Baked Feta Orzo

Why Make This Recipe

Baked Feta Orzo is a delicious and easy dish that combines cheesy and savory flavors with a hint of freshness. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a fast yet satisfying meal. It uses simple ingredients that are easy to find and only takes a little effort to prepare. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy pasta with a twist!

How to Make Baked Feta Orzo

Ingredients:

• 8 oz orzo pasta
• 1 block (8 oz) feta cheese
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a baking dish, place the block of feta cheese in the center.
3. Surround the feta with halved cherry tomatoes.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the feta and tomatoes. Sprinkle with minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
5. Bake in the oven for about 30 minutes, or until the feta is soft and slightly golden.
6. While the feta and tomatoes are baking, cook the orzo according to package instructions until al dente.
7. Drain the orzo and add it to the baking dish after removing it from the oven.
8. Stir everything together until combined, and adjust seasoning if necessary.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving.

How to Serve Baked Feta Orzo

Baked Feta Orzo is best enjoyed warm. Serve it as a main dish or as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish. You can also pair it with a fresh salad for a complete meal. Feel free to add extra herbs or spices to enhance the flavor.

How to Store Baked Feta Orzo

If you have leftovers, you can store Baked Feta Orzo in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 3 to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or olive oil to help loosen it up.

Tips to Make Baked Feta Orzo

1. Use high-quality feta cheese for the best flavor.
2. Don’t skip the fresh herbs when garnishing, as they bring a fresh taste to the dish.
3. If you like it a bit spicy, add red pepper flakes when seasoning.
4. You can mix in other vegetables like spinach or zucchini for added nutrition.

Variation

You can make this recipe with different types of pasta, such as whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. For a creamier texture, you can stir in a spoonful of cream cheese or heavy cream after baking.

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, you can try using goat cheese or mozzarella instead of feta for a different flavor profile.

2. Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! This recipe is already vegetarian, as it contains no meat.

3. Can I make Baked Feta Orzo ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it a few hours in advance and bake it just before serving for a warm dish.

Baked Feta Orzo

Print Recipe

A delicious and easy dish combining cheesy and savory flavors with a hint of freshness, perfect for a fast yet satisfying meal.

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz orzo pasta
• 1 block (8 oz) feta cheese
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a baking dish, place the block of feta cheese in the center.
3. Surround the feta with halved cherry tomatoes.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the feta and tomatoes. Sprinkle with minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
5. Bake in the oven for about 30 minutes, or until the feta is soft and slightly golden.
6. While the feta and tomatoes are baking, cook the orzo according to package instructions until al dente.
7. Drain the orzo and add it to the baking dish after removing it from the oven.
8. Stir everything together until combined, and adjust seasoning if necessary.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving.

Notes

Use high-quality feta cheese for the best flavor. Don’t skip the fresh herbs when garnishing, as they bring a fresh taste to the dish.

• Author: jessica-baker
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: baked feta, orzo, easy pasta, vegetarian recipe, Mediterranean