When my kitchen fills with the smell of baked feta i just get excited, no joke. Baked Feta Soup is this really tasty and cozy dish thats winning over food fans everywhere. It brings together the creamy, salty feta with fresh tomatos and veggies to make a warm, flavourful bowl. Its mix of smooth cheese and chunky bits makes it special, and both home cooks and restaurant chefs cant get enough.
Thanks to social media and food blogs, baked feta blew up fast, inspiring all kinds of recipes. From salads to pasta, people found that feta has a magical way of boosting flavors. Now Baked Feta Soup joins the trend, combining the cheese and fresh ingredients into a comforting meal that shows off the best of baked feta.
You should definitely try this soup for a bunch of reasons. It’s super easy to make, packed with nutrients, and perfect for chilly days or when you’re feeling under the weather. The rich, savory cheese paired with the tangy tomatoes and leafy greens creates a delisious dish thats both indulgent and wholesome. Dive into Baked Feta Soup once, and you’ll probably want to make it again and again.
What is Baked Feta Soup?
Baked Feta Soup is a hearty, creamy soup that really shows off feta cheese at its best. You bake the feta until it’s soft and almost melting, then blend it with tomatos, garlic, onion, and veggies. The result is a savory, comforting soup thats a fun twist on usual recipes.
This idea comes from Mediterranean cooking, where feta cheese is a staple. Greek feta has that tangy bite that balances the sweetness of tomatos perfectly. Though baked feta got super popular online recently, mixing cheese with fresh ingredients goes way back in old cooking traditions.
Nutritionally speaking, feta brings protein and calcium, tomatos give you antioxidants and vitamin C, and greens like spinach or kale add vitamins and minerals. Put them all together, and youve got a soup thats both filling and nourishing.
Ingredients List
To whip up a tasty Baked Feta Soup, you’ll need:
- Main Ingredients:
- Feta cheese
- Tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- Garlic
- Onion
- Spinach or kale
- Vegetable or chicken broth
- Optional Ingredients:
- Olive oil
- Herbs (thyme, basil, etc.)
- Seasonings (salt, pepper, red pepper flakes)
- Cream or milk for a creamier texture
- Substitutions and Variations:
- Vegan alternative: plant-based feta
- Gluten-free option: use gluten-free broth
Detailed Recipe for Baked Feta Soup
Preparation Time
- Total time: 40 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
- Prep time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
- 200g feta cheese
- 4 cups tomatoes (cherry or diced)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cups spinach or kale
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste
- Optional: ½ cup cream or milk
Directions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the feta: Put the feta in a baking dish, drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, and sprinkle with herbs and seasonings.
- Bake the feta: Bake for about 25 minutes or until the cheese is golden and softened.
- Cook the vegetables: In a large pot, heat the rest of the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic until they’re translucent.
- Add tomatoes and broth: Stir in the tomatoes and broth. Bring to a boil, then turn down the heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes.
- Blend the soup: Take the baked feta out of the oven and add it to the pot. Use an immersion blender to puree until smooth, or transfer in batches to a regular blender.
- Add greens: Stir in the spinach or kale and let it wilt.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and add more salt, pepper, or flakes if you like. For a richer soup, stir in the cream or milk.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve hot, with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Great with crusty bread or a simple salad.
Tips and Advice for Perfecting Baked Feta Soup
Pick a good quality feta, preferably Greek, becaus it’s creamier and saltier. That really amps up the flavor. When you blend the soup, if you like it chunky, don’t blend too much. Add more broth if it's too thick or simmer longer if you want it richer.
To store, cool completely then put in an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently and add a splash of broth to bring back the creamy texture.
If you want to meal prep, make a double batch. Portion it out so you have ready meals all week. Pair with a light salad or bread for a full meal.
Health Benefits of Baked Feta Soup
Feta cheese is lower in fat than many cheeses and gives you protein and calcium for strong bones. Tomatoes are full of antioxidants like lycopene, which can help reduce inflammation. Garlic helps your immune system and adds big flavor, while spinach or kale deliver vitamins A, C, K, iron, and fiber.
When eaten in moderation, this comforting soup fits well into a healthy diet, especially with whole grain bread or a fresh garden salad on the side.
Creative Variations of Baked Feta Soup
If you like spice, try adding fresh chili peppers or a dash of hot sauce for a Spicy Baked Feta Soup. For a Mediterranean twist, toss in olives and artichokes for a briny depth.
For a vegan version, use plant-based feta and add chickpeas or cannellini beans for extra protein. You can also mix in quinoa or brown rice for more texture. Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to find your favorite combo.
Pairing Suggestions
For drinks, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc goes great with the tangy cheese. If you prefer non-alcoholic, try a lemon-mint mocktail to freshen your palate.
On the side, serve a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or dip some crusty bread in olive oil. To top it off, sprinkle fresh parsley or dill and a final drizzle of olive oil for extra richness.
FAQs
What can I use instead of feta cheese in baked feta soup?
Goat cheese works well and gives a similar tangy flavor. There’re also vegan feta made from nuts or tofu you can try.
Can I make Baked Feta Soup in advance?
Yes! Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container. It stays good in the fridge for up to 3 days or you can freeze portions.
Is Baked Feta Soup suitable for freezing?
Definitely. Cool it fully, move to freezer-safe containers, and freeze. When you want some, thaw and reheat slowly on the stove.
What can I add to the soup to enhance the flavor?
Fresh basil or oregano, cumin or smoked paprika, or a splash of balsamic vinegar or lemon juice can all boost the taste.
What are some toppings for Baked Feta Soup?
Try fresh herbs, croutons, sour cream or plain yogurt, or even some roasted veggies for crunch.
Conclusion
Baked Feta Soup is a modern spin on comfort food that really shows how versatile baked feta can be. Its rich, tangy flavors and wholesome ingredients make it a meal you can tweak to fit any taste or diet.
We hope you’ll give this recipe a whirl and make it your own. Share your results or cool variations in the comments below and inspire others to try this yummy, cozy soup.
Baked Feta Soup
Equipment
- 1 baking dish
- 1 large pot
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
- 1 blender (optional)
Ingredients
- 200 g feta cheese about 7 oz
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes about 14 oz
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- for garnish fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- In a baking dish, place the feta cheese in the center and drizzle it with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Bake in the oven for about 30 minutes, until the cheese is soft and slightly golden.
- While the feta is baking, heat the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic, red bell pepper, and diced carrots to the pot. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften.
- Pour in the can of diced tomatoes (with their juice) and the vegetable broth. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Once the feta is done baking, carefully add it to the pot along with any juices from the baking dish.
- Use a wooden spoon to break the feta into smaller pieces, allowing it to melt and blend into the soup. If you prefer a smoother consistency, you can use a blender to puree the soup to your desired texture.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
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