Feta and Pesto Eggs Recipe

A savory, Mediterranean-inspired breakfast featuring perfectly baked eggs nestled in creamy feta cheese and vibrant pesto sauce, creating a harmony of tangy, herby flavors with golden runny yolks.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
15 mins
Serves:
4 servings
An overhead shot of a rustic cast-iron skillet containing four eggs baked to perfection, their golden yolks slightly runny against clouds of melted feta cheese marbled with vibrant green pesto. The surface is dotted with cherry tomatoes that have blistered beautifully during baking, their skins slightly wrinkled and caramelized. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds vivid contrast against the eggs, while fresh basil leaves garnish the edges. The skillet sits on a weathered wooden board, with a torn piece of crusty sourdough bread positioned to the side, ready for dipping. Morning sunlight streams across the scene, highlighting the glossy olive oil that glistens across the surface of this Mediterranean-inspired breakfast dish.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">8 large eggs</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">200g feta cheese, crumbled</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">80g basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">150g cherry tomatoes, halved</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tablespoons olive oil</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Fresh basil leaves, for garnish</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Ovenproof skillet or baking dish</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Small mixing bowl</li></ul>
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Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). While the oven is heating, place your ovenproof skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the sliced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Cooking the garlic in oil infuses the base with flavor that will permeate throughout the dish.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften and release their juices. Season with a pinch of salt to help draw out more moisture from the tomatoes, which creates a delicious base for our eggs.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Crumble the feta cheese evenly across the surface of the skillet. Don't worry about it being perfectly distributed - the charm of this dish is in its rustic appearance. The feta will partially melt during baking, creating pockets of creamy tanginess throughout.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Dollop the pesto across the surface, using the back of a spoon to create small wells for the eggs. If using store-bought pesto, give it a good stir before adding to incorporate any separated oil back into the mixture for better distribution of flavors.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Carefully crack the eggs into the wells you've created, keeping the yolks intact. Season each egg with a small pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. If using, sprinkle red pepper flakes across the surface for a gentle heat that complements the creamy feta.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 8-12 minutes, depending on how set you prefer your egg yolks. For runny yolks, aim for 8-10 minutes, where the whites should be set but the yolks still wobble slightly when the pan is gently shaken. For more set yolks, bake for 10-12 minutes.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Remove from the oven when the eggs reach your desired doneness. The dish will continue cooking slightly from residual heat, so it's better to slightly undercook than overcook. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, which will slightly wilt from the heat, releasing their aromatic oils.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Serve immediately while hot, straight from the skillet for a rustic presentation, or portion onto plates. This dish pairs perfectly with toasted crusty bread to soak up all the delicious flavors. Enjoy your beautiful, Mediterranean-inspired breakfast creation!</li></ol>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 serving
🔥 Calories: 245 calories
🥑 Fat: 21 g
🧈 Saturated Fat: 8 g
🍞 Carbohydrates: 2 g
🍭 Sugar: 1 g
🍗 Protein: 14 g
🫀 Cholesterol: 382 mg
🧂 Sodium: 520 mg

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

Can I make this Mediterranean egg dish ahead of time?

While best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare components ahead of time. Sauté the garlic and tomatoes, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat the tomato mixture, add the feta, pesto and eggs, then bake. The dish is best when the eggs are freshly baked with runny yolks.

How do I know when baked eggs are perfectly cooked?

For perfectly baked eggs, look for set whites and slightly wobbly yolks when you gently shake the pan, typically after 8-10 minutes at 190°C. The eggs will continue cooking from residual heat after removal from the oven, so it's better to slightly undercook than overcook them.

What can I serve with baked feta and pesto eggs for a complete breakfast?

Serve with crusty sourdough or toasted ciabatta for dipping into those luscious runny yolks. For a more substantial breakfast, add a side of avocado slices, grilled mushrooms, or wilted spinach. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette also pairs beautifully.

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