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To make the Feta Tomato Orzo Bake, you need a few simple and fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need: - 1 ½ cups orzo pasta - 3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Each ingredient plays an important role in this dish. The orzo pasta gives a nice bite and texture. Cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness. Feta cheese brings creaminess and tang. Olive oil helps blend the flavors together, while garlic adds a kick. Dried oregano and basil give a nice herby taste. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes for a spicy touch. Don’t forget salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors. Finally, fresh basil leaves make a beautiful garnish that brightens the dish. Gather these ingredients, and you're ready to create a flavorful meal that is both simple and satisfying. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key to cooking the dish right. While the oven heats, grab a large pot and fill it with water. Add salt to the water, then bring it to a boil. Once the water bubbles, add 1 ½ cups of orzo pasta. Cook it until it's al dente, following the package's instructions. Drain the orzo and set it aside. Make sure the orzo is not overcooked, as it will bake more in the oven. In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of halved cherry tomatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add in 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon of dried basil. If you like some heat, toss in ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Season the mix with salt and pepper to taste. Carefully toss everything together until the tomatoes are evenly coated. Next, add the cooked orzo and 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese. Gently mix until all the ingredients blend well. Now it's time to bake! Transfer your mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly across the dish. Cover it with aluminum foil and place it in your preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together. After 20 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Bake for an additional 10 minutes. This is when the tomatoes will blister, and the feta will turn slightly golden. Once done, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves to add a nice touch. To get the best flavor in your Feta Tomato Orzo Bake, use ripe cherry tomatoes. Their natural sweetness boosts taste. Fresh garlic adds a strong, bold flavor, so don't skip it. I recommend using high-quality feta cheese for a rich, creamy texture. A drizzle of olive oil enhances all the flavors. Don’t forget the herbs! Dried oregano and basil bring warmth. For a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes. Mix everything well to blend the flavors. One common mistake is overcooking the orzo. Cook it just until al dente, so it remains firm. If you skip draining the orzo, it can make the dish watery. Be sure to mix the feta gently to avoid crumbling it too much. When baking, cover the dish with foil. This keeps moisture in and helps cook the tomatoes evenly. Remove the foil to get that nice, golden top at the end. Always taste before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad. A mix of greens with a light vinaigrette balances the richness. You can also serve it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices. For drinks, a chilled white wine is perfect. If you want a heartier meal, add grilled chicken or shrimp on the side. Fresh basil leaves on top add a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your meal with family or friends for a cozy dinner. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cherry tomatoes and high-quality feta cheese will elevate the flavor of your dish. Don’t Overcook the Orzo: Cook the orzo until al dente to ensure it maintains a good texture after baking. Customize Your Herbs: Feel free to experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary for a unique flavor profile. Let It Rest: Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes after baking; it helps the flavors meld together beautifully. {{image_2}} You can switch feta for other cheeses. Try goat cheese for a tangy twist. Mozzarella melts well and gives a creamy texture. Parmesan adds a nutty flavor. Each cheese brings its own taste. Experiment and find your favorite! Want to make this dish heartier? Add protein! Cooked chicken or shrimp works great. You could also use chickpeas or white beans for a veggie option. Just mix them in with the orzo and tomatoes. This adds protein and keeps it filling. Make this dish even more colorful! Add seasonal veggies like zucchini or bell peppers. Spinach or kale can give a nice green touch. Just chop them up and toss them in. This not only boosts flavor but also adds nutrition. Enjoy your creative spin on this recipe! After you enjoy your Feta Tomato Orzo Bake, store leftovers in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors fresh and prevents drying out. Let the dish cool down before sealing it. You can keep it in the fridge for up to four days. When you’re ready to eat, just take it out and reheat. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the Feta Tomato Orzo Bake cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. You can also use freezer bags for easy storage. It will stay good in the freezer for about three months. To thaw, move it to the fridge a day before you plan to eat it. To reheat, you can use the oven or the microwave. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the dish in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and heat for about 15 to 20 minutes. This keeps it moist. If using the microwave, put a serving on a plate and heat for 1 to 2 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even warming. Enjoy the great taste again! You can store Feta Tomato Orzo Bake in the fridge for up to five days. Make sure to place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. The flavors can meld together over time, making it even better. When ready to eat, check for any signs of spoilage before reheating. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Prepare the Feta Tomato Orzo Bake up to a day in advance. Just follow the recipe steps but stop before baking. Cover the dish tightly and place it in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, bake it straight from the fridge. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time. If you need a substitute for feta cheese, try using goat cheese or ricotta. Goat cheese has a similar tangy flavor, while ricotta is creamier. You can also use cottage cheese for a lighter option. Keep in mind that these cheeses will change the dish's texture and taste, but they will still be delicious! This dish of Feta Tomato Orzo Bake uses simple ingredients to create great taste. We preheat, cook, and mix everything for perfect flavor. I shared tips to avoid mistakes and ways to add your twist. Always store leftovers properly and reheat with care. This recipe is fun to make and delicious to eat. Enjoy every bite and feel free to experiment! Happy cooking with your new favorite dish.

Feta Tomato Orzo Bake

A delicious baked dish featuring orzo pasta, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 cups orzo pasta
  • 3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • for garnish Fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the orzo until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat the tomatoes evenly.
  • Add the cooked orzo and crumbled feta cheese to the tomato mixture. Gently mix until well combined.
  • Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
  • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the tomatoes are blistered and the feta is slightly golden.
  • Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Notes

Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Keyword bake, feta, orzo, tomato