Baked Feta with Chickpeas

By Tyla | Last modified on Feb 17, 2026

Featured in: Dinner

Discover the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this delightful baked feta with chickpeas and cherry tomatoes. This dish combines creamy, rich feta cheese with the hearty texture of chickpeas and a spicy, aromatic harissa sauce that will tantalize your taste buds and fill your kitchen with inviting aromas.

Perfect as either a satisfying vegetarian main meal or a flavorful side dish, this recipe is incredibly simple to prepare and brings comforting warmth to your table in under an hour. Whether served with crusty bread or your favorite sides, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A wonderfully simple, one-pan Mediterranean-inspired dish bursting with vibrant, spicy flavors.
Combines creamy baked feta and protein-packed chickpeas for a fulfilling, nutritious meal.
Versatile recipe that works perfectly as both a main course and an impressive side dish.

Ingredients

Feta Cheese (200 g): Sliced into 3-4 blocks, this tangy, creamy cheese forms the dish’s deliciously rich centerpiece.
Garlic Cloves (3): Minced to infuse great aroma and subtle pungency into the sauce.
Tinned Chickpeas (400 g): Drained and rinsed, these add hearty protein and texture to the dish.
Tinned Chopped Tomatoes (400 g): The base of the sauce, providing tanginess and moisture.
Harissa Paste (1 tablespoon): Adds a smoky, spicy kick and deep complexity to the Mediterranean flavors.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Enhances richness and helps meld the flavors beautifully.
Dried Oregano (1 teaspoon): Brings earthy herbal notes, characteristic of Mediterranean cuisine.
Smoked Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and a subtle smoky flavor that complements the harissa.
Red Pepper Flakes (1 teaspoon): For extra heat and an appealing vibrant finish.
Salt and Pepper: To season and balance all the flavors perfectly.
Fresh Basil or Parsley: Chopped and sprinkled on top to add freshness and color.
Lemon (1): Juiced over the finished dish to brighten and enhance the flavors.

Instructions

Preheat Your Oven to 200°C (395°F): Setting your oven to the correct temperature ensures the feta and chickpeas cook evenly, allowing the sauce to bubble gently and thicken.
Combine Base Ingredients in an Oven-Proof Pan: Add chopped tomatoes, minced garlic, drained chickpeas, harissa paste, olive oil, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the pan. Stir everything together to evenly coat the chickpeas in the spicy tomato mixture, developing the rich, aromatic sauce.
Add Feta Blocks and Drizzle with Olive Oil: Place the blocks of feta directly into the pan, nestling them gently into the tomato and chickpea sauce. Drizzling the top with a little extra olive oil encourages golden spots and prevents the cheese from drying out while baking.
Bake for 25 to 30 Minutes Until Bubbling and Golden: Place the pan in the oven and bake until the sauce bubbles actively and the feta develops a slight golden crust. This time allows flavors to meld beautifully, softening the chickpeas and intensifying the harissa.
Garnish With Fresh Herbs, Lemon Juice, and Red Pepper Flakes: Once baked, add chopped fresh basil or parsley for a burst of freshness. Squeeze lemon juice over the top to brighten the bold flavors, and finish with red pepper flakes for an extra spicy kick.
Serve With Bread or Your Favorite Side Dishes: This dish is perfect served warm alongside pitta or crusty bread, ideal for dipping into the luscious sauce. Alternatively, pair it with salads or grains for a complete meal.

You Must Know

If the sauce appears too thick or dry before baking, adding a splash of water helps prevent burning and keeps the tomatoes juicy.
You can mix the baked feta into the chickpea sauce after cooking to create a creamy, spicy spread that pairs beautifully with pasta or bread.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days and reheat gently in the oven or microwave.

Storage Tips

Keep any leftovers in a sealed airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently in an oven or microwave to preserve texture and avoid drying out the feta.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with warm pitta or crusty bread to mop up the delicious sauce. Alternatively, serve over rice, alongside roasted vegetables, or with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.

Professional Tips

Use a heavy oven-proof skillet or baking dish to ensure even heat distribution during baking.
If you want less heat, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes and adjust harissa amount to taste.
For extra texture, sprinkle toasted pine nuts or pine kernels over the dish before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegan?: Traditional feta is dairy-based, but you can use vegan feta alternatives and follow the same instructions for a plant-based twist.
What can I serve with baked feta and chickpeas?: This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, pita, rice, couscous, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?: You can prepare the sauce in advance and bake the feta just before serving to keep it fresh and warm.
How spicy is this dish?: The harissa and red pepper flakes add moderate heat, but you can adjust the level of spice to suit your taste preferences.
Can fresh tomatoes be used instead of tinned?: Yes, fresh, ripe tomatoes can be used—chop them finely and add a splash of water if needed to create enough sauce.
Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?: The recipe itself is naturally gluten-free; just be sure to serve with gluten-free bread or sides.