Baked Tomato & Feta Rice Recipe

The first time I pulled this Baked Tomato & Feta Rice from the oven, my kitchen was instantly filled with the most intoxicating aroma – a Mediterranean dream of sweet, roasted tomatoes, tangy feta, and fragrant herbs. My family, usually scattered around the house, gravitated towards the kitchen, drawn by the promise of something truly special. And special it was! The rice, perfectly fluffy and infused with tomato juices and savory broth, was studded with creamy, melted feta and bursts of sweet cherry tomatoes. It was an instant hit, a chorus of “mmmms” and “wows” around the dinner table. What I loved most, apart from the incredible flavor, was its sheer simplicity. A true one-pan wonder, it minimized cleanup while maximizing taste, quickly earning a permanent spot in our weekly meal rotation. It’s comforting, elegant enough for guests, yet easy enough for a weeknight. This dish isn’t just food; it’s an experience – one I’m thrilled to share with you.

Baked Tomato & Feta Rice: A Mediterranean Dream

This Baked Tomato & Feta Rice recipe is your new go-to for a flavorful, satisfying, and impressively easy meal. Inspired by the viral baked feta pasta trend, this rice-based version offers a delightful twist, combining the creamy saltiness of feta, the sweetness of roasted tomatoes, and the comforting texture of perfectly cooked rice, all baked together in one dish for minimal fuss and maximum flavor. It’s a vibrant, aromatic, and utterly delicious centerpiece that’s as perfect for a busy weeknight dinner as it is for entertaining guests.

Complete Recipe: Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these simple yet powerful ingredients to create a dish that sings with Mediterranean flavors. Using high-quality components will elevate the final taste, so choose the best you can.

• For the Rice Bake:
  • Long-Grain White Rice: 1.5 cups (e.g., Basmati or Jasmine), rinsed thoroughly until water runs clear
  • Cherry or Grape Tomatoes: 2 pints (about 4 cups or 600g), left whole
  • Feta Cheese: 1 block (8 ounces / 225g), preferably Greek, kept whole
  • Vegetable Broth or Chicken Broth: 3 cups, low sodium
  • Yellow Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
  • Garlic: 4-5 cloves, minced
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 1/4 cup, plus extra for drizzling
  • Dried Oregano: 2 teaspoons
  • Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 teaspoon (or to taste, optional for a little heat)
  • Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (adjust to taste, as feta and broth can be salty)
  • Freshly Ground Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
• For Garnish (Optional but Recommended):
  • Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup, chopped
  • Fresh Dill: 2 tablespoons, chopped
  • Lemon Zest: From 1 lemon
  • A squeeze of Fresh Lemon Juice

Instructions: Crafting Your Baked Tomato & Feta Rice

Follow these steps carefully to achieve perfectly fluffy rice, tender tomatoes, and creamy feta.

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Select a 9×13 inch baking dish or a similar-sized oven-safe casserole dish.
2. Sauté Aromatics (Optional, but adds depth): In a small skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once shimmering, add the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant. Scrape this mixture into your baking dish. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step and add the raw onion and garlic directly to the baking dish, though sautéing enhances their sweetness.
3. Combine Ingredients: To the baking dish with the (sautéed or raw) aromatics, add the rinsed long-grain white rice, cherry or grape tomatoes, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and the remaining olive oil (reserving about 1 tablespoon of the 1/4 cup for drizzling over the feta). Stir everything together gently to combine, ensuring the rice is mostly submerged in the broth.
4. Nestle the Feta: Create a well in the center of the rice and tomato mixture. Place the whole block of feta cheese into this well. Drizzle the reserved tablespoon of olive oil over the feta block and sprinkle a little extra oregano on top if desired.
5. Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This is crucial for steaming the rice properly. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes.
6. Uncover and Continue Baking: Carefully remove the foil (watch out for steam!). The rice should have absorbed most of the liquid, and the tomatoes will have started to soften. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 10-15 minutes. This allows the feta to become golden and slightly crispy on the edges, and the tomatoes to burst and caramelize further. The rice should be tender and all the liquid absorbed. If it still looks a bit too wet, you can bake for an additional 5 minutes.
7. Rest and Fluff: Once out of the oven, let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes, covered loosely with the foil or a clean kitchen towel. This allows the rice to finish steaming and set.
8. Mix and Serve: Using a fork or spoon, break up the block of baked feta and gently stir it into the rice and tomatoes. The feta will become creamy and coat the rice beautifully, while the burst tomatoes release their sweet juices.
9. Garnish and Enjoy: Sprinkle generously with fresh parsley, dill, and lemon zest. A final squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the top brightens all the flavors. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: This recipe generously serves 4-6 people as a main course, or 6-8 as a side dish.
• Calories per serving (approximate): Approximately 450-550 calories per serving, based on 6 main course servings. This can vary depending on the exact ingredients used (e.g., type of broth, fat content of feta).

Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients, brands, and portion sizes.

Preparation Time

Understanding the time commitment helps plan your meal prep efficiently.

