If you have a hankering for a dish that brings bold, vibrant Mediterranean flavors straight to your table, then this Spicy Baked Feta (Mpougiourdi) Recipe is an absolute must-try. Bursting with the rich creaminess of feta cheese, the fresh zest of cherry tomatoes, and the exciting kick of green chili peppers, this Greek-inspired appetizer is delightfully simple yet irresistibly delicious. Perfectly roasted with fragrant oregano and a drizzle of golden olive oil, it offers a warm, melty, and slightly spicy experience that’s perfect for sharing with friends over crusty bread or crunchy crackers. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or craving a quick, flavorful snack, this recipe captures the heart of traditional Greek hospitality with every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Spicy Baked Feta (Mpougiourdi) Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture that come together effortlessly. Freshness, spice, and creaminess balance perfectly, making it an easy dish to fall in love with.
- Feta cheese (150 grams): Choose a good quality, firm feta block for the best melty texture when baked.
- Green chili peppers (2): They add a vibrant heat that wakes up the dish without overpowering the creamy feta.
- Cherry tomatoes (¾ cup, halved): These bring juicy sweetness and a pop of color to the recipe.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Extra virgin is best for a rich, fruity depth that ties everything together.
- Dried oregano (¼ teaspoon): A classic herb that lends an authentic Greek aroma and flavor.
- Salt and pepper: These enhance all the natural flavors—keep in mind feta is already salty, so season carefully.
How to Make Spicy Baked Feta (Mpougiourdi) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit—this high temperature helps everything soften and meld without losing texture. Next, cut your feta cheese into generous cubes and place them in a small, oven-safe baking dish that’s just the right size for your serving.
Step 2: Chop the Chilies and Combine
Finely chop one of your green chili peppers, removing the seeds if you want to tone down the heat. Reserve the second whole chili for a spicy, rustic garnish later. Toss the chopped chili, halved cherry tomatoes, olive oil, and dried oregano directly into the baking dish with the feta, giving everything a gentle stir to mix flavors without breaking up the cheese cubes.
Step 3: Season and Bake
Lightly sprinkle salt and freshly ground pepper over the mixture, remembering that feta already adds a salty punch to the dish. Cover the baking dish with foil or a lid to keep the feta moist as it bakes. Slide it into the oven and bake for about 20 minutes until the cheese is soft and the tomatoes have released their sweet juices, creating a luscious sauce.
Step 4: Serve or Mash
You can serve this as is, with gooey, melty feta cubes and bursting tomatoes or give it a gentle mash to create a rustic spread. Either way, it’s pure comfort. Add the reserved chili on top for an eye-catching finish and that final spicy jolt.
How to Serve Spicy Baked Feta (Mpougiourdi) Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh herbs such as parsley or a pinch of smoked paprika can elevate this dish even further. The reserved green chili pepper adds bright, fresh color and hints at the heat inside, inviting everyone to dig in.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs best with crusty bread like baguette slices or crunchy breadsticks that can scoop up all the melty goodness. It also works beautifully alongside a crisp green salad or simple roasted vegetables to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Spicy Baked Feta (Mpougiourdi) Recipe in individual ramekins for an elegant touch at dinner parties. Another fun idea is to use it as a filling for warm pita pockets alongside fresh cucumber and olives, for a handheld Mediterranean treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store the baked feta mixture in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for up to 2 days, giving you a ready-to-eat snack or side whenever the craving strikes again.
Freezing
While feta tends to change in texture after freezing, you can freeze this dish for up to 1 month if needed. Use a freezer-safe container and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to preserve as much of the original flavor and consistency as possible.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through, about 10 minutes. Be gentle and avoid microwaving to keep the cheese from becoming rubbery and the tomatoes from losing their fresh burst.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in this Spicy Baked Feta (Mpougiourdi) Recipe?
Feta is key to this dish because of its tangy, salty flavor and crumbly texture. While you can experiment with cheeses like halloumi or ricotta salata, it won’t have the same iconic taste or melt the same way.
How spicy is the dish usually?
The heat level depends on your green chili peppers and whether you leave the seeds in. Removing seeds lowers the spice if you prefer a milder version, but the dish should always have a gentle kick that complements the creamy feta.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! The Spicy Baked Feta (Mpougiourdi) Recipe itself is naturally gluten-free as long as you serve it with gluten-free crackers or bread. It’s a perfect appetizer for gluten-free guests.
Can I use fresh oregano instead of dried?
Absolutely! Use about one teaspoon of chopped fresh oregano in place of the dried. It will give the dish a fresher herbal note that’s equally delightful.
What is the best way to serve this dish for a party?
Serving it in small individual dishes or alongside a variety of dippable items like pita chips, sliced vegetables, and warm breads lets everyone help themselves and enjoy the spicy, creamy flavors easily.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the way simple ingredients come together in this Spicy Baked Feta (Mpougiourdi) Recipe to create such a memorable and crowd-pleasing dish. It’s quick to make, packed with flavor, and endlessly versatile—whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or savoring a quiet moment at home. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and bring a little taste of Greece into your kitchen.
PrintSpicy Baked Feta (Mpougiourdi) Recipe
This Spicy Baked Feta, inspired by the classic Greek dish Mpougiourdi, combines creamy feta cheese with cherry tomatoes, green chili peppers, oregano, and olive oil. Baked to perfection, it makes a flavorful appetizer that’s perfect for dipping with crusty bread or crackers.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2-4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 150 grams block Feta cheese (about 5–6 oz)
- 2 green chili peppers
- ¾ cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the ingredients evenly and thoroughly.
- Prepare Feta: Cut the block of feta cheese into cubes and place them in a small baking dish suitable for oven use.
- Chop Chilies: Finely chop one of the green chili peppers. If you prefer less heat, remove the seeds before chopping. Reserve the other chili pepper for garnishing the top of the dish after baking.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the halved cherry tomatoes, chopped chilies, olive oil, and dried oregano into the baking dish with the feta. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, adjusting seasoning based on the feta’s saltiness.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the feta and tomatoes are softened and fragrant.
- Serve: Once baked, you can leave the mixture as is or lightly mash it together. Garnish with the reserved green chili pepper slices and serve warm alongside toasted baguette, breadsticks, or crackers for dipping.
Notes
- Adjust chili pepper seeds to control the heat level of the dish.
- Use a baking dish that fits the feta snugly to prevent drying out.
- Baking time may vary slightly depending on oven performance; watch for softened tomatoes and feta.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or assorted crackers for dipping.
- For a less spicy version, remove all seeds or substitute with milder peppers.
