If you’re craving a cozy, flavorful one-pan meal that’s as comforting as it is vibrant, you’ll love this Shakshuka with Feta Recipe. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a laid-back dinner. The combination of spiced tomato sauce, gently poached eggs, and creamy feta cheese creates a harmony of textures and tastes that’s truly irresistible. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll quickly become a favorite go-to in your kitchen.
Jump to:
Why You’ll Love This
Shakshuka with feta is a dish that sings with warmth and spice, balancing creamy, tangy cheese against rich tomato sauce and perfectly cooked eggs. It’s a guaranteed crowd pleaser that feels special without requiring complicated prep or fancy ingredients.
- Reliable Texture, Great Flavor: The eggs poach gently in the tomato sauce, yielding luscious whites and runny yolks that mingle beautifully with crumbly feta.
- Crisp–Golden Finish: Sautéed onions and bell peppers add a subtle sweetness and soft bite before the sauce thickens to a stew-like consistency.
- Pantry-Friendly Ingredients: You likely have most ingredients on hand — canned tomatoes, spices, eggs, and cheese — making this a quick meal idea any day.
- Weeknight Easy, Weekend Worthy: Cozy enough for a relaxed weekend brunch, yet simple enough for a nourishing weeknight dinner under 30 minutes.
Ingredient Snapshot
When it comes to the Shakshuka with Feta Recipe, quality really shines through in the basic ingredients. A few tips on selecting them will boost both flavor and texture without extra fuss.
- Olive Oil: Use a fruity, good-quality olive oil as it forms the fragrant base for sautéing veggies and can subtly enhance the final taste.
- Onion and Bell Pepper: Choose a firm onion and a vibrant red bell pepper for sweetness and texture.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is key — it brings warmth and depth that powder just can’t match.
- Tomato Paste & Diced Tomatoes: Tomato paste adds a rich concentration, while the canned tomatoes provide body and juiciness. Opt for good-quality, no-salt-added tomatoes if possible.
- Spices: Cumin and paprika give smoky warmth; use fresh, fragrant spices for the best punch.
- Eggs: Fresh eggs poach better with firmer whites and bright yolks.
- Feta Cheese: Look for crumbly, tangy feta that’s not too dry or overly salty to balance the sauce’s acidity.
Quick Note: Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.
How to Make Shakshuka with Feta Recipe
Step 1 — Set Up & Season
Start by heating the olive oil in a sturdy skillet over medium heat. I love using cast iron here because it holds heat well and gives a nice, even sauté. Once the oil shimmers gently, add the diced onion. Sauté until it turns translucent and tender—this usually takes about 4-5 minutes. You’ll notice the smell deepen as the onion softens, a key aromatic foundation. Next, toss in the minced garlic and diced red bell pepper, cooking for another 3-4 minutes. The peppers should start to soften but still hold a bit of their structure for a pleasant texture contrast.
Step 2 — Sear, Toast, or Mix
Now stir in the tomato paste and give it a couple of minutes to cook down around the veggies. This step deepens the flavor and eliminates any raw edge from the paste. When the paste is fragrant and slightly darkened, add the canned diced tomatoes along with cumin, paprika, and kosher salt. Bring everything to a lively simmer, then lower the heat to maintain a gentle bubble. Let this tomato and spice mixture thicken for about 10-12 minutes. You'll see the sauce reduce down to something stew-like and wonderfully fragrant. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and encourage even flavor development.
Step 3 — Finish for Best Texture
Using a wooden spoon, make four little wells in the sauce—these spots are where you’ll gently crack in your eggs. Cover the skillet with a lid and keep the heat on medium-low. Watching carefully, cook for 5 to 8 minutes, depending on how runny you want your eggs. For silky, soft yolks with set whites, 6 minutes hits the sweet spot for me. If you prefer them firmer, let them go a bit longer. A good tip is to check early, as residual heat continues to cook the eggs when the lid is off. When done, crumble the salty feta evenly over the top while the dish is still hot—its creaminess pairs beautifully against the lightly spicy sauce.
Smart Little Tips
If you want to elevate your Shakshuka with Feta Recipe experience, these quick tips will guide you to perfect results every time.
- Doneness Cue: The egg whites should be fully opaque and barely jiggle when gently shaken under the lid.