• Active Preparation Time: 15-20 minutes (rinsing rice, chopping onion/garlic, assembling ingredients).
• Baking Time: 45-55 minutes.
• Resting Time: 5-10 minutes.
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 25 minutes.

How to Serve Your Baked Tomato & Feta Rice

This versatile dish can be enjoyed in numerous ways. Here are some ideas:

• As a Standalone Vegetarian Main Course:
  • Its rich flavors and satisfying textures make it a complete meal on its own.
  • Serve with a simple side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to add freshness.
  • A dollop of tzatziki or plain Greek yogurt on the side can provide a cool contrast.
• As a Hearty Side Dish:
  • Grilled or Roasted Meats: Pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken breast or thighs, lamb chops, or roasted salmon.
  • Seafood: Excellent alongside pan-seared shrimp or baked white fish like cod or halibut.
  • Kebabs: Serve with chicken, lamb, or vegetable skewers.
• For a Mediterranean Feast:
  • Include it as part of a larger mezze spread with hummus, pita bread, olives, and stuffed grape leaves.
• Garnish Power:
  • Fresh Herbs: Don’t skimp on fresh parsley, dill, or even mint. They add brightness and visual appeal.
  • Citrus: A squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of lemon zest right before serving elevates the flavors.
  • Olives: Kalamata olives, sliced or whole, can be stirred in after baking or sprinkled on top for an extra salty, briny kick.
  • Toasted Pine Nuts: For added crunch and nutty flavor.
• With Breads:
  • Crusty bread or warm pita bread is perfect for mopping up any delicious juices.

Additional Tips for a Perfect Bake

Elevate your Baked Tomato & Feta Rice with these expert suggestions:

1. Quality of Feta Matters: Use good quality Greek feta packed in brine if possible. It tends to be creamier and has a more complex, tangy flavor than pre-crumbled varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents that can affect melting. Sheep’s milk feta is particularly prized for its richness.
2. Rinse Your Rice Thoroughly: This step is crucial! Rinsing removes excess starch from the surface of the rice grains. Too much starch can result in gummy or sticky rice. Rinse under cold running water until the water runs clear. This ensures fluffy, separate grains.
3. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Ensure your baking dish is large enough to allow the rice to cook evenly and the tomatoes to roast rather than steam excessively in the initial covered phase. A 9×13 inch dish is ideal for the quantities specified.
4. Taste and Adjust Seasoning Before Serving: While the recipe provides salt guidelines, the saltiness of your broth and feta can vary significantly. After mixing the baked feta and tomatoes into the rice, give it a taste. You might need an extra pinch of salt or a more generous squeeze of lemon juice to make the flavors pop.
5. Embrace the Browning: The final 10-15 minutes of uncovered baking are key for developing deeper flavors. Don’t be afraid to let the feta get some golden-brown spots and the tomatoes to char slightly. This caramelization adds complexity.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Tomato & Feta Rice

There are countless reasons why this dish will become a staple in your kitchen.

• Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of sweet roasted tomatoes, salty and tangy feta, aromatic garlic and oregano, and perfectly cooked rice is simply irresistible. Each bite is a burst of Mediterranean sunshine.
• Effortlessly Easy: This is a true “dump and bake” style recipe (with an optional quick sauté). Minimal active cooking time means you can focus on other things while it bakes to perfection.
• One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes mean less cleanup! Everything cooks together in a single baking dish, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Versatile: Serve it as a vegetarian main, a hearty side dish, or part of a larger spread. It adapts beautifully to various dietary preferences and meal contexts. (See variations below).
• Visually Appealing: The vibrant colors of the red tomatoes, white feta, and green herbs make this a beautiful dish to present at the table, impressive enough for guests.
• Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level, add more vegetables, or incorporate different herbs to suit your taste.

A Closer Look at the Star Ingredients

Understanding the role of each key ingredient can help you appreciate the harmony of flavors in this dish.

• Tomatoes (Cherry or Grape): These small tomatoes are ideal because they burst during baking, releasing their sweet juices directly into the rice. Their skins also add a pleasant textural element. Roasting intensifies their natural sweetness and creates a beautiful jammy consistency.
• Feta Cheese: This brined curd cheese, traditionally from Greece, is the heart of the dish’s creamy, tangy profile. When baked whole, it softens and becomes spreadable, then melts beautifully into the hot rice. Its salty kick balances the sweetness of the tomatoes.
• Long-Grain White Rice (Basmati/Jasmine): These varieties are known for cooking up fluffy and separate, which is perfect for absorbing the flavors of the broth, tomatoes, and feta without becoming mushy. Basmati offers a slightly nutty aroma, while Jasmine is more floral.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Not just a cooking medium, good quality EVOO adds a fruity, peppery note that complements the other Mediterranean ingredients. It helps the tomatoes caramelize and the feta brown.
• Garlic and Onion: These aromatics form the foundational flavor base, providing a savory depth that permeates the entire dish. Sautéing them briefly before baking enhances their sweetness.
• Dried Oregano: A classic Mediterranean herb, oregano adds a warm, earthy, and slightly pungent flavor that is synonymous with Greek and Italian cuisine.
• Vegetable or Chicken Broth: Using broth instead of water infuses the rice with significantly more flavor from the outset. Choose a low-sodium version to better control the overall saltiness.

