlic, herbs, and a pinch of salt until they burst and become soft, rich, and slightly sweet. Paired with the smooth, fluffy whipped feta, which is made by blending feta cheese with olive oil, lemon juice, and a touch of cream, this dish is a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and fresh flavors.

The first time I made this, I was craving something light but packed with flavor, and it turned out to be a delightful treat! The confit tomatoes provide a deep, mellow sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the tangy whipped feta, creating a rich and satisfying combination. What I love most about Tomato Confit and Whipped Feta is how versatile it is—you can serve it as a spread on crusty bread, atop a salad, or even as a topping for roasted vegetables. It’s a great appetizer or side dish for any occasion, offering a burst of flavor with every bite!

Perfect for:

Appetizers
Side dishes
Party platters
Brunch
Mediterranean lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why Tomato Confit and Whipped Feta will become your go-to dish:

Flavor Harmony: The sweet, slow-cooked tomatoes complement the creamy, tangy feta.
Rich and Savory: The tomato confit is rich in flavor, and the whipped feta adds a velvety smooth finish.
Versatile Dish: Can be served on its own, spread on toast, or paired with pasta.
Easy to Make: Requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor.
Perfect for Entertaining: Its vibrant colors and unique presentation will wow your guests.
Make-Ahead Option: The tomato confit can be prepared in advance and stored, making it perfect for meal prep.
Healthy and Light: The ingredients are wholesome and packed with nutrients.
Perfect Balance: A combination of savory, creamy, and slightly sweet elements.
Quick Cooking: The tomatoes cook slowly, but the preparation time is minimal.
Endless Customization: Add herbs, spices, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze to adjust the flavor.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 2 hours
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 150-200 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 6g, Carbs: 15g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

For the Tomato Confit:

2 pounds cherry tomatoes
½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
4 garlic cloves, smashed
1 sprig fresh thyme
1 sprig fresh rosemary
1 teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon sugar

For the Whipped Feta:

8 oz feta cheese, crumbled
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnish:

Fresh basil leaves
Crumbled feta
Drizzle of balsamic vinegar

Ingredient Highlights

Cherry Tomatoes: They are naturally sweet, which intensifies during the slow-cooking process.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Adds a fruity richness to the tomatoes as they confit.
Feta Cheese: The creamy, tangy feta creates a perfect contrast to the sweet tomatoes.
Herbs and Garlic: Infuse the olive oil with aromatic flavors, enhancing the tomatoes’ taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Tomato Confit:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
Prepare Tomatoes: Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and place them in a baking dish.
Season the Tomatoes: Add garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, and sugar to the tomatoes. Drizzle with olive oil and toss gently to coat.
Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 1 hour 45 minutes, or until the tomatoes have softened and released their juices.
Cool: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.

Prepare the Whipped Feta:

Blend Feta: In a food processor, combine the crumbled feta, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic powder.
Whip: Process until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning with black pepper to taste.

Assemble the Dish:

Serve: Spread the whipped feta onto a platter or individual plates. Top with the tomato confit.
Garnish: Add fresh basil, extra crumbled feta, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, if desired.

Serve:

Enjoy: Serve with crusty bread, pasta, or as an appetizer on its own.

How to Serve

Here are 9 serving suggestions for Tomato Confit and Whipped Feta:

On Toast: Serve the confit and feta mixture on toasted baguette slices.
With Pita Bread: Pair with warm pita for a Mediterranean snack.
With Pasta: Toss the tomato confit with pasta and top with whipped feta.
As a Salad: Serve over mixed greens for a refreshing salad.
On a Charcuterie Board: Add to a cheese and charcuterie board for a beautiful, flavorful addition.
With Grilled Meat: Pair with grilled chicken, lamb, or beef for a complete meal.
For Brunch: Serve alongside eggs or a vegetable frittata for a tasty brunch option.
As a Topping: Add to pizza or flatbread as a delicious topping.
For Meal Prep: Make ahead and store in the fridge for easy weekday meals.

