Baked Feta Orzo is a tasty and fun dish that’s easy to make! It features creamy feta cheese, tender orzo pasta, and colorful veggies, all baked together for a wonderful flavor.
Who knew baking feta could be this amazing? The cheese gets all melty and delicious! I love serving it with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top. It feels like a warm hug on a plate! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Orzo Pasta: This tiny pasta is great for this dish, but if you don’t have it, you can use other small pasta types like couscous, quinoa, or even rice. Just keep an eye on the cooking times!
Feta Cheese: Feta gives a wonderful creamy texture. If you’re dairy-free, try vegan feta or a cream cheese alternative. Be aware that flavor will differ, but it still adds richness to the dish.
Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet cherry tomatoes are ideal, but you can use grape tomatoes or even larger tomatoes diced up. Canned tomatoes in juices can work too, but they might not have the same fresh burst.
Olive Oil: This is essential for flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, avocado oil works well too. Avoid using strongly flavored oils that might overpower the dish.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for its sharp aroma. If you’re out, garlic powder can be a substitute—just adjust to taste since it’s more concentrated.
How Do I Ensure My Orzo is Tender and Flavorful?
The key to perfectly cooked orzo lies in your liquid amount and timing. Using vegetable broth instead of water adds depth to the flavor. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Ensure your orzo is evenly coated with the ingredients before adding the liquid.
- Start with just enough broth or water to cover the orzo, as this helps it absorb flavor while cooking.
- Give it a good stir before baking to mix everything nicely, making sure nothing sticks to the bottom.
- Keep an eye on it while it bakes; if it looks dry but isn’t cooked through, add a bit more liquid and return to the oven.
How to Make Baked Feta Orzo
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 200g (about 1 cup) orzo pasta
- 200g block of feta cheese
- 250g cherry tomatoes
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley, basil, or thyme), chopped – about 2 tbsp
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful baked feta orzo takes about 10 minutes for prep and 30-35 minutes for baking, so plan for around 45-50 minutes in total. It’s a mostly hands-off dish while it bakes in the oven, giving you time to unwind or prepare a side salad!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (390°F). This ensures your dish cooks evenly and gets that lovely roasted flavor.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish:
In a large baking dish, add the orzo pasta. Nestle the block of feta cheese right in the center of the dish. This will be the star of our meal!
3. Add the Cherry Tomatoes:
Now, arrange the cherry tomatoes around the feta cheese. Feel free to halve some tomatoes if you’d like for an extra burst of flavor!
4. Season the Ingredients:
Sprinkle the minced garlic, dried oregano, and chili flakes (if you like a bit of heat) evenly over the tomatoes, feta, and orzo. This is where the flavor magic begins!
5. Drizzle with Oil:
Next, drizzle about 1/4 cup of olive oil generously over the entire dish, making sure everything gets a lovely coating.
6. Add the Liquid:
Pour 1 1/2 cups of water or vegetable broth into the baking dish, trying to cover the orzo while keeping the other ingredients intact. This helps the orzo cook perfectly!
7. Season to Taste:
Don’t forget to season with a little salt and freshly ground black pepper, but remember that feta cheese can be salty, so be cautious!
8. Bake to Perfection:
Place the baking dish uncovered in the oven for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
9. Stir It All Together:
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven. Give everything a gentle stir, breaking up the feta cheese to coat the orzo and cherry tomatoes with its creamy goodness.
10. Finish & Garnish:
If using, drizzle in some lemon juice for that extra zing! Finally, garnish with your fresh herbs and drizzle a bit more olive oil if you desire.
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the baked feta orzo warm as a comforting main dish or a delightful side. It’s creamy, bursting with flavors, and oh-so-comforting!
This recipe creates a creamy, flavorful dish with roasted feta and sweet bursting tomatoes complementing the tender orzo pasta. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Orzo or Another Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! Whole wheat orzo is a great healthier option and will work just as well. If you want to use a different type of pasta, just ensure it’s a similar size and adjust the cooking time based on the pasta instructions.
Is It Possible to Substitute Feta Cheese?
Yes! If you’re looking for dairy-free options, vegan feta or cream cheese can be used. Keep in mind the flavor profile will change slightly, but it will still create a creamy texture.
How Long Will Leftovers Last?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth to revive the creaminess if needed.
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
You can prep all the ingredients and assemble the dish in advance, then cover it and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just allow it to rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking so it heats evenly.
