Save The first time I made baked feta eggs was during a gray, rainy weekend when I desperately needed something warm and comforting but didnt want to spend hours at the stove. I had half a block of feta languishing in the fridge and a pint of cherry tomatoes that needed using, so I threw them together in a small baking dish and hoped for the best. When I pulled it from the oven, the tomatoes had burst into sweet pools of juice, the feta was lusciously soft, and the whole kitchen smelled like a Mediterranean morning. Now its my go-to when I want breakfast to feel like an event without actually hosting one.
I served this to friends on a sluggish Sunday morning last spring, and we ended up lingering at the table for two hours, dipping bread into the pan and talking about everything and nothing. One of them confessed she usually hates feta, but she kept scraping her fork against the dish to get every last creamy bite. Thats when I realized this recipe isnt just breakfast, its the kind of food that makes people stay longer.
Ingredients
- 150 g block feta cheese: A solid block works better than crumbles here because it holds its shape while softening into that perfect creamy consistency
- 200 g cherry tomatoes, halved: Halving helps them release their juices faster, creating that natural sauce that pools around the feta
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced: The sweetness of red onion balances the saltiness of the feta as it caramelizes in the oven
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Mincing it instead of using whole cloves means the flavor disperses evenly through every bite
- 30 g baby spinach: It wilts quickly in the hot tomato mixture, adding color and nutrition without any bitter taste
- 4 large eggs: Fresh eggs produce the best shaped whites that hold nicely around the bright orange yolks
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Use a good quality one here because the flavor really shines as everything roasts
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano: This is the scent that makes the whole dish unmistakably Mediterranean
- 1/4 tsp chili flakes: Even if you think you dont like heat, this tiny amount wakes up all the other flavors
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Feta is salty on its own, so taste before adding much salt, but crack plenty of black pepper over everything
- 2 tbsp fresh basil or parsley, chopped: The fresh herbs at the end cut through the richness and make everything taste bright
- Crusty bread, to serve: This is essential for scooping up the eggs and mopping up those delicious tomato juices
Instructions
- Preheat your oven:
- Turn it to 200°C (400°F) and let it get fully hot before anything goes in, which helps the tomatoes burst and the onions caramelize properly.
- Arrange the base:
- Place the feta block right in the center of your ovenproof dish, then scatter the cherry tomatoes, red onion slices, and minced garlic all around it like youre building a little nest.
- Season everything:
- Drizzle the olive oil over everything, then sprinkle the oregano, chili flakes, salt, and pepper, trying to distribute the spices evenly so every bite gets some love.
- Start the bake:
- Slide the dish into the oven for 15 minutes, until the tomatoes have collapsed and released their juices and the feta looks soft and inviting.
- Add the greens:
- Pull the dish out, scatter the spinach around the feta, and give it a gentle stir so it wilts in the hot tomato mixture.
- Create wells for eggs:
- Use a spoon to make four small hollows in the vegetable mixture, then crack an egg into each one, being careful not to break the yolks.
- Finish baking:
- Return it to the oven for 5 to 8 minutes, watching closely until the whites are set but the yolks still wobble when you jiggle the pan.
- Garnish and serve:
- Scatter the fresh herbs over the top and bring the whole dish to the table immediately so everyone can see those gorgeous runny yolks.
Save My partner initially looked at this dish with suspicion, saying it seemed like too much effort for a weekday breakfast. The next morning, I woke up to find him already at the stove, rearranging the oven rack and asking if we had more feta. Sometimes the simplest converts are the most enthusiastic.
Choosing the Right Feta
Ive learned through trial and error that not all feta is created equal for this recipe. Greek feta tends to be creamier and saltier, which works beautifully here, while some domestic versions can be dry and crumbly. Look for feta stored in brine rather than vacuum sealed blocks, and dont be afraid to ask for a taste at the deli counter. The right feta will soften into that dreamy, spreadable consistency instead of turning rubbery or tough.
Making It Your Own
Once youve made this a few times, youll start seeing opportunities to adapt it to whatever you have on hand. I've added roasted red peppers when tomatoes were out of season, tossed in Kalamata olives for briny depth, and even topped it with a dollop of labneh when I wanted extra richness. The framework remains the same, but the dish changes with the seasons and your mood.
Serving Suggestions That Work
While crusty bread is the classic pairing, Ive found this works beautifully with other vehicles for scooping. Warm pita pockets, roasted potato wedges, or even just a fork work fine, but bread really is the MVP here because it catches all those juices.
- Toast the bread until its golden so it stays crunchy when you dip it into the yolks
- Set out small bowls of extra olives or pickled peppers for people to add as they like
- Have a salad ready to go if you want to stretch this into a light lunch
Save This is the kind of recipe that feels like a hug on a plate, simple enough for a Tuesday morning but special enough to serve to people you love. I hope it finds its way into your regular rotation too.
Recipe Guide
- → What type of cheese is best for this dish?
A block of feta cheese provides a creamy, tangy base that softens well when baked, enhancing the overall flavor.
- → Can I add extra spices for more heat?
Yes, incorporating additional chili flakes or smoked paprika adds a pleasant spicy kick to the dish.
- → How do I achieve runny yolks with baked eggs?
Bake the eggs just until the whites are set but the yolks remain soft, usually about 5–8 minutes after adding them.
- → Is it possible to make this vegan-friendly?
This version relies on feta and eggs, but for a vegan adaptation, consider using tofu and plant-based cheese alternatives.
- → What sides pair well with this dish?
Crusty bread is ideal to scoop up the warm mixture, and a light salad can complement the savory flavors nicely.