Creative Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, feel free to experiment with these delicious variations:

1. Add More Veggies:
   • Spinach or Kale: Stir in a few handfuls of fresh spinach or chopped kale during the last 5-10 minutes of uncovered baking, or mix it in with the hot rice after it comes out of the oven until wilted.
   • Zucchini or Bell Peppers: Add 1 cup of diced zucchini or bell peppers (any color) along with the tomatoes.
   • Artichoke Hearts: Stir in a jar of drained and roughly chopped marinated artichoke hearts after the feta is mixed in.
2. Protein Boost:
   • Chickpeas: Add a can of rinsed and drained chickpeas along with the rice and tomatoes for a plant-based protein boost.
   • Shrimp: Toss raw, peeled, and deveined shrimp with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. Scatter them over the rice during the last 10-12 minutes of uncovered baking, until pink and cooked through.
   • Cooked Chicken or Sausage: Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken or sliced, cooked chorizo/Italian sausage after the feta is mixed in.
3. Spice it Up:
   • Jalapeño or Serrano: Finely mince half a jalapeño or serrano pepper (seeds removed for less heat) and add it with the garlic.
   • Smoked Paprika: Add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika along with the oregano for a smoky depth.
4. Herb Swaps:
   • Fresh Thyme or Rosemary: Add a few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary to the dish before baking (remove stems before serving).
   • Fresh Basil: Instead of or in addition to parsley and dill, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a more Italian-inspired flavor.
5. Different Cheeses:
   • While feta is key, you could experiment by adding a handful of crumbled goat cheese along with the feta, or use a block of Halloumi (which won’t melt as much but will brown nicely).

Storage and Reheating Instructions

This Baked Tomato & Feta Rice is also delicious as leftovers!

• Storage: Allow the dish to cool completely. Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating:
  • Microwave: Place a serving on a microwave-safe plate. Sprinkle with a tablespoon of water or broth to help rehydrate the rice. Cover loosely and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
  • Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place leftovers in an oven-safe dish, add a splash of water or broth, cover with foil, and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes if you want to crisp it up slightly.
  • Stovetop: Add a serving to a skillet with a splash of water or broth. Cover and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Rice is too dry/hard: This usually means there wasn’t enough liquid or it evaporated too quickly. Ensure the dish is tightly covered with foil during the initial baking phase. If it looks dry when you uncover it, add another 1/4 to 1/2 cup of hot broth or water, re-cover, and continue baking.
• Rice is too mushy: This could be due to too much liquid, not rinsing the rice enough, or using a type of rice that absorbs more water (like Arborio, which is not recommended here). Ensure you measure accurately and rinse the rice well.
• Feta isn’t melting well: Some lower-fat or pre-crumbled fetas don’t melt as creamily. Using a full-fat block feta, preferably packed in brine, yields the best results.
• Flavors seem flat: Don’t underestimate the power of salt, pepper, and fresh lemon juice/zest at the end. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving. A good quality olive oil and fresh herbs also make a big difference.

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

Q1: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A: Yes, you can use brown rice, but it requires more liquid and a longer cooking time. You’ll likely need to increase the broth to about 3.5-4 cups and extend the initial covered baking time by 15-20 minutes (total covered time around 50-60 minutes) before uncovering. Check for tenderness.

Q2: Can I make this recipe vegan?
A: Absolutely! To make it vegan, substitute the feta cheese with a good quality vegan feta alternative. Many brands now offer plant-based feta blocks that crumble and melt reasonably well. Ensure your vegetable broth is certified vegan.

Q3: Is this dish gluten-free?
A: Yes, as long as you use plain rice and ensure your broth is gluten-free (most are, but it’s always good to check labels), this dish is naturally gluten-free.

Q4: Can I prepare any parts of this dish ahead of time?
A: You can chop the onion and garlic a day ahead and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also rinse the rice and have it ready. However, it’s best to assemble and bake the dish fresh for optimal texture and flavor. Leftovers reheat well, though.

Q5: What if I don’t have cherry or grape tomatoes? Can I use larger tomatoes?
A: Yes, you can use larger tomatoes like Roma or vine-ripened tomatoes. If using larger tomatoes, roughly chop them into 1-inch pieces before adding them to the dish. They will release more liquid, so the consistency might be slightly different but still delicious. You might not get the same “burst” effect as with cherry tomatoes.

This Baked Tomato & Feta Rice is more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly memorable. It’s a testament to the fact that delicious, impressive meals don’t need to be complicated. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to fall in love with your new favorite one-pan meal! Enjoy every fragrant, flavorful bite.

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