Feta and Tomato Couscous Bake Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and comforting textures, the Feta and Tomato Couscous Bake is exactly what you need in your kitchen repertoire. Imagine juicy roasted cherry tomatoes mingling with creamy, softened feta cheese to create a luscious sauce that perfectly coats fluffy couscous. This bake is a brilliant harmony of sweet, tangy, and savory notes, with just the right herbaceous and citrusy touches to make every bite memorable. It’s a simple, but show-stopping dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, ready to impress both family and friends alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making this dish shine. Each one plays a crucial role in balancing the richness, freshness, and heartiness of the Feta and Tomato Couscous Bake, so let’s dive into what makes this dish so special.

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil (1/4 cup, plus extra for drizzling): This oil is the foundation, offering a fruity peppery note that enhances roasting and finishing flavors beautifully.
• Cherry Tomatoes (2 pints / 4 cups): Roasting these concentrates their natural sweetness, lending a jammy, vibrant base for the sauce that ties the dish together.
• Block of Feta Cheese (8 oz / 225g): A brined block is a must, transforming into a creamy, luscious sauce when baked, unlike crumbly feta alternatives.
• Red Onion (1 medium, thinly sliced): Offers a gentle sweetness and sharpness that melds perfectly with the feta’s richness when softened.
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Brings aromatic depth and savory warmth that makes the whole dish sing.
• Dried Oregano (2 teaspoons): This herb adds earthy, peppery layers that feel right at home alongside tomato and cheese.
• Red Pepper Flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Just a pinch to gently awaken your palate without overpowering the gentle flavors.
• Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning thoughtfully, as feta and broth already bring saltiness.
• Moroccan Couscous (1 ½ cups): These tiny pearls soak up flavor and steam to a light, fluffy texture, making it an ideal grain for this bake.
• Vegetable Broth (1 ½ cups, heated): Using broth instead of water infuses the couscous with savory richness, enhancing every bite.
• Fresh Basil (1/2 cup, chopped): Added at the end, it lifts the dish with sweet, peppery, and vibrant notes.
• Lemon (1, for juice and zest): The zest and juice bring acidity and freshness that beautifully cut through the creaminess of feta.

How to Make Feta and Tomato Couscous Bake

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C). Use a 9×13 inch baking dish or an equivalent oven-safe pan — this size gives the tomatoes space to roast properly without steaming, which is key to developing their deep, jammy flavor.

Step 2: Create the Flavor Base

Pour your ripe cherry tomatoes into the baking dish along with the thinly sliced red onion and minced garlic. Drizzle everything generously with your extra virgin olive oil. Sprinkle dried oregano, red pepper flakes if you like a hint of heat, salt, and freshly ground black pepper over the top. Toss gently with your hands or a spoon ensuring every tomato is glossy and seasoned. This simple yet essential step sets the stage for incredible flavor development.

Step 3: Nestle the Feta

Make a little well in the middle of your tomato mixture and place the whole block of feta right there. Drizzle the top with a bit more olive oil and sprinkle on a touch more oregano. This will help the cheese soften beautifully while baking and give it a slight golden crust — the aroma is irresistible by now.

Step 4: Oven Time

Place the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll watch as the tomatoes blister, pop, and release their juices, while the feta transforms into a silky, soft centerpiece that’s just begging to be mashed into the sauce.

Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce

Carefully remove your hot baking dish from the oven. Now, take the back of a spoon or a fork and press down on the feta block to mash it into the hot tomatoes and onions. Stir vigorously until a rustic, creamy pink sauce forms, rik with the rich tomato juices and softened feta. This is the heart of your Feta and Tomato Couscous Bake.

Step 6: Add Couscous and Broth

While everything’s still steaming, pour the dry couscous evenly across the top of the sauce. Quickly pour the hot vegetable broth over it and stir gently to combine and get the couscous submerged. Acting fast here ensures perfect hydration and texture.

Step 7: Steam to Perfection

Cover the baking dish tightly with foil or a lid. Let it sit undisturbed for 10-12 minutes. The steam trapped inside cooks the couscous tenderly, allowing it to absorb all those fantastic flavors.

Step 8: Fluff and Finish

Remove the cover and fluff the couscous with a fork, breaking up any clumps and fully incorporating the sauce. Toss in the chopped fresh basil, zest of your lemon, and a generous squeeze of lemon juice. Give it one final stir, taste, and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. Serve straight away for the best experience.

How to Serve Feta and Tomato Couscous Bake

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or a few whole leaves really brighten the plate and add freshness. For an extra touch, a light drizzle of good-quality olive oil and a few lemon wedges on the side invite guests to customize their servings.

Side Dishes

This bake makes a star on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with crisp, green side salads or roasted vegetables to add contrast and crunch. A warm pita or crusty bread can round out the meal beautifully if you want to soak up any leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the Feta and Tomato Couscous Bake in individual ramekins or a rustic cast-iron skillet for a cozy, shareable vibe. Garnishing with edible flowers or microgreens can turn it into a stunning centerpiece for your next dinner party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dish keeps well for up to three days and the flavors even deepen. Just be sure to cool it completely before sealing.

Freezing

This couscous bake freezes nicely, too. Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to two months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the leftovers in the oven or microwave until heated through. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the texture, as couscous can firm up when chilled.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of feta?

Feta’s unique salty tang and creamy texture when baked is key to this dish’s character, but you could experiment with ricotta salata or halloumi for different flavors. Just expect a different texture and taste.

Is it possible to make this vegan?

Yes! Replace the feta with a vegan cheese alternative or creamy cashew sauce, and use vegetable broth to keep it plant-based. The bake’s core flavor comes from the roasted tomatoes and herbs, so it will still be delicious.

What if I don’t have Moroccan couscous?

You can substitute with Israeli (pearl) couscous or even quinoa, but cooking times and liquid amounts may need adjustment. Moroccan couscous’s tiny pearls are ideal because they steam and absorb liquid quickly.

Can I prepare it ahead of time before baking?

While the roasting and baking are best done fresh for that perfect texture, you can pre-mix the tomato and onion ingredients and store them overnight, then add the feta and bake when ready.

How spicy is the dish with red pepper flakes?

The 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes adds a mild warmth without making the dish overbearingly spicy. You can always omit them if you prefer a completely mild flavor.

Final Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong with this Feta and Tomato Couscous Bake—it’s a perfect balance of freshness, creaminess, and wholesome comfort that feels both indulgent and light. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a crowd, this dish invites you to savor every spoonful and share a little joy around the table. Give it a go—you’ll be adding it to your favorites in no time!

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