- Temperature Trick: Keep your heat moderate so the sauce simmers gently—too high will toughen the eggs or scorch the tomato base.
- Make-Ahead Move: You can make the tomato sauce base a day ahead and simply reheat before poaching the eggs for even faster assembly.
- Avoid This Pitfall: Don’t stir after adding the eggs—this prevents breaking the yolks and keeps the dish beautiful styled.
Serving Ideas
Finishing Touches
I adore finishing this Shakshuka with Feta Recipe with a scattering of fresh herbs—parsley or cilantro bring lovely brightness—and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. A little cracked black pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice on the side adds a punch that wakes up every bite and complements the feta’s tang.
Pair It With
For balance, serve with crusty bread or warm pita to scoop up the sauce and eggs. A side of creamy labneh or a crisp cucumber salad adds freshness that cuts through the richness. You’ll find these simple accompaniments turn your meal into a satisfying feast.
Easy Plating Upgrades
For a special occasion, add a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or za’atar for extra texture and flavor complexity. Serving the shakshuka in a rustic cast iron skillet right at the table makes for a charming presentation that’s sure to impress without added effort.
Make-Ahead, Store & Reheat
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers hold up well stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it cools, so before reheating, you might want to stir in a splash of water or stock to loosen it back to a luscious consistency.
Freezing Tips
This Shakshuka with Feta Recipe freezes okay without eggs, so if you want to freeze portions, prepare the tomato sauce base separately. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently and add fresh eggs when ready to serve.
Reheating Shakshuka with Feta Recipe Without Drying Out
To reheat, gently warm the sauce in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying or scorching. If you have leftover eggs, it’s best to poach fresh ones and add them just before serving. In the microwave, use a medium-low power setting and cover loosely to retain moisture, heating in short bursts and stirring carefully to keep the texture creamy and inviting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! You can skip the feta or swap it for a vegan cheese or tofu crumble to keep that creamy, tangy bite without dairy.
Use a gentle simmer and crack the eggs carefully into created wells. Keep the lid on to steam the eggs evenly and avoid stirring after adding them.
Yes! Chopped zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms work great. For proteins, spiced sausage or chickpeas can add a wonderful heartiness.
Look for rustic, crusty breads like sourdough or a warm pita. They’re perfect for scooping up the sauce and eggs.
Final Thoughts
I have to say, this Shakshuka with Feta Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen not just for its comforting, tangy flavors but also for how effortlessly it comes together. Whether you’re making it for a weekend brunch with friends or a cozy weekday dinner, it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Don’t be afraid to tweak it a bit — add herbs, spices, or veggies you love — and soon enough, it’ll feel like your own signature recipe. So grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the vibrant, homey magic of shakshuka.
PrintPrint Recipe
Shakshuka with Feta Recipe
A flavorful and comforting Shakshuka with Feta is a hearty Middle Eastern dish featuring poached eggs in a spiced tomato and bell pepper sauce, topped with salty feta cheese. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner, this recipe balances robust spices with creamy eggs and tangy cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 4 large eggs
- 4 oz feta cheese
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat until shimmering to prepare the base for sautéing.
- Sauté vegetables: Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent. Then add minced garlic and diced red bell pepper, cooking until the peppers soften.
- Add tomato paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for about 2 minutes to release its color and deepen flavor.
- Add tomatoes and spices: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes along with cumin, paprika, and kosher salt. Bring to a simmer, then lower the heat, allowing the sauce to thicken to a stew-like consistency.
- Create wells and add eggs: Using a wooden spoon, make 4 wells in the thickened sauce and crack one egg into each well.
- Cook eggs: Cover the pan and cook over medium-low heat for 5 to 8 minutes, adjusting time based on preferred egg doneness—longer for fully cooked yolks, shorter for runny eggs.
- Add feta cheese: Crumble the feta cheese over the cooked eggs and sauce just before serving to add a salty, creamy finish.
Notes
- Use a cast iron skillet if available for even heat distribution and better flavor development.
- Adjust spiciness by adding chili flakes or fresh chili to the sauce if desired.
- Serve with crusty bread or pita to scoop up the sauce and eggs.
- For a vegetarian option, this recipe is already suitable; omit feta for vegan but replace with a vegan cheese alternative.
- Cover the pan while cooking eggs to ensure even cooking without over-drying.
Leave a Reply