Baked Eggs with Tomatoes and Feta Cheese — A Mediterranean Breakfast Classic Made Simple
Few breakfasts strike the perfect balance between comfort and sophistication quite like baked eggs with tomatoes and feta cheese. With its sunny eggs, tangy feta, and sweet roasted tomatoes bubbling in olive oil, this dish captures the spirit of Mediterranean cooking — simple ingredients transformed into something deeply satisfying.
Whether you’re serving brunch to friends, preparing a weekend breakfast in bed, or looking for a protein-packed weekday meal, this recipe brings warmth, freshness, and vibrant flavour to the table. Even better, it’s ready in under 30 minutes and requires minimal effort, making it ideal for both novice and experienced home cooks.
A Mediterranean Inspiration: Where This Dish Comes From
The combination of baked eggs with tomatoes and feta cheese takes its roots from Greek and Middle Eastern cuisines. Known locally as “Bouyourdi” in parts of Greece or reminiscent of “Shakshuka” in the Levant, the dish celebrates regional staples — ripe tomatoes, briny cheese, and eggs — all baked together in harmony.
Each country puts its own spin on it. In Greece, you’ll often find feta and oregano leading the flavours; in Turkey, you might taste red peppers and chili; in Israel, the version leans toward shakshuka with spicy tomato sauce. The version we’ll explore today brings together the creamy richness of feta and the juiciness of cherry tomatoes, all baked with eggs to create a delightful fusion of textures and tastes.
Why You’ll Love Baked Eggs with Tomatoes and Feta Cheese
- Quick and easy: No complicated techniques or special equipment — just one pan and a hot oven.
- Nutritious: Packed with protein, calcium, and antioxidants, this dish fuels your day without weighing you down.
- Versatile: It’s equally at home as a breakfast, lunch, or light dinner. Pair it with crusty bread or a side salad, and you have a complete meal.
- Customisable: Add spinach, olives, roasted peppers, or herbs to suit your taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the step-by-step process, gather your simple Mediterranean pantry essentials:
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (or 3 medium ripe tomatoes, chopped)
- 100g feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano (or fresh herbs like thyme or basil)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Chilli flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
- Fresh parsley or dill, for garnish
- Crusty bread or pita, to serve
These ingredients are staples in most kitchens and can easily be adapted — for instance, swapping feta with goat cheese or adding a handful of spinach for extra greens.
Step-by-Step Procedure
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly oil a small ovenproof skillet or baking dish.
While the oven heats, halve your cherry tomatoes and mince your garlic. Fresh, ripe tomatoes are key — they create a sweet, juicy base that complements the salty feta perfectly.
Step 2: Roast the Tomatoes
In your prepared baking dish, combine the tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Roast in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
This roasting step deepens the flavour, caramelising the natural sugars in the tomatoes and infusing the oil with garlicky aroma.
Step 3: Add the Feta
Remove the dish from the oven and scatter the crumbled feta cheese evenly over the tomatoes. The feta will begin to melt slightly, creating creamy pockets that balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
Step 4: Crack the Eggs
Using a spoon, make small wells in the tomato-feta mixture and gently crack the eggs into each space. Be careful not to break the yolks.
Season lightly with salt (remember, feta is already salty) and sprinkle with black pepper and optional chilli flakes.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Return the dish to the oven and bake for 8–12 minutes, depending on how you like your eggs.
- For runny yolks, bake for about 8 minutes.
- For firm yolks, go up to 12 minutes.
Keep an eye on them — the eggs should be just set, with the whites opaque but the yolks still slightly jiggly.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, remove from the oven and let it rest for a minute. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or dill for a burst of colour and freshness.
Serve hot with toasted sourdough, pita, or flatbread to scoop up the delicious sauce. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on top adds the final Mediterranean touch.
Pro Tips for Perfect Baked Eggs
- Use room-temperature eggs: They bake more evenly than cold ones.
- Choose good feta: Authentic Greek feta (made from sheep’s milk) melts beautifully and gives a rich, tangy kick.
- Avoid overbaking: Eggs continue to cook slightly even after removal from the oven.
- Add greens: Toss in spinach or kale just before adding eggs for extra nutrients and colour.
- Try different herbs: Fresh basil, oregano, or even mint can elevate the dish’s aroma.
Variations to Try
- Spicy Baked Eggs: Add harissa paste or a pinch of smoked paprika to the tomato base.
- Green Goodness: Stir in baby spinach or kale before baking.
- Cheese Swap: Replace feta with goat cheese or ricotta for a milder flavour.
- Meaty Twist: Add diced chorizo or prosciutto for a protein boost.
- Vegan Option: Skip the eggs and use crumbled tofu with nutritional yeast and turmeric for a vegan “scramble” effect.
Nutritional Benefits
This recipe doesn’t just taste good — it’s nutrient-dense and balanced.
- Eggs are an excellent source of protein, vitamin D, and choline, essential for brain health.
- Tomatoes provide lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to heart health.
- Feta cheese contributes calcium and probiotics, supporting bone and gut health.
- Olive oil delivers healthy monounsaturated fats and enhances nutrient absorption.
Together, these ingredients make baked eggs with tomatoes and feta cheese a wholesome meal suitable for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner.
Serving Ideas
To make your dish even more appealing, pair it with:
- Avocado slices and a sprinkle of chilli flakes for creaminess.
- Greek salad on the side for a complete Mediterranean spread.
- Freshly brewed coffee or herbal tea for a perfect morning start.
If you’re hosting brunch, serve this dish straight from the oven in a cast-iron skillet — it looks rustic and inviting, and the sizzling sound is guaranteed to impress your guests.
Why This Dish Belongs in Your Weekly Rotation
There’s something incredibly comforting about spooning into soft, baked eggs mingled with juicy tomatoes and salty feta. The dish embodies everything we love about Mediterranean food — freshness, colour, and simplicity.
It’s also budget-friendly, using everyday ingredients to create something that feels restaurant-worthy. Plus, it scales easily: you can double the quantities for a crowd or bake individual servings in ramekins.
In just 25 minutes, you’ll have a warm, nourishing meal that brings sunshine to your table — even on the gloomiest of mornings.
Final Thoughts
Baked eggs with tomatoes and feta cheese remind us that great cooking doesn’t require complexity — just quality ingredients and care. Whether you’re seeking a quick weekday breakfast, a weekend brunch showstopper, or a light dinner packed with flavour, this dish delivers every time.
So next time you crave something hearty yet healthy, reach for a few eggs, some tomatoes, and a block of feta. Let the oven do the magic — and enjoy the aroma of the Mediterranean filling your kitchen.