Best Baked Feta Orzo Recipe

Baked feta orzo is a delightful, comforting dish that has taken the internet by storm for good reason. It combines the creamy, tangy goodness of feta cheese with sweet roasted tomatoes, savory onions, and tender orzo pasta, all baked together to create a rich, flavorful, and satisfying meal. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply looking for a simple weeknight meal, this dish offers an easy yet delicious way to enjoy a Mediterranean-inspired meal. The feta cheese softens and melts as it bakes, creating a creamy sauce that coats the orzo and tomatoes, while the garlic and herbs infuse the dish with aromatic flavors. This recipe comes together effortlessly and requires minimal preparation, making it an ideal choice for both beginners and experienced home cooks alike.

The beauty of baked feta orzo lies in its simplicity: the ingredients are few, but they work together to create a harmonious balance of flavors. The versatility of this dish also allows for customization — add a dash of chili flakes for heat or fresh lemon zest for a burst of citrus freshness. It’s a vibrant, comforting dish that can be served as a main course or paired with grilled meats or roasted vegetables. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s quickly becoming a favorite go-to recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Minimal Prep Time

This recipe is incredibly easy to make with minimal prep. Simply combine the ingredients in a baking dish, and the oven does the rest.

2. Creamy and Flavorful

As the feta bakes, it softens and creates a rich, creamy sauce that perfectly coats the orzo and tomatoes, delivering a burst of savory flavor in every bite.

3. Versatile Ingredients

This dish is highly customizable — you can add extra vegetables, use different herbs, or swap orzo with another type of pasta for a unique twist.

4. Perfect for Meal Prep

Baked feta orzo makes a fantastic meal prep dish. It stores well and reheats beautifully, making it great for leftovers throughout the week.

5. Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

Despite using only a handful of ingredients, this dish packs a punch with its bright, fresh flavors. The combination of feta, tomatoes, and herbs creates a meal that’s both satisfying and exciting.

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Ingredients

• Block of whole-milk feta cheese
• Olive oil
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Red onion, thinly sliced
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Dried oregano
• Dried basil (optional)
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Orzo pasta
• Vegetable broth or chicken broth
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon zest (optional)
• Salt and pepper

Variations

• Add Vegetables: For extra nutrition and flavor, consider adding spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to the dish before baking.
• Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add some chopped chili peppers.
• Use Different Cheese: If feta isn’t to your liking, try using goat cheese or ricotta salata for a different creamy texture and flavor.
• Pasta Alternatives: While orzo is perfect for this dish, feel free to swap it for another small pasta like couscous, ditalini, or farro for a variation in texture.
• Fresh Tomatoes: If you prefer fresh tomatoes, you can replace the halved cherry tomatoes with a diced fresh variety of your choice.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

In a large baking dish, drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil and spread it evenly. Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the dish.

Step 3: Add Vegetables and Seasonings

Surround the feta with the halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and minced garlic. Drizzle everything with a bit more olive oil, and sprinkle with dried oregano, dried basil (if using), and red pepper flakes (if desired). Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Bake the Feta

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the feta is soft and beginning to brown, and the tomatoes are bursting.

Step 5: Cook the Orzo

While the feta bakes, bring the vegetable broth (or chicken broth) to a boil in a separate pot. Add the orzo and cook according to the package instructions until tender, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 6: Combine and Toss

Once the feta and tomatoes are done baking, remove the dish from the oven. Use a spoon to mash the feta and tomatoes together, creating a creamy sauce. Add the cooked orzo to the baking dish and toss everything together until the orzo is well-coated with the sauce.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Top the dish with fresh chopped basil or parsley and a sprinkle of lemon zest (if using) for a refreshing, citrusy kick. Serve immediately.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overcook the Feta: Keep an eye on the feta to make sure it doesn’t dry out. It should be soft and slightly golden, not fully melted.
• Use Full-Fat Feta: For the creamiest and most flavorful result, opt for whole-milk feta rather than reduced-fat varieties.
• Broth Flavor: Choose a low-sodium broth to keep the dish balanced in flavor. You can also add a splash of white wine to the broth for extra depth.
• Add Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil or parsley adds a wonderful touch of color and flavor, so don’t skip the garnish.
• Save Some Broth: If the orzo seems dry after mixing, you can add a little more broth to make it creamier.

How to Serve

Baked feta orzo is perfect on its own as a main course, but it also pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. For an extra boost of flavor, serve it with a side of garlic bread or pita.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover baked feta orzo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Be aware that the texture of the orzo may change slightly upon reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the dish in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to restore its creaminess. Stir well to ensure the feta sauce coats the orzo evenly.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute feta with goat cheese or ricotta salata for a different flavor profile.

2. Can I use a different type of pasta?

You can substitute the orzo with another small pasta like couscous, ditalini, or farro.

3. Can I make this recipe without garlic?

If you’re not a fan of garlic, you can skip it or substitute with garlic powder for a milder flavor.

4. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but halved cherry tomatoes give the best results when roasting.

5. Can I use water instead of broth?

While water can be used in place of broth, broth adds more flavor to the dish. Consider using vegetable or chicken broth for the best result.

6. How do I make this recipe vegetarian?

This recipe is already vegetarian! Just ensure the broth you use is vegetable-based.

7. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare most of this dish in advance, but it’s best to bake the feta and tomatoes just before mixing with the orzo for the freshest taste.

8. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze the baked feta orzo for up to 3 months. Just be aware that the texture may change slightly when reheating.

9. Can I add meat to this dish?

Yes, grilled chicken or shrimp would make great additions to this dish, giving it extra protein.

10. How do I make this dish gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free pasta like rice or quinoa-based orzo.

Conclusion

The best baked feta orzo recipe combines the creamy richness of feta with the sweetness of roasted tomatoes and the tender texture of orzo pasta. This dish is a true crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare, flavorful, and versatile. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this simple yet impressive recipe is sure to satisfy. With a few easy adjustments, you can customize it to suit your taste and dietary preferences. Try it today and enjoy a delicious, Mediterranean-inspired meal that everyone will love!

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