If you love easy, flavorful, and creamy pasta dishes, then this Baked Feta Orzo is about to become your new favorite recipe. Inspired by the viral baked feta trend, this dish takes it up a notch by pairing rich, tangy feta cheese with tender orzo, juicy tomatoes, and Mediterranean seasonings. The result? A meal that’s both incredibly delicious and effortless to make.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Just toss everything in a baking dish and let the oven do the work!
- Packed with Flavor: The combination of roasted feta, tomatoes, and Mediterranean spices creates a creamy and tangy sauce that coats the orzo beautifully.
- Customizable: Add in your favorite vegetables, proteins, or spice levels to make it your own.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish stores well and tastes even better the next day!
Let’s dive into the details and learn how to make this incredible baked feta orzo from scratch.
What is Baked Feta Orzo?
Baked Feta Orzo is a Mediterranean-inspired pasta dish where a block of feta cheese is roasted alongside vegetables until it becomes soft and creamy. Once baked, the feta is mashed together with the juicy tomatoes, olive oil, and seasonings to create a rich sauce. The cooked orzo is then tossed in, resulting in a creamy, comforting dish bursting with flavor.
This recipe is inspired by traditional Mediterranean flavors, particularly Greek cuisine, which often features feta cheese, olives, and fresh herbs. The baked feta trend originally took off as a simple dish with cherry tomatoes, but incorporating orzo makes it a complete, hearty meal.
Ingredients for Baked Feta Orzo
To make this baked feta orzo, you’ll need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 block (7-8 oz) feta cheese – The star of the show, creating the creamy, tangy base for the sauce.
- 1 ½ cups orzo pasta – Small, rice-shaped pasta that absorbs the flavors beautifully.
- 2 ½ cups vegetable or chicken broth – Helps cook the orzo with extra flavor.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved – Adds sweetness and juiciness when roasted.
- 1 small zucchini, diced (optional) – A great way to sneak in extra veggies.
- ½ cup roasted red peppers, chopped – Brings a smoky sweetness to the dish.
- ¼ cup Kalamata olives, sliced – For that salty, briny contrast.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – Because everything is better with garlic!
- 2 tbsp olive oil – Adds richness and helps the vegetables roast properly.
- 1 tsp dried oregano – A classic Mediterranean herb.
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional) – Adds a little heat.
- ¼ tsp black pepper – For a touch of spice.
- ½ tsp salt – Adjust according to your feta’s saltiness.
- ¼ cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped – For freshness and garnish.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan (optional) – If you love extra cheesiness!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating up, chop your cherry tomatoes, zucchini, roasted red peppers, and olives. Mince the garlic.
Step 2: Assemble the Baking Dish
Take a large oven-safe baking dish and add the cherry tomatoes, zucchini, roasted red peppers, olives, and garlic. Drizzle everything with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season with oregano, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and salt. Toss everything together so the flavors are evenly distributed.
Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the dish, nestling it among the vegetables. Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the feta for extra creaminess.
Step 3: Bake the Feta and Vegetables
Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes. The tomatoes should be soft and bursting, and the feta should look golden and slightly melted.
Step 4: Cook the Orzo
While the feta is baking, bring 2 ½ cups of broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the orzo and cook until it’s tender (about 8-10 minutes). Drain any excess liquid if needed.
Step 5: Mash the Feta and Combine
Once the baking dish is out of the oven, use a fork or spoon to mash the feta and roasted veggies together, creating a creamy sauce.
Add the cooked orzo directly into the dish and stir well to combine everything. The residual heat will help the flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Top the baked feta orzo with fresh basil or parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips & Tricks for the Best Baked Feta Orzo
- Use High-Quality Feta: Greek feta in brine will give the creamiest texture and best flavor.
- Roast Longer for More Flavor: If you have time, roasting for an extra 5-10 minutes deepens the flavors.
- Add Protein: For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
- Make it Spicy: If you love heat, add extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil.
- Store & Reheat: This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to loosen it up.
Variations to Try
1. Mediterranean Baked Feta Orzo
Add sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes, and capers for an extra Mediterranean touch.
2. Creamy Spinach & Feta Orzo
Stir in a handful of fresh baby spinach at the end for added greens and creaminess.
3. Lemon Herb Orzo
Mix in lemon zest and fresh thyme for a zesty, bright flavor.
4. Spicy Chorizo & Feta Orzo
Brown some chorizo or Italian sausage and mix it in for a spicy, smoky kick.
Final Thoughts
Baked Feta Orzo is one of those recipes that feels gourmet but requires minimal effort. It’s creamy, comforting, and packed with bold Mediterranean flavors. Whether you serve it as a weeknight dinner, meal prep option, or side dish for a gathering, this dish is sure to impress.
Give this recipe a try and let me know how you liked it! What’s your favorite way to customize Baked Feta Orzo? Share your thoughts in the comments below! 🍽️😋