introduction
This baked feta orzo is a simple, warm meal with juicy tomatoes and creamy feta. It cooks in one dish and tastes fresh. For a sweet finish, try the banana coffee cake recipe after this savory dinner.
why make this recipe
This recipe is fast and needs few ingredients. You can make it on busy nights. It fills the table with bright tomato flavor and creamy cheese. It is easy for cooks of any skill.
how to make Delicious Baked Feta Orzo
Preheat the oven and put uncooked orzo, tomatoes, garlic, and oil in a baking dish. Add the block of feta in the center and drizzle more oil on it. Season with salt and pepper. Bake until the orzo is soft and the feta turns golden. Stir everything so the cheese coats the pasta. Garnish with fresh basil and serve.
Ingredients :
- 200g orzo pasta
- 200g feta cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Directions :
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a baking dish, add uncooked orzo, cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, and olive oil. Mix well.
- Place the block of feta cheese in the center and drizzle it with more olive oil.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the pasta is tender and the feta is golden.
- Stir everything together after baking and garnish with fresh basil before serving.
how to serve Delicious Baked Feta Orzo
Serve hot from the oven. Spoon onto plates and add extra basil or a splash of olive oil. This dish goes well with a simple green salad or crusty bread.
how to store Delicious Baked Feta Orzo
Cool the dish to room temperature. Put it in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a little water or olive oil if it feels dry.
tips to make Delicious Baked Feta Orzo
- Use a baking dish with enough space so the orzo cooks evenly.
- Do not over-salt; feta is salty already.
- Stir once after baking to make the sauce creamy.
- If tomatoes are very large, halve them so they burst in the oven.
variation (if any)
- Add spinach or baby kale for greens.
- Mix in cooked chicken or shrimp for more protein.
- Use sun-dried tomatoes for a deeper flavor.
- Swap orzo for small pasta like acini di pepe if you prefer.
FAQs
Q: Can I use low-fat feta?
A: Yes. Low-fat feta works, but the dish will be less creamy.
Q: Do I need to cook the orzo first?
A: No. This recipe uses uncooked orzo and it cooks in the oven with the tomatoes and oil.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: You can use a dairy-free cheese alternative, but texture and taste will change.
Q: How do I know when the orzo is done?
A: The orzo is done when it is tender to bite. If it is still firm, bake 3–5 minutes more with a little added water.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes, use a larger baking dish and increase baking time slightly until the orzo is tender.
Delicious Baked Feta Orzo
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple, warm meal of baked orzo with juicy tomatoes and creamy feta, cooked all in one dish.
Ingredients
- 200g orzo pasta
- 200g feta cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a baking dish, add uncooked orzo, cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, and olive oil. Mix well.
- Place the block of feta cheese in the center and drizzle it with more olive oil.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the pasta is tender and the feta is golden.
- Stir everything together after baking and garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
Use a baking dish with enough space to allow for even cooking of the orzo. Do not over-salt as the feta is already salty. Stir after baking for a creamier sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 40mg