Baked Feta Eggs Breakfast Recipe
If you are searching for a breakfast that is bursting with flavor, easy to make, and impressively delicious, look no further than this Baked Feta Eggs Breakfast Recipe. Imagine creamy feta cheese melting into juicy cherry tomatoes and tender onions, all baked together with perfectly cooked eggs nestled right on top. This dish combines the tangy richness of feta with fresh herbs and a hint of spice to create a truly unforgettable morning treat that’s as beautiful as it is tasty. It’s a simple yet elegant recipe that will quickly become a beloved staple in your breakfast rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each plays a crucial role in building the appetizing layers of flavor, texture, and color that make the Baked Feta Eggs Breakfast Recipe so special.
- 8 ounces Feta Cheese: Preferably a block of Greek feta in brine; it melts wonderfully to create a creamy center.
- 2 Large Eggs: Fresh eggs ensure perfectly cooked whites with luscious, runny yolks.
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes: Halved to release their juice and add a burst of sweetness.
- 1/4 cup Red Onion: Thinly sliced for a mild sharpness; soaking in cold water can soften the flavor.
- 2 cloves Garlic: Minced finely to infuse the dish with aromatic warmth.
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil: Extra virgin, for coating the vegetables and enhancing richness.
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Basil: Chopped fresh for a fragrant herbal note, plus extra for garnish.
- 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a gentle spicy kick; adjust according to your taste.
- Salt: To taste, but be mindful since feta is naturally salty.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground for a hint of earthiness.
- Crusty Bread: Optional but highly recommended for dipping into the luscious baked mixture.
How to Make Baked Feta Eggs Breakfast Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). This temperature is perfect for gently roasting the vegetables and feta, coaxing out their full flavors while preparing the dish for the eggs to bake in later.
Step 2: Prepare Tomatoes and Onion
Halve the cherry tomatoes and thinly slice the red onion. For a milder onion bite, soak the slices in cold water for about 10 minutes, then drain thoroughly. This simple trick mellows the onion’s sharpness, balancing the dish beautifully.
Step 3: Mince Garlic
Minced garlic gives the dish an aromatic foundation. Mince the two cloves finely so the garlic can blend evenly without overpowering the other flavors.
Step 4: Prepare Feta
You can leave the feta as a whole block or crumble it slightly. Keeping it whole means it will soften beautifully with a creamy center that pairs perfectly with the eggs later on.
Step 5: Oil Baking Dish
Drizzle one tablespoon of olive oil into a small oven-safe baking dish or skillet, ideally 6 to 8 inches in diameter. This oil helps prevent sticking and adds a subtle fruity richness to the dish.
Step 6: Arrange Vegetables
Spread the halved cherry tomatoes and sliced red onion evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. Sprinkle the minced garlic over the top to distribute flavor evenly throughout.
Step 7: Season Vegetables
Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over the vegetables, then season with red pepper flakes, salt, and fresh black pepper. Be cautious with the salt because the feta will add its own salty goodness.
Step 8: Place Feta
Place the block or crumbled feta in the center of the baking dish among the tomatoes and onions, creating a beautiful, savory centerpiece for the dish.
Step 9: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes. During this time, the tomatoes will soften and burst, and the feta will become soft and golden around the edges, ready to mingle with the eggs.
Step 10: Create Wells for Eggs
After removing the dish from the oven, use a spoon to create two small wells in the tomato-feta mixture. These wells will cradle your eggs perfectly.
Step 11: Crack in Eggs
Carefully crack one egg into each well, taking care to keep the yolks whole for that runny, luscious effect.
Step 12: Return to Oven
Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 5 to 7 minutes. Bake until the egg whites are set but the yolks remain runny or cooked to your preference.
Step 13: Garnish
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the chopped fresh basil on top to add a burst of herbaceous freshness and lovely color.
Step 14: Serve Immediately
Serve your Baked Feta Eggs Breakfast Recipe piping hot with crusty bread on the side for dipping. The bread is perfect for soaking up every last bit of the flavorful, creamy sauce.
How to Serve Baked Feta Eggs Breakfast Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is a must for garnishing as it lends bright color and a fragrant pop of freshness that balances the rich feta. You can also add a sprinkle of extra red pepper flakes for those who love a bit more heat. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil just before serving elevates the dish even further.
Side Dishes
This breakfast pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, perfect for scooping up the baked eggs and veggies. For a lighter option, a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette can help cut through the richness, or serve alongside grilled asparagus or sautéed spinach for a nutrient-packed start to your day.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the dish directly from the baking dish for a rustic family-style presentation that feels warm and inviting. For a more refined look, portion out onto warm plates, and add avocado slices or roasted nuts on the side for texture contrast. Playing with colorful plates or rustic ceramics enhances the vibrant look of the tomatoes and basil against the white feta and golden eggs.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Baked Feta Eggs Breakfast Recipe should be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated within two hours of cooking. It will keep well for up to 2 days, although the eggs might firm up more as time passes.
