Mediterranean Baked Feta Eggs is a delightful and unique breakfast or brunch dish that combines the rich flavors of the Mediterranean with the comforting, hearty appeal of baked eggs. This dish features soft-baked eggs nestled in a delicious blend of feta cheese, ripe tomatoes, olives, and aromatic herbs. It’s a vibrant, healthy option that’s both satisfying and simple to make.
Baking the eggs with feta cheese creates a creamy, tangy richness that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the tomatoes and the salty burst of olives. The Mediterranean-inspired ingredients bring a fresh, vibrant flavor to the dish, while the eggs provide a satisfying protein base. Whether served with a side of crusty bread, pita, or a simple green salad, Mediterranean Baked Feta Eggs make for a filling and nutritious meal that’s ideal for any time of day.
This dish is not only perfect for breakfast or brunch, but it’s also great for meal prepping and can easily be made in advance for a quick and delicious meal. With its combination of bold flavors and easy preparation, Mediterranean Baked Feta Eggs will quickly become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Packed with Flavor
The combination of salty feta, savory olives, and ripe tomatoes brings a burst of Mediterranean flavor to every bite. The herbs and spices add depth, making this dish truly delicious.
2. Healthy and Nutritious
Made with fresh, wholesome ingredients like eggs, feta, and vegetables, this recipe is high in protein and healthy fats, making it a great option for a balanced meal.
3. Easy to Prepare
This dish comes together quickly with minimal prep work. Simply bake the eggs with the ingredients, and you’ll have a flavorful meal in no time.
4. Customizable
You can add or swap out ingredients to suit your tastes. Add vegetables like spinach or peppers, or swap the feta for another cheese like goat cheese or ricotta.
5. Great for Meal Prep
You can easily prepare this dish in advance and store it in the fridge for a quick and easy meal throughout the week. It also reheats well, making it perfect for busy mornings.
Ingredients
- Eggs
- Feta cheese (crumbled or block)
- Cherry or grape tomatoes
- Kalamata olives (pitted and sliced)
- Olive oil
- Fresh herbs (such as oregano, basil, or parsley)
- Garlic (optional)
- Salt and pepper
- Crusty bread or pita (optional, for serving)
Variations
- Vegetable Add-ins: Add sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini to the dish for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Different Cheese: While feta is traditional, you can use goat cheese, ricotta, or even mozzarella for a different texture and flavor.
- Spicy Option: Add some red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños to give the dish a spicy kick.
- Add Protein: For more protein, consider adding cooked sausage, bacon, or chickpeas to the dish before baking.
- Make it Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives or skip the cheese altogether for a lighter, dairy-free option.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a small baking dish or individual ramekins with olive oil.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables and Feta
Cut the tomatoes in half and slice the olives. If you’re using garlic, mince it finely. Crumble the feta cheese, or if using a block, cut it into small chunks.
Step 3: Assemble the Dish
In your prepared baking dish, arrange the halved tomatoes and olives in a single layer. Drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, and any desired herbs (oregano, basil, etc.). Sprinkle the crumbled feta over the tomatoes and olives, and make small wells in the mixture for the eggs.
Step 4: Add the Eggs
Carefully crack one egg into each well. Season the eggs with salt and pepper, and drizzle a little more olive oil over the top.
Step 5: Bake the Eggs
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the eggs are cooked to your desired level of doneness. For soft-set eggs, the whites should be firm but the yolks should remain runny. For firmer eggs, bake for an additional few minutes.
Step 6: Serve
Once the eggs are done, remove the dish from the oven. Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or basil and serve immediately. You can also serve it with crusty bread or pita for dipping.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh tomatoes and quality feta will elevate the flavor of this dish. Opt for good-quality feta, ideally made from sheep’s milk for the best flavor.
- Don’t Overbake the Eggs: The eggs should be soft and runny in the center. Keep an eye on them while baking to avoid overcooking.
- Add More Veggies: This dish is very versatile, so feel free to add vegetables like sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to enhance the flavor and texture.
- Make It a Meal: To turn this into a complete meal, serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad.
- Adjust the Seasonings: Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar can bring extra flavor to the dish.
