Irresistible Baked Feta Orzo Recipe: Creamy Comfort in Minutes

Creamy baked feta orzo brings Mediterranean magic right to your kitchen table.

Pasta lovers appreciate how simple ingredients can create something extraordinary.

Cheese melts into golden perfection, creating a dish that feels both comforting and elegant.

Weeknight dinners demand quick solutions with maximum flavor impact.

Each bite promises a delightful combination of tangy cheese and soft pasta.

Greeks know how to craft memorable meals that spark conversation.

You’ll find yourself reaching for seconds before the first plate is empty.

Prepare to be amazed by this irresistible culinary adventure.

Why The Best Baked Feta Orzo Tastes Amazing

• Culinary Adventure: Transform ordinary ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Quick Comfort Creation: Prepare a satisfying meal in under an hour that delivers bold Mediterranean flavors and creamy textures.
• Family Meal Magic: Design a versatile recipe that appeals to both adults and kids, offering customizable spice levels and easy ingredient swaps.
• Minimal Cleanup Champion: Enjoy a delicious one-dish wonder that minimizes kitchen mess and reduces post-meal cleaning time.

What You Need For The Best Baked Feta Orzo

• Feta Cheese: A creamy Greek cheese that becomes soft and golden when baked, creating a rich base for the dish.
• Orzo Pasta: A small, rice-shaped pasta that absorbs the flavors of the baked feta and tomatoes.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy tomatoes that burst during baking, adding vibrant flavor and color.

• Garlic, Red Onion: Provide depth and aromatic base to the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Dried Oregano, Basil: Classic Mediterranean herbs that enhance the Mediterranean character of the recipe.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the taste of the ingredients.

• Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, creamy texture when baked with the feta.
• Vegetable or Chicken Broth: Provides additional flavor and helps cook the orzo pasta.
• Fresh Basil, Parsley, Lemon Zest: Optional garnishes that add freshness and bright citrus notes to the final dish.

Steps To Make The Best Baked Feta Orzo

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to 400F (200C) and get ready for a flavor explosion.

Step 2: Cheese Centerpiece

Place a whole block of feta cheese right in the middle of a large baking dish. Drizzle some olive oil over the cheese to get things started.

Step 3: Build The Flavor Base

• Halved cherry tomatoes
• Sliced red onions
• Minced garlic

• Dried oregano
• Dried basil
• Crushed red pepper flakes

Add another drizzle of olive oil and season with salt and pepper to your liking.

Step 4: Bake To Perfection

Pop the dish into the preheated oven and let it roast for 30-35 minutes. You’re looking for golden, soft feta and burst tomatoes that are bursting with flavor.

Step 5: Pasta Preparation

• Bring vegetable or chicken broth to a boil
• Add orzo pasta
• Cook for 8-10 minutes until it reaches al dente
• Drain and set aside

Step 6: Create The Creamy Magic

Pull the baking dish out of the oven. Use a spoon or fork to gently mash the feta and tomatoes together, creating a dreamy, creamy mixture.

Step 7: Combine And Elevate

Toss the cooked orzo into the baking dish, mixing it thoroughly with the creamy feta and tomato blend.

Step 8: Final Flourish

• Fresh chopped basil
• Fresh chopped parsley
• Lemon zest

Serve immediately and watch everyone dive in!

Helpful Tricks For The Best Baked Feta Orzo

• Opt for high-quality feta cheese to ensure a rich, creamy texture and enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
• Use ripe cherry tomatoes for maximum sweetness and vibrant color when they burst during baking.
• Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary to add unique depth and complexity to the orzo.
• Choose vegetable broth for a lighter taste or chicken broth for a more robust flavor profile when cooking the pasta.
• Serve immediately after mixing to enjoy the dish at its peak temperature and maintain the creamy consistency of the feta and tomatoes.

