Best Baked Feta Orzo Recipe

Did you know that baked feta pasta became a viral sensation in early 2021? This dish combines creamy feta, tender orzo, and sweet cherry tomatoes for a flavorful meal. It’s easy to make and cooks in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings. If you want to learn how to create this delicious recipe and customize it to your taste, keep going. You’ll discover just how simple and rewarding it can be.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy meal, you’ll love this baked feta orzo recipe. It uses simple ingredients like feta cheese, orzo, cherry tomatoes, and olive oil, making it easy to find what you need.

With a total cooking time of about 35 minutes, it’s perfect for busy days. This dish is flexible; you can serve it as a main course, a side, or part of a mezze platter.

You can also customize it by adding vegetables like asparagus or bell peppers. The creamy feta combined with sweet tomatoes and tangy lemon gives a balanced flavor. Plus, it’s nutritious, packing in fiber, vitamins, and a good mix of macronutrients for a satisfying meal. Baking feta transforms it into a soft and creamy texture, creating a flavorful base for the sauce.

History

Baked feta orzo has an interesting history that traces back to a simple dish made famous in Finland in 2019 by the blogger @liemessa, who created the viral #uunifetapasta trend.

This original recipe featured a delightful mix of baked feta and cherry tomatoes, quickly gaining popularity on TikTok. As it spread, many adapted it to include orzo, a type of Greek pasta that adds cultural authenticity. The dish draws from Greek culinary roots, often incorporating traditional ingredients like peppers and herbs. Over time, variations emerged, blending modern twists with classic elements, such as using lemon juice for zest. Its easy preparation and minimal ingredients make baked feta orzo a favorite for weeknight dinners.

Recipe

Baked Feta Orzo is a delightful and easy dish that brings together the comforting texture of orzo pasta with the creamy richness of feta cheese. The combination of roasted baby tomatoes and olives infuses the dish with vibrant flavors, making it a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering.

With minimal preparation and a short baking time, this recipe is both practical and delicious, allowing you to enjoy a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

This dish not only offers a wonderful blend of flavors but also provides an opportunity to enhance it with fresh herbs and spices. You can customize the recipe by adding ingredients like garlic, red peppers, or even a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness.

Whether served as a main course or a side dish, Baked Feta Orzo is sure to impress your family and friends with its colorful presentation and mouthwatering taste.

Ingredients:
– 200g orzo
– 300g baby plum or cherry tomatoes, halved
– 200g feta cheese
– 50g olives, pitted and halved
– 450ml boiling vegetable stock
– Olive oil
– Pepper
– Fresh basil leaves or baby kale (optional)
– Minced garlic (optional)
– Dried oregano (optional)
– Red peppers (optional)
– Lemon juice (optional)
– Chili flakes (optional)
– Extra virgin olive oil (for serving)
– Fresh herbs like parsley and dill (for garnish)
– Pickled red onions (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 180°C fan/200°C/gas 6 or 400°F. This step is essential for guaranteeing that your dish cooks evenly and the feta cheese gets beautifully golden.
In a baking dish, place the orzo and pour over the boiling vegetable stock. Make sure the orzo is evenly distributed in the dish to guarantee even cooking.
Add the halved cherry tomatoes and olives into the dish with the orzo. Toss lightly to combine the ingredients, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Nestle the feta cheese in the center of the tomatoes and drizzle with olive oil. Season generously with pepper to enhance the flavors of the dish.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the feta is golden and the tomatoes are soft. Keep an eye on the dish, as cooking times may vary depending on your oven.
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and stir the cooked orzo with the tomatoes and feta. This will help incorporate all the flavors before serving.
Serve hot, topped with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, a scatter of fresh basil leaves, and any additional garnishes you desire.

For best results, feel free to experiment with additional ingredients that suit your taste. Incorporating fresh herbs like basil or dill can elevate the dish, while a sprinkle of chili flakes can add a touch of heat.

Don’t hesitate to adjust the seasoning and toppings to your liking, guaranteeing that the Baked Feta Orzo reflects your personal culinary style. Enjoy your cooking experience!

Final Thoughts

After exploring the delightful recipe for Baked Feta Orzo, it’s important to contemplate how to make the most of this dish.

Start by choosing high-quality, full-fat Greek feta to guarantee a creamy texture. Incorporate Mediterranean vegetables like cherry tomatoes, red peppers, and olives for added flavor. The dish is also known for its simplicity, requiring only 3 ingredients and 2 herbs to create a delicious meal.

Remember to cook your orzo according to package instructions, using starchy water for a smooth sauce. Enhance the taste by adding fresh herbs like parsley, dill, and basil.

Serve the dish straight from the oven, paired with crusty bread or as part of a mezze.

Finally, let it rest for a few minutes before serving; this allows the flavors to meld beautifully for a satisfying meal.

FAQ

What should you know about making Baked Feta Orzo? First, gather your ingredients: feta cheese, orzo pasta, cherry tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and herbs like oregano. You can add olives or baby kale for extra flavor. This dish is particularly designed to satisfy toddlers’ taste buds while being easy for families to prepare.

Baking temperatures usually range from 350°F to 425°F, and you’ll typically bake for about 25-30 minutes. You can cook the orzo separately or directly in the baking dish. After baking, stir everything together and consider adding lemon juice and more olive oil for extra taste.

This dish serves about 3-4 people, perfect for small gatherings. Store leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days, and feel free to reheat them. Enjoy your delicious creation!