Baked Feta Eggs: The Delicious & Easy Breakfast Recipe

Baked Feta Eggs: prepare to meet your new favorite brunch (or lunch, or dinner!) obsession. Imagine this: creamy, tangy feta cheese melting into a rich tomato sauce, studded with perfectly cooked eggs, all bubbling hot and ready to be devoured with crusty bread. Sounds divine, right? This simple yet elegant dish has taken the internet by storm, and for good reason. It’s incredibly easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers maximum flavor.

While variations of baked eggs with cheese have existed in Mediterranean cuisine for centuries, the recent viral sensation of baked feta eggs can be attributed to a TikTok trend that swept across social media. The hashtag #bakedfetaeggs quickly amassed millions of views, as home cooks everywhere rushed to recreate this culinary masterpiece. But beyond the hype, the enduring appeal of this dish lies in its simplicity and versatility.

People adore baked feta eggs for a multitude of reasons. The combination of salty feta, sweet tomatoes, and perfectly runny egg yolks is simply irresistible. The creamy texture is incredibly satisfying, and the dish is surprisingly filling. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, making cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or an impressive brunch dish to wow your guests, baked feta eggs are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. So, grab your feta, fire up your oven, and let’s get cooking!

this RECIPE

Ingredients:

• 4 large eggs
• 4 oz feta cheese, preferably a block
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, extra virgin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish
• Crusty bread, for serving

Preparing the Feta and Vegetables:

Okay, let’s get started! First, we need to prep our feta and veggies. This is where the flavor party begins!

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is crucial for getting that perfectly melty feta and nicely cooked eggs. Make sure your oven is fully preheated before you put anything in.
2. Prepare the feta. If you have a block of feta, which I highly recommend for the best texture and flavor, you can either crumble it roughly with your fingers or slice it into thick slabs. I prefer slabs because they melt beautifully and give you those gorgeous pockets of creamy goodness. If you’re using pre-crumbled feta, that’s fine too, just make sure it’s good quality.
3. Halve the cherry tomatoes. This releases their juices and allows them to caramelize slightly in the oven, adding a touch of sweetness to balance the saltiness of the feta.
4. Halve the Kalamata olives. Kalamata olives have a rich, briny flavor that complements the feta perfectly. Make sure they’re pitted before you halve them!
5. Mince the garlic. Freshly minced garlic is a must! It adds a pungent aroma and flavor that infuses the entire dish. Don’t skimp on the garlic!

Assembling the Dish:

Now comes the fun part – putting everything together! We’re building layers of flavor here, so pay attention to the details.

1. Choose your baking dish. You can use a small oven-safe skillet (about 6-8 inches), a ramekin, or even a small baking dish. The size will depend on how many servings you’re making. I usually use a small cast iron skillet because it distributes heat evenly and looks great.
2. Drizzle olive oil. Pour about 1 tablespoon of olive oil into the bottom of your chosen baking dish. This will prevent the feta from sticking and add a lovely richness to the dish. Make sure to coat the bottom evenly.
3. Arrange the feta. Place the feta (either crumbled or in slabs) in the baking dish. If using slabs, arrange them so there are spaces between them for the eggs.
4. Scatter the tomatoes and olives. Distribute the halved cherry tomatoes and Kalamata olives around the feta. Try to get them nestled in between the feta pieces.
5. Add the garlic. Sprinkle the minced garlic evenly over the feta, tomatoes, and olives.
6. Season generously. Sprinkle the dried oregano and red pepper flakes (if using) over the mixture. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remember that feta is already salty, so go easy on the salt at first. You can always add more later.
7. Drizzle with more olive oil. Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the entire mixture. This will help everything to cook evenly and add a beautiful sheen.

Baking the Eggs:

Time to bake! This is where the magic happens. Keep a close eye on the eggs to ensure they cook to your liking.

1. Bake the feta mixture. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the feta is softened and slightly melted, and the tomatoes are starting to blister. The exact baking time will depend on your oven and the size of your baking dish.
2. Create wells for the eggs. Remove the baking dish from the oven. Using a spoon, create four small wells in the feta and vegetable mixture. These wells will hold the eggs.
3. Crack the eggs. Carefully crack one egg into each well. Try to avoid breaking the yolks.
4. Return to the oven. Place the baking dish back in the oven and bake for another 5-8 minutes, or until the egg whites are set but the yolks are still runny. The cooking time will depend on how you like your eggs. If you prefer firmer yolks, bake for a few minutes longer.
5. Check for doneness. To check if the eggs are done, gently poke the egg whites with a fork. If they are firm, the eggs are ready. If you prefer a runnier yolk, the whites should still be slightly jiggly.