Freezing
Freezing is possible but not ideal for this dish because eggs change texture when frozen. If you do freeze leftovers, remove the eggs beforehand and freeze just the baked feta and vegetable mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave. For best results, add a fresh egg on top while reheating to restore some of that fresh-cooked appeal. Warm it just enough to heat the feta and tomatoes without overcooking the eggs if present.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of feta?
Feta is essential for its briny, tangy flavor and meltability, but you can experiment with halloumi or goat cheese for a different taste. Keep in mind that texture and saltiness will vary.
What if I don’t have fresh basil?
If fresh basil isn’t available, try other fresh herbs like oregano or parsley. Dried herbs won’t have the same vibrant freshness but can be used sparingly if necessary.
Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Absolutely! Simply skip the crusty bread or substitute it with a gluten-free version to keep this Baked Feta Eggs Breakfast Recipe completely gluten-free.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
This recipe relies heavily on eggs and feta cheese, so to make it vegan you’d need to use plant-based alternatives such as tofu scramble and vegan feta substitutes, but the texture and flavor will differ significantly.
How can I make the eggs more well-done?
If you prefer firmer yolks, simply bake the eggs for an extra 2 to 3 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking the whites.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Feta Eggs Breakfast Recipe is one of those meals that feels like a special occasion but comes together effortlessly with everyday ingredients. It’s a colorful, flavorful, and satisfying way to start your day that will brighten mornings and bring smiles to your breakfast table. Give this recipe a try on your next weekend brunch and watch it quickly become your new favorite go-to for a delicious wake-up call.
Print
Baked Feta Eggs Breakfast Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
Baked Feta Eggs Breakfast is a flavorful and easy-to-make morning dish combining creamy baked feta cheese, juicy cherry tomatoes, and perfectly baked eggs. Enhanced with garlic, red onion, fresh basil, and a touch of red pepper flakes, this recipe offers a comforting yet vibrant start to your day. Serve it hot with crusty bread for a delightful breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
Cheese and Eggs
- 8 ounces Feta Cheese (preferably a block of Greek feta in brine)
- 2 Large Eggs
Vegetables
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes (halved)
- 1/4 cup Red Onion (thinly sliced)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
Seasonings and Oil
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra virgin)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Basil (chopped, plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (or more, to taste)
- Salt (to taste, be mindful of the saltiness of the feta)
- Black Pepper (freshly ground, to taste)
Optional
- Crusty Bread (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the feta, tomatoes, and eggs to perfection.
- Prepare Tomatoes and Onion: Halve the cherry tomatoes and thinly slice the red onion. To reduce onion sharpness, soak the sliced onions in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain thoroughly.
- Mince Garlic: Finely mince the garlic cloves to distribute their flavor evenly in the dish.
- Prepare Feta: Decide whether to keep the feta in a solid block for a creamier texture or crumble it slightly for more distribution throughout the dish.
- Oil Baking Dish: Drizzle 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil into a small oven-safe baking dish or skillet (6-8 inches in diameter) and spread it evenly.
- Arrange Vegetables: Spread the halved cherry tomatoes and sliced red onion evenly on the bottom of the oiled baking dish. Sprinkle the minced garlic over the vegetables for a robust flavor base.
- Season Vegetables: Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil evenly over the vegetables. Season with red pepper flakes, salt (sparingly, as feta is salty), and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Place Feta: Nestle the block or crumbled feta cheese in the center amidst the tomatoes and onions to allow it to soften and meld with the vegetables while baking.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the tomatoes soften and burst, and the feta cheese is creamy and slightly golden around the edges.
- Create Wells for Eggs: Remove the dish from the oven and, using the back of a spoon, create two small wells in the tomato and feta mixture to hold the eggs.
- Crack in Eggs: Carefully crack one egg into each well, taking care not to break the yolks unless preferred.
- Return to Oven: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until the egg whites are set but yolks remain runny or cooked to your liking.
- Garnish: Remove from the oven and sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the top to add an aromatic fresh herbal note.
- Serve Immediately: Serve hot and bubbly straight from the oven. Accompany with crusty bread for dipping into the creamy feta and eggs mixture for a satisfying breakfast experience.
Notes
- Soaking sliced red onions in cold water reduces their sharpness for a milder flavor.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your heat preference.
- When placing eggs, be gentle to keep yolks intact if you prefer them runny.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices and creamy feta.
- Use a small oven-safe skillet for easy serving and attractive presentation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek