Looking for a cozy, flavor-packed brunch idea that’s easy to whip up yet feels a bit fancy? These Tomato and Feta Baked Eggs are just the thing! With juicy tomatoes, creamy feta, and perfectly baked eggs, this dish is bursting with Mediterranean flavors that are perfect for a relaxing weekend morning. Serve it straight from the oven with some crusty bread, and you’ve got a warm, comforting meal that everyone will love. Not only does it bring a beautiful array of colors to your table, but the combination of flavors—sweet, tangy, creamy, and savory—will keep you coming back for more. Plus, the recipe is simple enough that you can easily tweak it to suit your taste or whatever ingredients you have on hand.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion (finely diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (or use fresh tomatoes; see FAQs)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin (optional, for added warmth)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 4 large eggs
- Chopped fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
- Crusty bread or pita (for serving)
- 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper (optional, for extra crunch)
- 1/4 cup chopped spinach or kale (optional, for added greens)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions:
1: Prepare the Tomato Mixture
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In an oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until softened and translucent. The onion adds a sweetness that balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), dried oregano, smoked paprika, cumin (if using), salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld together. If you want a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes at this stage.
- Tip: If using fresh tomatoes, let them cook down a bit longer to release their juices and concentrate the flavor.
- If desired, stir in the chopped bell pepper and spinach or kale. This adds extra nutrition, color, and flavor to the dish.
2: Add the Eggs and Feta
- Make four small wells in the tomato mixture and carefully crack an egg into each well. Take care not to break the yolk, unless you prefer scrambled-style eggs.
- Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly over the skillet. The feta adds a creamy, salty element that pairs perfectly with the tomatoes and eggs.
- Season the eggs with a bit of salt and pepper. If you want a touch more spice, you can also sprinkle a bit more red pepper flakes on top.
3: Bake the Eggs
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the egg whites are set but the yolks are still a bit runny (or cook longer if you prefer firmer yolks).
- Tip: Keep a close eye on the eggs to make sure they reach your desired doneness without overcooking. The yolks should be just set enough to dip into, creating a creamy sauce-like consistency when mixed with the tomato base.
- If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can transfer the tomato mixture to a greased baking dish before cracking in the eggs and baking.
4: Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the skillet from the oven and let it cool slightly. The skillet will be very hot, so let it rest for a minute or two before serving.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil for a burst of color and freshness. Fresh herbs add brightness that elevates the dish.
- Serve warm with slices of crusty bread or pita to scoop up all the delicious tomato and feta goodness. You can also add a small drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on top for added richness.
- Tip: For a complete brunch spread, serve with a simple green salad, fresh fruit, or even a few slices of avocado on the side.
Notes & Variations:
- Add More Veggies: You can add diced bell peppers, baby spinach, kale, or even mushrooms to the tomato mixture for extra flavor and nutrition. This makes the dish heartier and perfect for veggie lovers.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños to give the dish a kick. You can also use harissa paste for a smoky, spicy flavor.
- Different Cheeses: Swap feta for goat cheese or ricotta for a creamier texture. Parmesan also works well for a more savory, salty kick.
- Protein Boost: Add cooked sausage, chorizo, or crumbled bacon to the tomato mixture before adding the eggs for a heartier dish. You could even add chickpeas for a vegetarian protein boost.
- Herb Variations: Fresh thyme, rosemary, or dill can be added along with the oregano for an herbaceous twist. These herbs complement the tomatoes beautifully and add complexity to the dish.
- Extra Flavor: For added depth, stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste to the tomato mixture while it simmers. It will thicken the sauce and add a richer tomato flavor.
Time Required:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Additional Time for Variations: If adding extra veggies or proteins, allow an extra 5-10 minutes for preparation and cooking.
Nutritional Info (per serving):
- Calories: 210
- Carbs: 8g
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
Chef’s Notes:
This dish is perfect for a leisurely weekend brunch, but it’s also easy enough for a weeknight dinner. The combination of tangy tomatoes, briny feta, and creamy baked eggs is truly irresistible. The trick to perfect baked eggs is keeping an eye on them—you want those yolks to be just right for dipping that crusty bread!
Feel free to experiment with your favorite herbs and spices—fresh thyme or rosemary would add a lovely aromatic touch, while cumin brings warmth and depth. If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can transfer the tomato mixture to a baking dish before adding the eggs. This dish is also highly versatile and can be tailored to your preferences or what you have available in your pantry.
For an extra touch, you could top the finished dish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or some freshly grated lemon zest. The acidity balances the richness of the feta and eggs, making the dish feel light and bright. Additionally, a side of crispy roasted potatoes can make this an even heartier brunch spread.
FAQs
- Can fresh tomatoes be used instead of canned ones? Yes, absolutely! You can use about 4-5 medium ripe tomatoes, diced, instead of canned tomatoes. Just be sure to let them cook down a bit longer to release their juices and thicken up. Fresh tomatoes will add a slightly lighter, fresher flavor to the dish.
- Can I make this dish dairy-free? Yes, you can. You could also add more veggies to make up for the missing cheese. Nutritional yeast is a great option to sprinkle on top for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
- What can I serve with this dish? This dish goes perfectly with crusty bread, or even naan. You can also serve it alongside a simple green salad for a complete meal. A side of roasted potatoes or a small bowl of yogurt with herbs can also make a great accompaniment.
- Can I make this in advance? This dish is best served fresh, but you can prepare the tomato mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply reheat the mixture, add the eggs, and bake as directed. Preparing the tomato base ahead of time makes it easy to serve a fresh, hot meal with minimal effort.
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How can I adjust the consistency of the tomato mixture? If you prefer a thicker consistency, let the tomato mixture simmer a bit longer until most of the liquid evaporates. For a saucier base, you can add a splash of vegetable or chicken broth.
- What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet? No problem! You can cook the tomato mixture in a regular skillet, then transfer it to a baking dish before cracking in the eggs and baking. Just be sure to grease the baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Can I use other herbs instead of oregano? Yes, fresh herbs like thyme, basil, rosemary, or even dill work beautifully in this dish. You can also use a mix of herbs for more complexity. Italian seasoning is a great all-purpose option if you want to keep things simple.
- Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, the baked eggs themselves are naturally gluten-free. However, be mindful of any sides or accompaniments you plan to serve with it. If you want to keep the meal fully gluten-free, consider pairing it with gluten-free bread, pita, or even a side of fresh gluten-free salad. This way, everyone, including those with gluten sensitivities, can enjoy the dish fully! - Can I use cherry tomatoes?
Absolutely! Cherry tomatoes make a wonderful addition. Just cut them in half for the best results, allowing their sweet and tangy flavors to meld beautifully into the dish. They’ll add a lovely pop of color and enhance the freshness of each bite.