Mediterranean Baked Feta Eggs

This baked feta eggs dish transforms simple ingredients into a Mediterranean-inspired masterpiece in just 20 minutes. The creamy, tangy feta melts slightly while baking, creating little pockets of flavor around perfectly cooked eggs and juicy tomatoes.

I created this recipe during a particularly hectic week when I needed something that felt special without requiring much effort. Now it's become my go-to when friends come for brunch because it always looks much more impressive than the minimal work it requires.

Ingredients

• Feta cheese crumbled for even distribution and maximum meltability. Look for traditional Greek feta in brine for the best flavor and texture.
• Large eggs the stars of the show. Farm fresh eggs with bright orange yolks make this dish even more spectacular.
• Cherry tomatoes for bursts of juicy sweetness. Choose ripe but firm tomatoes that will hold their shape during baking.
• Olive oil use a good quality extra virgin olive oil here as the flavor comes through in the finished dish.
• Dried oregano adds classic Mediterranean flavor. Greek oregano is particularly aromatic if you can find it.
• Crushed red pepper flakes for a gentle heat that complements the creamy feta. Adjust according to your spice preference.
• Fresh parsley brightens the rich dish with color and fresh flavor at the end.
• Toasted bread essential for scooping up all the delicious sauce and runny yolks.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 375°F. This moderate temperature allows the eggs to cook gently while the feta softens without becoming too dry. Make sure your oven is fully preheated before adding the dish for even cooking.

Prepare the Base

Drizzle olive oil into your ovenproof skillet, ensuring the entire surface is coated to prevent sticking. Distribute the crumbled feta evenly across the bottom, creating a bed for the eggs. Add halved cherry tomatoes, scattering them throughout for pops of color and juicy flavor. Season with oregano and red pepper flakes, which will bloom in the hot oil.

Create Wells for Eggs

Using the back of a spoon, gently press small depressions into the feta and tomato mixture. These wells cradle the eggs and help them stay in place rather than sliding to the edges. Take care not to press all the way to the bottom of the dish.

Crack the Eggs

Carefully crack each egg into the prepared wells. Work slowly to keep the yolks intact. The whites will naturally spread a bit into the surrounding ingredients. Finish with another light drizzle of olive oil over the entire dish, which helps prevent the eggs from drying out.

Bake to Perfection

Place the skillet in the middle rack of your preheated oven. Bake for 10 minutes for runny yolks, or 15 minutes if you prefer them more set. The whites should be completely opaque when done, while the yolks can be cooked to your preference.

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My favorite part of this dish is the moment the fork breaks through the yolk, releasing its golden richness to mingle with the tangy feta. It reminds me of lazy Sunday mornings in Greece, where simple ingredients are transformed into extraordinary meals through thoughtful preparation.

Make It Your Own

This baked egg dish welcomes customization based on what you have on hand. Try adding a handful of baby spinach or arugula before the eggs for added nutrition and color. For a more substantial meal, include cooked breakfast sausage or crispy bacon pieces. Mediterranean additions like kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, or artichoke hearts complement the feta beautifully.

Storage and Reheating

While best enjoyed fresh from the oven, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes to avoid overcooking the eggs. Microwaving is possible but may result in rubbery eggs, so use low power in short bursts. I find that leftover portions make excellent lunch when stuffed into a pita pocket with some fresh greens.

Serving Suggestions

Transform this dish from breakfast to dinner by varying your accompaniments. For breakfast, serve with toasted sourdough or warm pita bread. For a more substantial brunch, pair with a simple green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil. When serving as a light dinner, consider adding a Mediterranean grain salad with couscous or bulgur wheat on the side. A glass of crisp white wine turns this humble egg dish into an elegant evening meal.

The Cultural Connection

This recipe draws inspiration from several Mediterranean traditions, particularly Greek and Turkish cuisines where baked egg dishes are common. In Greece, eggs with tomatoes and feta appear in various forms, often enjoyed as part of a mezze spread or casual lunch. The combination honors the Mediterranean diet principles of simple, fresh ingredients prepared with minimal fuss but maximum flavor.

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Common Questions

→ Can I make baked feta eggs ahead of time?

While best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the tomato and feta base ahead of time. When ready to serve, simply add the eggs and bake. Fully cooked leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days and gently reheated in the oven or microwave.

→ What can I serve with baked feta eggs?

Toasted bread or pita makes the perfect accompaniment for dipping into the creamy eggs and feta. For a more substantial meal, serve with a simple green salad, roasted potatoes, or fresh fruit. It also pairs well with Mediterranean sides like hummus or tabbouleh.

→ Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! This dish is very adaptable. Try adding spinach, sliced bell peppers, olives, or roasted red peppers. You can also incorporate herbs like dill or mint for additional Mediterranean flavors.

→ How do I know when the eggs are perfectly cooked?

For runny yolks with set whites, bake for about 10 minutes. For medium yolks, aim for 12-13 minutes. For fully set yolks, bake for 15 minutes. Keep in mind that eggs will continue cooking slightly after removal from the oven due to residual heat.

→ Can I make this dish dairy-free?

While the feta is a key ingredient, you could substitute it with a dairy-free feta alternative or omit it entirely. The dish would then become more like a tomato-baked egg dish, which is still delicious. Consider adding more herbs and seasonings to compensate for the missing feta flavor.

→ What type of skillet works best for baked feta eggs?

A cast iron skillet works exceptionally well as it retains heat beautifully. However, any oven-safe skillet or small baking dish will work. If you don't have an oven-safe skillet, you can assemble the dish in a ceramic or glass baking dish instead.