Baked Feta Eggs: A Simple and Delicious Brunch Recipe

Baked feta eggs, also known as feta baked eggs or feta and egg bake, have become a viral sensation, and for good reason! This dish is incredibly easy to make, packed with flavor, and customizable to your own tastes. It’s perfect for a quick breakfast, a lazy brunch, or even a light dinner. This recipe provides a step-by-step guide to creating the perfect baked feta eggs, along with variations and tips to make it your own.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Simple Ingredients:** You likely already have most of the ingredients in your pantry and refrigerator.
* **Quick and Easy:** This dish comes together in minutes, making it perfect for busy mornings.
* **Versatile:** Customize the recipe with your favorite vegetables, herbs, and spices.
* **Delicious:** The combination of creamy feta, runny eggs, and flavorful tomatoes is simply irresistible.
* **Healthy:** Packed with protein and healthy fats, this is a nutritious and satisfying meal.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* 4 large eggs
* 4 ounces feta cheese, preferably block feta in brine, crumbled
* 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
* Salt and black pepper to taste
* Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
* Crusty bread, for serving (optional)

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Oven
* Oven-safe dish (such as a small skillet, ramekins, or baking dish)
* Mixing bowl
* Cutting board
* Knife

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create the perfect baked feta eggs:

**Step 1: Prepare the Tomato Base**

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Make sure your oven rack is positioned in the center.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes (if using), and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Be mindful of the salt content of the feta, as it can be quite salty.
3. Toss everything together until the tomatoes are evenly coated with the oil and spices.

**Step 2: Assemble the Dish**

1. Pour the tomato mixture into your oven-safe dish. If using individual ramekins, divide the mixture evenly among them.
2. Crumble the feta cheese over the tomato mixture, distributing it evenly.

**Step 3: Bake the Feta and Tomatoes**

1. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the tomatoes have softened and started to burst, and the feta cheese is slightly melted and golden brown around the edges. The exact baking time will depend on your oven and the size of your dish.

**Step 4: Add the Eggs**

1. Carefully remove the dish from the oven.
2. Use a spoon to create four small wells in the tomato and feta mixture. Make sure the wells are deep enough to hold the eggs.
3. Gently crack an egg into each well. Try to avoid breaking the yolks.
4. Season the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper.

**Step 5: Bake Again**

1. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the egg whites are set but the yolks are still runny. Adjust the baking time according to your preference for egg yolk doneness. For firmer yolks, bake for a longer period.
2. Watch carefully to prevent overcooking the yolks.

**Step 6: Garnish and Serve**

1. Carefully remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly for a minute or two.
2. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
3. Serve immediately with crusty bread for dipping into the delicious sauce and runny egg yolks.

## Tips for Perfect Baked Feta Eggs

* **Use high-quality feta:** The flavor of the feta is crucial to this dish. Opt for a block of feta in brine, as it tends to be creamier and more flavorful than pre-crumbled feta.
* **Don’t overcook the eggs:** The key to perfect baked feta eggs is runny yolks. Keep a close eye on the eggs while they are baking and remove the dish from the oven when the whites are set but the yolks are still wobbly.
* **Adjust the baking time:** Baking times can vary depending on your oven and the size of your dish. Adjust the baking time accordingly to achieve your desired level of doneness.
* **Use a good quality olive oil:** The olive oil adds richness and flavor to the dish. Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best results.
* **Season to taste:** Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your liking. Taste the tomato mixture before adding the eggs and adjust the salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes as needed.

## Variations and Additions

This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be easily customized to your own tastes. Here are a few ideas for variations and additions:

* **Add vegetables:** Sautéed spinach, bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms can be added to the tomato mixture for extra flavor and nutrients. Roast the vegetables before adding them for enhanced flavor.
* **Spice it up:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce to the tomato mixture for an extra kick.
* **Use different herbs:** Experiment with different herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano. Fresh herbs are always a great addition.
* **Add protein:** Cooked sausage, bacon, or chorizo can be added to the tomato mixture for a heartier meal.
* **Add cheese:** Besides feta, you can add other cheeses such as mozzarella, parmesan, or ricotta for a different flavor profile.
* **Lemon zest:** A little lemon zest adds brightness and freshness to the dish.
* **Sun-dried tomatoes:** Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes for intense flavor.
* **Olives:** Kalamata olives or other types of olives add a salty, briny flavor.
* **Pesto:** Swirl a spoonful of pesto into the tomato mixture before adding the eggs.
* **Harissa paste:** A teaspoon of harissa paste will add heat and complexity.

## Serving Suggestions

Baked feta eggs are delicious on their own, but they are even better when served with crusty bread for dipping. Here are a few other serving suggestions:

* **Toast:** Serve with toasted bread, bagels, or English muffins.
* **Salad:** Serve with a side salad for a light and refreshing meal.
* **Avocado:** Serve with sliced avocado for added healthy fats and creaminess.
* **Yogurt:** Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt for a tangy and refreshing contrast.
* **Hummus:** Serve with hummus and pita bread for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.
* **Roasted vegetables:** Serve with roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: Approximately 350-450 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Protein: 20-25 grams
* Fat: 25-35 grams
* Carbohydrates: 10-15 grams

## Storing and Reheating

* **Storing:** Leftover baked feta eggs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Store in an airtight container.
* **Reheating:** Reheat in the microwave or oven. Be careful not to overcook the eggs when reheating. The egg yolks may become more firm upon reheating.

## Recipe Card

**Baked Feta Eggs**

A simple and delicious brunch recipe featuring baked feta cheese, eggs, and tomatoes.

**Prep Time:** 10 minutes
**Cook Time:** 20 minutes
**Total Time:** 30 minutes
**Servings:** 2

**Ingredients:**

* 4 large eggs
* 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
* 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
* Salt and black pepper to taste
* Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
* Crusty bread, for serving (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, combine tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes (if using), and oregano. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Pour tomato mixture into an oven-safe dish. Crumble feta over tomatoes.
4. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until tomatoes soften and feta melts.
5. Remove from oven. Create four wells in the tomato mixture. Crack an egg into each well.
6. Season eggs with salt and pepper.
7. Return to oven and bake for 5-10 minutes, or until egg whites are set and yolks are runny.
8. Garnish with basil or parsley. Serve with crusty bread.

## Conclusion

Baked feta eggs are a delicious, easy, and versatile dish that is perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that everyone will love. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy this viral sensation!