Description
These baked feta eggs combine creamy feta cheese, fresh spinach, and cherry tomatoes in a flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish. Perfect for a hearty breakfast or brunch, the eggs are baked gently with seasoned vegetables and herbs for a rich and savory start to your day.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Herbs
- 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- ½ small red onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chopped baby spinach
- Optional: chopped fresh basil or fresh chives for topping
Cheese and Eggs
- 8 ounces feta cheese
- 4 large eggs
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Oils
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the feta and vegetables perfectly.
- Prepare the vegetable and feta mixture: If using individual ramekins, divide the tomatoes, diced bell pepper, red onion, minced garlic, and feta cheese evenly between four oven-safe dishes. Drizzle one tablespoon of olive oil over each dish. For one large baking dish, combine the tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, and garlic in the dish and place the feta cheese block in the center. Drizzle the olive oil over the veggies and feta.
- Mix the spices: In a small bowl, combine the dried oregano, sea salt, dried thyme, ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Sprinkle this spice mixture evenly over the feta and vegetables in each dish.
- Bake the base: Place the ramekins on a baking sheet or bake the large dish directly in the oven. Bake for 25 minutes to soften the vegetables and allow the feta to begin melting and infuse flavor.
- Incorporate the spinach: Remove the dishes from the oven and gently stir the contents to blend the feta evenly with the vegetables. Add the chopped baby spinach and stir until well combined.
- Add the eggs: Create a well in the center of each dish (or four wells if using one large dish). Crack one egg into each well, ensuring the yolks stay intact for a beautiful presentation and even cooking.
- Finish baking: Return the dishes to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the egg whites are set but the yolks remain slightly runny for optimal texture.
- Garnish and serve: Top with optional chopped fresh basil or chives. Serve the baked feta eggs warm alongside crusty baguette, toast, or pita bread for dipping and enjoying the creamy, flavorful sauce.
Notes
- Use ripe cherry or grape tomatoes for optimal sweetness and texture.
- You can substitute baby spinach with kale or arugula if preferred.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
- For a fully cooked yolk, bake a few minutes longer, watching carefully to avoid overcooking.
- This dish can be prepared in advance up to the baking step and refrigerated, then baked fresh when ready to serve.
- Serving with toasted bread adds a delightful crunch to the creamy baked eggs and veggies.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