Additional Tips

Use Cherry Tomatoes: Cherry or grape tomatoes are ideal for confit as they caramelize beautifully and release a burst of sweetness.
Slow and Steady: The key to a perfect tomato confit is cooking it low and slow. Keep the temperature around 250°F (120°C) to allow the tomatoes to soften and infuse the oil with flavor.
Infuse the Olive Oil: Add garlic, thyme, or rosemary to the oil when cooking the tomatoes for extra depth of flavor.
Roast the Tomatoes: For an added twist, you can roast the tomatoes in the oven at a low temperature for a slightly different texture and flavor.
Season Generously: Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper while cooking the tomatoes, as it enhances the natural sweetness.
Vary the Feta: Try different types of feta cheese, such as goat’s milk or sheep’s milk feta, to adjust the flavor profile of your whipped feta.
Add Fresh Herbs: After blending the whipped feta, incorporate fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or chives to brighten the dish.
Use a Food Processor: A food processor will create a smoother, creamier whipped feta. For a chunkier texture, use a hand blender or mash with a fork.
Balance Acidity: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a dash of white wine vinegar in the whipped feta can balance out the richness of the cheese.
Perfect Pairing: Serve with toasted sourdough, crackers, or even grilled vegetables to complement the creamy feta and tangy tomato confit.

Recipe Variations

Roasted Tomato Confit: Use larger tomatoes and roast them at a higher temperature for a more intense flavor.
Spicy Whipped Feta: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the whipped feta for a spicy twist.
Herbed Confit: Add fresh basil or oregano to the tomato confit for extra flavor.
Balsamic Drizzle: Drizzle a balsamic reduction over the finished dish for added sweetness.
Goat Cheese: Swap out feta for creamy goat cheese for a milder flavor.
Vegan Option: Use vegan feta and a plant-based oil for the whipped feta.
Tomato Basil Whipped Feta: Blend fresh basil into the whipped feta for a fragrant touch.
Add Pine Nuts: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts over the dish for added crunch.
Zesty Lemon Whipped Feta: Increase the lemon juice for a tangier whipped feta.
Mixed Herb Confit: Combine thyme, rosemary, and sage in the confit for a herbal twist.

Special Equipment

Food Processor: For whipping the feta into a creamy consistency.
Baking Dish: For slow-cooking the tomatoes to perfection.
Wooden Spoon: To gently stir and coat the tomatoes in olive oil and seasoning.
Spatula: For spreading the whipped feta evenly.
Measuring Spoons: To accurately measure seasoning and oils.

FAQ Section

Can I use other types of tomatoes?
Yes, you can use plum or Roma tomatoes, but cherry tomatoes work best for their sweetness.
How long can I store this dish?
It can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, the confit and whipped feta can be prepared a day in advance.
What else can I add to the tomato confit?
You can add olives, capers, or red onion for extra flavor.
Can I make this dish without garlic?
Yes, you can omit the garlic or substitute with shallots for a milder flavor.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store the confit and whipped feta separately in the fridge to maintain freshness.
Can I freeze this dish?
Freezing is not recommended for this dish as it can affect the texture of the tomatoes and feta.
Can I use store-bought feta?
Yes, pre-crumbled feta works, but fresh feta gives the best flavor and texture for whipping.
Can I use other cheeses for the whipped feta?
Yes, cream cheese or ricotta can be used for a different texture, though the flavor will change.
What can I use instead of olive oil?
You can substitute with avocado oil or another mild-flavored oil, but olive oil is preferred for its taste.

Conclusion

Tomato Confit and Whipped Feta is a stunning and flavorful dish that combines the richness of slow-roasted tomatoes with the creamy, tangy goodness of whipped feta. The tomatoes are slow-cooked in olive oil with herbs like thyme and garlic until they become tender, sweet, and slightly caramelized, creating a deep, savory flavor. The whipped feta is made by blending feta cheese with cream cheese or Greek yogurt to create a smooth, airy texture that balances the richness of the confit tomatoes.

This dish can be served as a dip with crispy bread or crackers, or as a topping for toast, crostini, or even roasted vegetables. The combination of the sweet tomatoes and creamy, tangy feta is a perfect contrast of flavors and textures, making it a crowd-pleasing appetizer or side dish.

I can’t wait to see how your Tomato Confit and Whipped Feta turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!