How to Serve
Mediterranean Baked Feta Eggs are perfect as a standalone dish, but you can serve them with a side of crusty bread or pita to scoop up the feta, olives, and tomato juices. For a lighter option, serve with a simple green salad or some fresh fruit. The dish is also wonderful when paired with a cup of Greek yogurt drizzled with honey for a complete Mediterranean-inspired breakfast or brunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in the oven, covering with foil to prevent the eggs from drying out.
Freezing
While the eggs themselves don’t freeze well, you can freeze the prepared feta and vegetable mixture. Once assembled, wrap the dish tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to use, defrost overnight in the fridge, then bake with the eggs as directed.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the eggs are warm. You can also microwave individual portions, but be careful not to overcook the eggs.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different cheese instead of feta?
Yes, you can use goat cheese, ricotta, mozzarella, or any cheese you prefer. Feta is traditional, but the recipe is flexible.
2. Can I make this recipe without olives?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of olives, simply omit them or replace them with another ingredient, such as capers or sun-dried tomatoes.
3. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can use dairy-free cheese alternatives or omit the cheese entirely for a lighter, dairy-free version.
4. Can I add meat to this dish?
Yes, you can add cooked sausage, bacon, or turkey to make this dish heartier. Simply add the meat before baking the eggs.
5. How do I prevent the eggs from overcooking?
Keep an eye on the eggs while baking and remove them from the oven as soon as the whites are set but the yolks remain runny. If you prefer firmer yolks, bake for an additional few minutes.
6. Can I make this recipe in advance?
You can prepare the feta and vegetable mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When ready to cook, crack the eggs and bake.
7. Can I use a different type of tomato?
Yes, you can use any type of tomato for this recipe, such as heirloom, Roma, or even sun-dried tomatoes.
8. Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Fresh tomatoes are preferred for their sweetness and texture, but if canned tomatoes are all you have, use them as a substitute. Drain them well before use.
9. How do I serve this dish for a crowd?
You can easily scale this recipe by using a larger baking dish and adding more eggs, feta, and vegetables. Just ensure the eggs are spaced out well enough to cook evenly.
10. What can I serve alongside this dish?
Serve Mediterranean Baked Feta Eggs with crusty bread, pita, a simple green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Mediterranean Baked Feta Eggs are a flavorful, healthy, and easy-to-make dish that brings the best of Mediterranean cuisine to your table. With its rich feta cheese, juicy tomatoes, olives, and fragrant herbs, this dish offers a satisfying combination of flavors that will leave you craving more. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner, Mediterranean Baked Feta Eggs are a delightful and versatile option that’s sure to impress. Enjoy the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean in the comfort of your home with this simple yet elegant recipe.
PrintMediterranean Baked Feta Eggs
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Mediterranean Baked Feta Eggs recipe is a delightful and healthy way to enjoy eggs for breakfast or brunch! The creamy, slightly tangy feta cheese combined with the rich, flavorful Mediterranean ingredients like olives, tomatoes, and fresh herbs creates a vibrant, easy dish that will brighten your morning. It’s baked to perfection with eggs nestled right in the middle, making every bite a perfect balance of flavors. Whether you’re looking to impress at brunch or add some variety to your weekday meals, this recipe is sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
For the Baked Feta Eggs:
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1 block (about 8 oz) feta cheese, cubed
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4 large eggs
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1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 teaspoon dried oregano (or fresh if available)
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
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Optional: A pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). -
Prepare the Baking Dish:
In a small baking dish (a 9×9-inch dish works well), drizzle olive oil and add the cubed feta cheese. Scatter the cherry tomatoes and Kalamata olives around the cheese. -
Season:
Sprinkle dried oregano, salt, and pepper over the feta cheese, tomatoes, and olives. For a bit of heat, you can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes. -
Create the Wells:
Use a spoon to make four small wells in the feta cheese and vegetable mixture. Crack one egg into each well. -
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the eggs are cooked to your desired level of doneness. The egg whites should be set, and the yolks should be slightly runny for the perfect consistency. -
Serve:
Once done, remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve warm with crusty bread or pita on the side to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Notes
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You can add other Mediterranean ingredients, such as roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts, for added flavor.
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If you prefer the eggs to be well done, leave them in the oven for a few more minutes, but keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
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Serve this dish with a side of fresh salad or over quinoa for a more filling meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean