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