Baked Feta Eggs are a simple and delightful breakfast or brunch treat that combines creamy, tangy feta cheese with perfectly baked eggs. The feta softens and becomes luscious as it cooks alongside the eggs, creating a wonderful contrast of textures. A sprinkle of herbs or a dash of pepper makes this dish even more inviting and fresh.
I love making Baked Feta Eggs when I want something quick but impressive. It’s one of those dishes that looks fancy but really takes just minutes in the oven and barely any effort to prepare. I usually add a little garlic or chili flakes for some extra flavor, and it always feels like a tiny celebration in a dish.
To serve, I like to scoop the eggs and melted feta onto warm toast or alongside fresh, crusty bread. It’s a lovely way to start the day or even enjoy a light dinner. Plus, it’s perfect for sharing—everyone seems to enjoy breaking into the cheesy eggs together!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Feta Cheese: This is the star of the dish, giving a creamy and tangy flavor. Use a good quality block feta for best results. If you want less salt or a milder taste, try fresh goat cheese or ricotta as substitutes.
Eggs: Fresh eggs work best here as they hold shape when baked. For a dairy-free option, you might try tofu scramble, but it won’t have the same rich texture.
Cherry Tomatoes: They add sweetness and juiciness. If unavailable, grape tomatoes or small plum tomatoes work well. Roasting them brings out natural sugars.
Olive Oil: I use extra virgin for the fruity flavor, but any mild oil will do. It adds richness and helps the feta soften without burning.
How Can You Ensure Perfectly Baked Eggs Without Overcooking?
Baking eggs takes care and timing to get just the right doneness. Here’s how I do it:
- Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F) so it’s ready for even cooking.
- Bake the feta and tomatoes first to soften and release flavors—about 12-15 minutes.
- Add eggs carefully around the feta without breaking yolks; you can make wells in the mixture to hold them.
- Bake again for 8-12 minutes, checking at the 8-minute mark to see if whites are set but yolks still runny.
- If you prefer firmer yolks, leave them in a few minutes longer but watch closely to avoid rubbery whites.
This two-step baking lets flavors meld and eggs cook gently with the cheese, resulting in soft, creamy yolks and tender whites. Using a shallow baking dish also helps eggs cook evenly. Serve right away for the best texture.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Ovenproof baking dish – I recommend a small ceramic or cast-iron dish that’s just the right size for this recipe. It holds everything together and heats evenly.
- Measuring spoons – helps you add herbs, oil, and spices accurately for consistent flavor.
- Small mixing spoon or spatula – for spreading and arranging the ingredients smoothly in the dish.
- Oven – obviously! A standard oven is perfect for baking the feta and eggs to perfection.
- Toothpick or fork (optional) – for checking if yolks are cooked to your liking without disturbing the whole dish.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap cherry tomatoes for roasted bell peppers or sun-dried tomatoes — they add sweetness and depth.
- Add cooked spinach, arugula, or kale before baking — great for extra greens and freshness.
- Incorporate cooked sausage slices, ham, or smoked salmon after baking for added protein.
- Sprinkle with feta herbs, fresh thyme, or oregano before baking to boost aromatics.
Baked Feta Eggs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 large eggs
- 200g (7 oz) block of feta cheese
- 10-12 cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or mixed Italian herbs
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Crushed red pepper flakes or smoked paprika (optional, for garnish)
- Toast or crusty bread, for serving
Time Needed
This recipe takes about 5 minutes to prepare and 20-27 minutes to bake, depending on how you like your eggs cooked. So, in total, plan for around 30 minutes from start to finish for a warm, comforting meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease a small ovenproof baking dish with olive oil. This helps keep the feta and tomatoes from sticking and adds a lovely depth of flavor.
2. Arrange Feta and Tomatoes
Place the block of feta cheese right in the center of your dish. Arrange the halved cherry tomatoes evenly around the feta. Drizzle olive oil over everything. If you’re using garlic and dried herbs, sprinkle them on top now.
3. Bake Feta and Tomatoes
Put the baking dish into the oven and bake for about 12–15 minutes until the tomatoes soften and the feta warms through but hasn’t fully melted. You’ll see the cheese soften nicely and the tomatoes getting juicy.
4. Add Eggs and Finish Baking
Carefully take the dish out and crack the eggs evenly around the feta and tomatoes, creating little wells if needed to catch the eggs. Return the dish to the oven for another 8–12 minutes. Bake until the egg whites are set but the yolks are still runny (adjust time if you prefer them firmer).
5. Season, Garnish, and Serve
Once baked to your liking, remove from the oven. Season with salt, black pepper, and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or smoked paprika if you like a bit of heat or smoky flavor. Finish with fresh chopped parsley or basil on top.
Serve your baked feta eggs immediately with warm toast or crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy your creamy, delicious meal!
Can I Use Frozen Feta for This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh, refrigerated feta for this dish. If you only have frozen feta, thaw it completely in the fridge overnight and drain any excess moisture before baking to avoid a watery dish.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
You can assemble the feta, tomatoes, and seasonings in the baking dish ahead of time and refrigerate for a few hours. Add the eggs and bake just before serving to keep the eggs fresh and perfectly cooked.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, but note that eggs may become firmer when reheated.
What Can I Serve With Baked Feta Eggs?
This dish pairs wonderfully with warm crusty bread, pita, or toast. A simple side salad or sautéed greens will also make it a more filling meal.