Tasty Options For The Best Baked Feta Orzo

• Mediterranean Chicken Fusion: Replace feta with grilled chicken breast, add kalamata olives, and sprinkle za'atar seasoning for a protein-packed Mediterranean-inspired variation.
• Seafood Summer Edition: Swap feta for white fish like cod or halibut, incorporate shrimp, and add lemon slices for a light coastal-style dish.
• Vegetarian Green Goddess: Use plant-based feta, mix in spinach, zucchini, and swap broth with vegetable stock for a nutritious green-focused version.
• Spicy Chorizo Kick: Add crispy chorizo chunks, replace some tomatoes with roasted bell peppers, and include smoked paprika for a bold Spanish-inspired rendition.

Good Sides For The Best Baked Feta Orzo

• Harmonize Flavors with Perfect Pairings
• Crisp White Wine Companion: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the tangy feta and bright tomato flavors, cutting through the richness with its refreshing acidity.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Salad Side: Prepare a simple cucumber and herb salad with fresh dill, mint, and lemon vinaigrette to balance the warm, creamy orzo and add a cool, light contrast to the dish.
• Crusty Bread Delight: Serve with a rustic sourdough or ciabatta to soak up the delicious feta and tomato sauce, providing a satisfying textural element and additional carbohydrate enjoyment.

How To Store The Best Baked Feta Orzo Right

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Let the dish cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few drops of water, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Stir between intervals to distribute heat evenly.
• Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding splash of broth or water to prevent sticking. Stir gently to maintain creamy texture and prevent burning.
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months in freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating to preserve pasta's texture and prevent sogginess.

Common FAQs About The Best Baked Feta Orzo

• What ingredients make this baked feta orzo unique?

The combination of creamy feta cheese, burst cherry tomatoes, and orzo pasta creates a rich, Mediterranean-inspired dish with intense flavor and texture.

• Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?

Yes, the recipe is vegetarian. You can use vegetable broth and skip any optional meat-based ingredients to keep it completely plant-based.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While best served immediately, you can prepare components in advance. Cook the orzo and roast the feta mixture earlier, then combine just before serving to maintain optimal texture and warmth.

• What type of feta works best for this recipe?

Use a block of high-quality, firm feta cheese. Greek or Bulgarian feta are recommended for their authentic taste and creamy melting properties.

Best Baked Feta Orzo Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Greek-inspired Baked Feta Orzo delivers Mediterranean comfort with creamy cheese, juicy tomatoes, and herbaceous flavors. Fragrant herbs and golden-brown edges promise a delightful culinary journey you’ll savor until the last comforting bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (16 ounces) block of feta cheese
• 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
• 3 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 pint (about 2 cups) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Herbs, Spices, and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 400F (200C), preparing for a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired dish.
2. Position a whole feta block centrally in a spacious baking dish, drizzling with olive oil.
3. Scatter halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onions, and minced garlic around the cheese, creating a colorful landscape.
4. Enhance the ingredients with dried oregano, optional basil, and crushed red pepper flakes for a zesty kick.
5. Lightly shower additional olive oil across the vegetables, then season with salt and pepper to elevate the flavors.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until the feta softens to a golden hue and tomatoes burst with juicy intensity.
7. Simultaneously, boil broth in a separate pot and cook orzo pasta for 8-10 minutes until perfectly tender.
8. After roasting, use a fork to gently crush the feta and tomatoes into a creamy, unified sauce.
9. Transfer drained orzo into the baking dish, stirring thoroughly to coat every pasta strand with the rich, aromatic mixture.
10. Finish by sprinkling fresh chopped basil or parsley and optional lemon zest, then serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes for spice-sensitive palates or those craving extra kick.
• Select high-quality feta for richer, creamier texture – Greek or Bulgarian varieties work best for authentic flavor profile.
• Experiment with protein additions like shredded rotisserie chicken, crispy pancetta, or canned tuna to transform dish into complete meal.
• Create gluten-free version by substituting orzo with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles while maintaining delicious Mediterranean essence.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 395 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 17 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg