First Step: PREPARE THE INGREDIENTS

To get started, you’ll need to prep your ingredients so they’re ready to go into the oven. This first step involves slicing the tomatoes, preparing the olives, and crumbling the feta cheese.

1. Slice the Tomatoes: Wash and slice the cherry tomatoes in half. If you’re using larger tomatoes, chop them into bite-sized pieces. The tomatoes will release their juices as they cook, adding flavor to the dish.
2. Prepare the Olives: If you’re using whole olives, pit them and slice them into rounds. Kalamata olives tend to be larger, so slicing them makes it easier to distribute the flavor throughout the dish.
3. Crumble the Feta: If you’re using a block of feta, crumble it into small pieces. This will help the cheese melt evenly as the dish bakes.

Second Step: SEASON THE INGREDIENTS

Once everything is prepped, it’s time to add the seasonings. This step brings all the ingredients together with Mediterranean-inspired spices and olive oil.

1. Toss with Olive Oil and Spices: In a medium baking dish or small cast-iron skillet, combine the halved tomatoes, sliced olives, and crumbled feta. Drizzle everything with extra virgin olive oil and toss to coat the ingredients evenly.
2. Add the Spices: Sprinkle the mixture with dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. The oregano brings that signature Mediterranean flavor, while the garlic powder adds an extra layer of savoriness to the dish. Toss everything together again to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
3. Optional Red Pepper Flakes: If you enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. The subtle spiciness pairs wonderfully with the creamy feta and tangy tomatoes.

Third Step: ADD THE EGGS

Now that your vegetables and feta are perfectly seasoned, it’s time to add the eggs. The eggs will bake right in the middle of the veggie mixture, turning creamy as they cook and absorbing all the flavors around them.

1. Make Wells for the Eggs: Use a spoon to make 4 small wells in the vegetable and cheese mixture. The wells should be deep enough to hold each egg without spilling over the edges.
2. Crack the Eggs: Gently crack one egg into each well. Be careful not to break the yolks, as they add a beautiful golden color to the dish when baked.
3. Season the Eggs: Sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper over each egg. If you like, you can also sprinkle a bit more oregano on top of the eggs to enhance the Mediterranean flavor.

Fourth Step: BAKE THE DISH

Baking is the final step, and it’s where all the magic happens. The eggs cook gently in the oven, while the feta cheese melts into the vegetables, creating a creamy, flavorful sauce.

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature allows the eggs to cook through while ensuring the tomatoes and feta get nicely roasted without overcooking.
2. Bake the Dish: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the egg whites are set but the yolks are still soft and runny. If you prefer your eggs well-done, bake them for an additional 2-3 minutes.
3. Check for Doneness: To check if the eggs are done, gently shake the dish. The whites should be firm, but the yolks should still jiggle slightly. If they need more time, return the dish to the oven and check again in 2-minute intervals.

Final Step: GARNISH AND SERVE

Once your Mediterranean Baked Feta Eggs are ready, it’s time to garnish and serve. The final touches elevate the dish, adding freshness, color, and flavor.

1. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: After removing the dish from the oven, sprinkle the eggs with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and freshness. The herbs bring a bright contrast to the richness of the eggs and feta.
2. Serve Immediately: Serve the dish immediately while it’s still warm. You can enjoy it as is or pair it with some crusty bread for dipping into the runny egg yolks.