Mediterranean Baked Feta Eggs is a delightful dish that combines creamy feta cheese, fresh vegetables, and protein-rich eggs. Originating from the Mediterranean region, this recipe reflects the simplicity and bold flavors of the cuisine. Loved for its versatility and ease of preparation, it makes an excellent choice for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
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Flavorful and Nutritious: The combination of creamy feta, perfectly cooked eggs, and fresh vegetables creates a satisfying and healthy meal.
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Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and a one-pan baking method make it ideal for busy mornings.
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Customizable: You can add your favorite vegetables or spices to suit your taste.
Origins of the Dish
This recipe is inspired by Mediterranean cuisine, which emphasizes fresh, wholesome ingredients like olive oil, vegetables, and cheese. Baked eggs with feta are a modern twist on traditional Mediterranean baked dishes, offering a balance of taste and nutrition.
Ingredients
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Feta Cheese: 1 block (8 ounces)
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Eggs: 12 large
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Vegetables: Cherry tomatoes (1 cup), red bell pepper (1 cup diced), red onion (1/2 cup diced), baby spinach (1 cup)
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Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
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Seasonings: Salt (1/4 teaspoon), black pepper (1/4 teaspoon), dried oregano (1/2 teaspoon), red pepper flakes (optional)
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Optional Garnishes: Fresh parsley or mint leaves
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Serving Options: Toasted bread, pita pockets
Method of Preparation
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Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Prepare Baking Dish: Grease an 8×11-inch baking dish with olive oil.
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Assemble Ingredients:
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Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the dish.
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Surround it with cherry tomatoes, diced bell pepper, red onion, and baby spinach.
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Drizzle olive oil over the ingredients and season with salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
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Bake Vegetables and Feta:
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Bake for 15-20 minutes until the vegetables are tender and feta is soft.
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Add Eggs:
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Create small wells in the vegetable mixture and crack eggs into each well.
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Return to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes until egg whites are set but yolks remain runny.
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Serve:
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Garnish with fresh parsley or mint leaves.
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Serve warm with toasted bread or pita.
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Cooking Tips
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Choose High-Quality Feta: Authentic Greek feta made from sheep’s milk enhances the flavor.
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Avoid Overcooking Eggs: Keep an eye on them to ensure yolks remain soft for a creamy texture.
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Customize Vegetables: Add zucchini, mushrooms, or olives for variety.
Mistakes to Avoid
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Using low-quality feta may result in a less creamy texture.
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Overcrowding the baking dish can lead to uneven cooking.
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Forgetting to grease the dish may cause sticking.
Health Benefits of Ingredients
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Feta Cheese: Rich in calcium and protein while being lower in fat than many other cheeses.
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Eggs: Packed with high-quality protein and essential nutrients like vitamin D.
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Vegetables: Provide fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that support overall health.
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Olive Oil: A heart-healthy fat that enhances flavor.
Serving Tips
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Pair with crusty bread or pita for dipping into the creamy egg mixture.
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Serve alongside a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Interesting Facts About Baked Feta Eggs
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This dish gained popularity as a breakfast adaptation of the viral baked feta pasta trend.
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It’s versatile enough to be served in individual ramekins for an elegant presentation at brunch gatherings.
Summarized Recipe
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Preheat oven to 400°F.
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Grease baking dish; place feta cheese in the center with vegetables around it.
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Drizzle olive oil; season with salt, pepper, oregano, and optional red pepper flakes.
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Bake for 15–20 minutes; add eggs into wells in the mixture.
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Bake again for 10 minutes until eggs are set; garnish and serve warm.
Mediterranean Baked Feta Eggs is a must-try recipe that combines ease of preparation with bold Mediterranean flavors. Whether you’re hosting brunch or enjoying a quiet morning at home, this dish is sure to impress!