Description
Best Baked Feta Orzo is a simple yet flavorful dish with creamy, baked feta, fresh cherry tomatoes, and perfectly cooked orzo pasta. With a blend of Mediterranean flavors like garlic, oregano, and basil, it’s an easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The optional lemon zest adds a refreshing citrus touch, balancing out the rich flavors of the feta.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (16 oz) block of feta cheese (preferably whole-milk feta)
- 1 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
- 1 pint (about 2 cups) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil (optional)
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
- 3 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for a fresh, citrusy note)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large baking dish, place the block of feta cheese in the center. Drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil.
- Surround the feta with halved cherry tomatoes, red onion slices, and minced garlic. Sprinkle with dried oregano, basil (if using), and crushed red pepper flakes (if desired).
- Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the tomatoes and feta. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, until the feta is soft and golden, and the tomatoes have burst.
- While the feta is baking, cook the orzo pasta: In a medium pot, bring vegetable or chicken broth to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Once the feta and tomatoes are done baking, remove from the oven. Gently mash the feta and tomatoes together with a spoon or fork until creamy and well combined.
- Add the cooked orzo pasta to the baking dish and toss to combine with the creamy feta and tomatoes.
- Garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley and a sprinkle of lemon zest (if using). Serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a handful of olives or a dash of balsamic vinegar when baking the dish.
- If you prefer a little more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Mediterranean