Baked Feta Chickpeas Recipe
Introduction
This baked feta chickpeas dish is a flavorful and easy-to-make Mediterranean-inspired meal. Roasted cherry tomatoes, chickpeas, and creamy feta combine to create a warm, saucy delight perfect for serving with toasted bread.
Ingredients
- 16 oz. cherry tomatoes, stemmed and washed
- 1 (14.5-oz.) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 (4″ x 3″) block feta cheese (about 8 oz.)
- Fresh basil leaves, for serving
- Toasted bread, for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Arrange a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 400°F (200°C). In a 13″ x 9″ baking dish, toss the cherry tomatoes, chickpeas, garlic, olive oil, kosher salt, and crushed red pepper flakes. Season with freshly ground black pepper.
- Step 2: Roast the mixture until the tomatoes burst and begin to release their juices, about 15 minutes.
- Step 3: On a cutting board, use a sharp knife to cut the block of feta lengthwise into 4 planks, about 3/4″ thick. Nestle the feta planks into the tomato and chickpea mixture and drizzle with a little more olive oil.
- Step 4: Return the baking dish to the oven and roast until the feta softens and the tomatoes become saucy and fully burst, about 10 to 15 minutes more. Remove the dish from the oven and switch to the broiler setting.
- Step 5: Broil the dish for 2 to 3 minutes, watching closely, until the feta and tomatoes are blistered and slightly browned.
- Step 6: Remove from the oven, top with fresh basil leaves, and serve immediately with toasted bread on the side.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.
- Swap chickpeas with white beans or cannellini beans for a different texture.
- Add chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes for a more intense Mediterranean taste.
- Use a firm block of feta to ensure it holds its shape during roasting.
- Serve over cooked pasta or grains for a heartier meal.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or oven until warmed through. The baked feta and tomatoes may firm up after cooling, so warming helps restore the creamy texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?
Yes, you can use grape or other small tomatoes for similar results. If using larger tomatoes, cut them into bite-sized pieces to ensure they roast evenly.
Is this dish vegetarian or vegan?
This recipe is vegetarian since it includes feta cheese. To make it vegan, substitute the feta with a plant-based cheese alternative that holds up well when baked.
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Baked Feta Chickpeas Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Baked Feta Chickpeas recipe combines juicy roasted cherry tomatoes, tender chickpeas, and creamy feta cheese baked to perfection. Infused with garlic, olive oil, and a touch of red pepper flakes, this Mediterranean-inspired dish is garnished with fresh basil and served with toasted bread, making it a flavorful and easy-to-make appetizer or light meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Beans
- 16 oz. cherry tomatoes, stemmed, washed
- 1 (14.5-oz.) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
Seasonings and Oils
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 3/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Cheese
- 1 (4″ x 3″) block feta (about 8 oz.)
Garnish and Serving
- Fresh basil leaves
- Toasted bread, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Ingredients: Arrange a rack in the center of your oven and preheat it to 400°F (200°C). In a 13″ x 9″ baking dish, combine the cherry tomatoes, chickpeas, finely chopped garlic, 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, kosher salt, and crushed red pepper flakes. Season the mixture with freshly ground black pepper to your liking and toss everything gently to ensure even seasoning.
- Initial Roasting: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and roast the tomato and chickpea mixture until the tomatoes burst and begin releasing their juices, about 15 minutes. This step softens the tomatoes and infuses the flavors into the chickpeas.
- Prepare Feta: While the tomatoes roast, on a cutting board, use a sharp knife to slice the feta block lengthwise into 4 planks approximately 3/4″ thick. This will allow the feta to soften evenly during the next roasting phase.
- Add Feta and Continue Roasting: Remove the baking dish from the oven. Nestle the feta planks into the tomato and chickpea mixture, spacing them evenly. Drizzle additional olive oil over the top. Return the dish to the oven and continue roasting until the feta softens and the tomatoes are saucy and fully burst, about 10 to 15 minutes more.
- Broil for Texture: Once the feta is softened, remove the dish from the oven and switch your oven setting to broil. Place the dish under the broiler and watch carefully as the tomatoes and feta blister and brown slightly, about 2 to 3 minutes. This adds a wonderful texture and flavor contrast.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from the oven and immediately top the dish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of herbal freshness. Serve the baked feta chickpeas warm with toasted bread on the side to scoop up all the delicious juices and cheese.
Notes
- Use a baking dish size close to 13″ x 9″ to ensure even cooking.
- Be careful when broiling as the feta and tomatoes can burn quickly; stay attentive.
- For a spicier kick, increase the crushed red pepper flakes to 1/2 tsp.
- This dish can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or light main course.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: baked feta, chickpeas, roasted tomatoes, Mediterranean appetizer, vegetarian, easy baking recipe