Serving and Enjoying:

The moment we’ve been waiting for! Get ready to devour this deliciousness.

1. Garnish. Remove the baking dish from the oven and garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil. This adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
2. Serve immediately. Baked feta eggs are best served immediately, while the feta is still melty and the eggs are warm.
3. Serve with crusty bread. Serve with plenty of crusty bread for dipping into the runny yolks and scooping up the feta and vegetables. The bread is essential for soaking up all the delicious juices!
4. Season to taste. Taste the dish and add more salt and pepper if needed.
5. Enjoy! Dig in and enjoy! This dish is perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or even a light dinner. It’s also great for sharing with friends and family.

Tips and Variations:

Want to customize your baked feta eggs? Here are a few ideas:

• Add other vegetables. Feel free to add other vegetables to the dish, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces so they cook evenly.
• Use different cheeses. If you’re not a fan of feta, you can use other cheeses, such as goat cheese, ricotta, or mozzarella.
• Add some spice. If you like things spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few slices of jalapeño to the dish.
• Make it vegetarian. This dish is already vegetarian, but you can make it vegan by using a vegan feta alternative and a flax egg or other egg substitute.
• Add some protein. For a heartier meal, add some cooked sausage, bacon, or chorizo to the dish.

Storage and Reheating:

If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply microwave them for a minute or two, or bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Keep in mind that the eggs may become a bit rubbery when reheated.

Nutritional Information:

The nutritional information for this dish will vary depending on the ingredients you use and the portion size. However, a serving of baked feta eggs typically contains approximately:

• Calories: 350-450
• Fat: 25-35g
• Protein: 20-25g
• Carbohydrates: 10-15g

This dish is a good source of protein, calcium, and healthy fats. It is also relatively low in carbohydrates.

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! It’s a simple, delicious, and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Happy cooking!

Conclusion:

This Baked Feta Eggs recipe is truly a game-changer, and I wholeheartedly believe it deserves a permanent spot in your breakfast (or even brunch, lunch, or dinner!) rotation. Why? Because it delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort. The creamy, tangy feta melts into a luscious sauce, perfectly complementing the richness of the eggs. The burst of sweetness from the tomatoes and the herbaceous notes from the herbs create a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. It’s a dish that feels both indulgent and wholesome, satisfying your cravings without weighing you down.

But beyond the taste, it’s the sheer simplicity of this recipe that makes it a must-try. We’re talking about a handful of ingredients and a single baking dish – cleanup is a breeze! It’s perfect for busy weekdays when you need a quick and nutritious meal, or for lazy weekends when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you experience the magic of baked feta and eggs, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making this all along.

And the best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment with different variations to suit your preferences. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce. If you’re a fan of vegetables, toss in some chopped spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini. Want to add some protein? Crumble in some cooked sausage or bacon. The possibilities are endless!

Serving Suggestions:

* For breakfast or brunch: Serve the baked feta eggs with crusty bread or pita bread for dipping into the delicious sauce. A side of fresh fruit or a simple green salad would also be a lovely addition.
* For lunch or dinner: This dish makes a satisfying light meal on its own. You can also serve it with a side of quinoa or couscous for a more substantial meal.
* Variations: Try adding olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichoke hearts for a Mediterranean twist. You can also use different types of cheese, such as goat cheese or ricotta, instead of feta.

Don’t be afraid to get creative!

I’m confident that you’ll absolutely love this Baked Feta Eggs recipe. It’s a simple, flavorful, and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience a culinary delight.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and I can’t wait to hear what you think! Once you’ve made it, please come back and leave a comment below. Let me know what variations you tried, what you served it with, and most importantly, how much you enjoyed it. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me create even better recipes for you in the future. Sharing your experience will also inspire others to give this recipe a try, and together, we can spread the joy of delicious and easy cooking! Happy baking!