Baked Feta

Name: Baked Feta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil; 1 tsp whole cumin seeds; 1 bunch lacinato kale; 2 cups tomato or marinara sauce; 1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas; 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 12 oz block feta sliced into 1/2-inch planks; black pepper; pinch red pepper flakes; fresh parsley; warm pita or baguette for serving

A block of feta baked into spiced tomato sauce with chickpeas and kale — warm pita is basically the spoon.

DifficultyEasyTotal time25 minServes4

Overview

Prep10 min

Cook15 min

Total25 min

Servings4

DifficultyEasy

Equipment

Oven-safe skillet or baking dish
Wooden spoon
Knife

Method

Heat the oven

Heat oven to 350°F.

Toast the cumin

Toast cumin seeds in olive oil for 1–2 minutes.

Wilt the kale

Add kale in batches and cook until wilted.

Build the sauce

Stir in tomato sauce, chickpeas, lemon juice, and 1/2 cup water.

Simmer

Bring to a simmer.

Add the feta

Nestle feta slices into the sauce.

Bake

Bake about 15 minutes until the feta softens.

Finish

Finish with olive oil, pepper flakes, parsley, and lemon.

✦

Tips

NoteBuy feta in a block rather than crumbles. The thick slices stay beautifully intact while becoming soft and creamy in the oven.

NoteDon't expect the feta to melt — it softens, slumps slightly, and turns creamy at the edges.

NoteChar the pita briefly over a flame or in a dry pan before serving.

✦

Nutrition

NoteNutrition varies by ingredient brands and serving size.

✦

Storage

RefrigeratorRefrigerate up to 3 days; reheat gently in the oven or on the stove.

Frequently asked

Block or crumbled feta?+

Block, always — crumbles dissolve into the sauce and you lose the creamy-slice effect.

Can I add fresh tomatoes?+

Yes — cherry tomatoes roasted alongside make it even better; add a few extra minutes.

Dairy-free option?+

Swap in thick slices of firm tofu marinated in lemon and salt — different, but the sauce carries it.

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Heat the oven

Toast the cumin

Wilt the kale

Build the sauce

Simmer

Add the feta

Bake

Finish

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