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Imagine the aroma of roasted tomatoes, garlic, and feta cheese filling your kitchen as they transform into a luscious, creamy soup. Baked Feta Soup is a recipe that feels indulgent yet simple, rich yet wholesome. If you’ve ever fallen in love with baked feta pasta, this soup takes those same delicious flavors to the next level—perfect for cozy nights, a comforting lunch, or even an elevated appetizer for guests. With minimal prep time and big flavors, this dish will quickly become a household favorite.
Why You’ll Love Baked Feta Soup
- Rich and Creamy: The combination of roasted feta cheese and cherry tomatoes creates a silky, flavorful base.
- Simple Ingredients: You only need a few pantry staples and fresh produce to make this dish shine.
- Versatile: Customize it with your favorite garnishes or adjust the spice level to your liking.
- Restaurant-Quality at Home: Impress your family or guests with a soup that tastes like it came straight from a gourmet kitchen.
- Perfect for All Seasons: It’s comforting in colder months yet light enough for spring or summer meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this creamy and satisfying soup:
- 2 pints cherry or grape tomatoes
- 2 shallots, roughly chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 (6-ounce) block feta cheese, divided
- 2 slices white bread, crusts removed and cut into ½-inch cubes
- 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- Fresh dill, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 400ºF. Gather all your ingredients to ensure the process is smooth.
2. Roast the Tomatoes and Feta
- In a medium baking dish, combine the cherry tomatoes, shallots, and smashed garlic.
- Drizzle with all but about 2 teaspoons of the olive oil, then season generously with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using). Toss to coat evenly.
- Nestle 2/3 of the block of feta cheese in the center of the dish, then drizzle it with a bit of the olive oil collected in the baking dish.
- Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the tomatoes are bursting and the feta is golden brown on top.
Tip: Roasting the tomatoes and feta intensifies their natural sweetness and flavor—don’t skip this step!
3. Prepare the Croutons
- While the tomatoes and feta are roasting, toss the bread cubes with 1/4 teaspoon salt and the remaining olive oil. Spread them out on a small baking sheet. Set aside until the soup is almost done, then bake them in the oven for about 10 minutes, tossing halfway through, until golden brown.
4. Blend the Soup
- Once the tomatoes and feta are roasted, carefully transfer the mixture to a blender. Add the chicken broth and blend until smooth.
- If using an immersion blender: Transfer the roasted tomato mixture to a medium saucepan, then blend directly in the pot. Stir in the chicken broth.
Safety Note: When blending hot liquids, work in batches and don’t overfill the blender to avoid spills or burns.
5. Simmer the Soup
- Pour the blended soup into a medium saucepan (if not already there) and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Let it cook for about 10 minutes to develop the flavors fully.
6. Serve and Garnish
- Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with the toasted croutons, the remaining crumbled feta cheese, a sprinkle of fresh dill, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Nutritional Information
Nutrient | Per Serving (Approx.) |
---|---|
Calories | 320 |
Protein | 8g |
Fat | 25g |
Carbohydrates | 18g |
Fiber | 3g |
Sodium | 450mg |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands or substitutions.
Tips for the Best Baked Feta Soup
1. Use High-Quality Ingredients
This recipe relies on simple ingredients, so using fresh tomatoes, good olive oil, and authentic feta cheese will make a big difference in flavor.
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2. Adjust the Spice Level
If you prefer a spicier soup, add more red pepper flakes or even a dash of hot sauce. For a milder flavor, omit the red pepper altogether.
3. Make It Vegetarian
To keep this dish vegetarian, simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth.
4. Add Extra Veggies
Roasted red peppers, zucchini, or even a handful of spinach can add more nutrients and flavor to the soup.
5. Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze the soup without the croutons for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, if fresh cherry tomatoes aren’t available, you can use a can of whole or diced tomatoes. However, fresh tomatoes offer the best flavor and texture when roasted.
2. What type of feta should I use?
Look for a block of feta cheese packed in brine for the best flavor. Avoid pre-crumbled feta, as it tends to be less creamy and flavorful.
3. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can roast the tomato and feta mixture ahead of time, blend it with broth, and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat the soup and add your garnishes.
4. Can I use a different type of bread for the croutons?
Yes, you can use any type of bread you have on hand, such as sourdough, baguette, or even whole-grain bread.
5. Is there a dairy-free option?
For a dairy-free version, replace the feta with a plant-based feta substitute or omit it entirely. The soup will still be creamy due to the blended roasted tomatoes.
6. What are some good side dishes to serve with this soup?
Serve this soup with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or even a light pasta dish for a complete meal.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
Baked Feta Soup is a game-changer for soup lovers. Its creamy texture, robust flavors, and elegant presentation make it a standout dish. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a group of friends, this soup is guaranteed to impress. Plus, the combination of roasted tomatoes and feta creates a flavor profile that’s both comforting and unique.
Call to Action
Are you ready to transform simple ingredients into a flavorful and creamy masterpiece? Try this Baked Feta Soup recipe today! It’s easy, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Share your results with friends and family, and let them experience the magic, too!
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Best Baked Feta Soup Recipe: Quick & Delicious
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Baked Feta Soup is the ultimate comfort food with a gourmet twist! Roasted cherry tomatoes, creamy feta cheese, and aromatic garlic come together to create a rich, velvety soup bursting with flavor. Topped with golden croutons and fresh dill, this soup is perfect for cozy nights, entertaining guests, or when you want a quick but elegant meal. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a dish that tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant—all made right in your own kitchen!
Ingredients
-
- 2 pints cherry or grape tomatoes
- 2 shallots, roughly chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 (6-ounce) block feta cheese, divided
- 2 slices white bread, crusts removed, cut into ½-inch cubes
- 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- Fresh dill, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F and gather all your ingredients to make the cooking process seamless.
- Roast the Tomatoes and Feta:
- In a medium baking dish, combine the cherry tomatoes, shallots, and smashed garlic.
- Drizzle with all but about 2 teaspoons of olive oil, then season with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Toss everything to coat evenly.
- Place 2/3 of the block of feta cheese in the center of the tomato mixture. Drizzle a small amount of the olive oil from the dish over the feta.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the tomatoes are bursting and the feta is golden on top.
- Prepare the Croutons:
- Toss the bread cubes with 1/4 teaspoon salt and the remaining olive oil in a small baking dish or on a baking sheet.
- Set the croutons aside and bake them during the last 10 minutes of the tomato and feta roasting time. Toss halfway through to ensure even browning.
- Blend the Soup:
- Remove the roasted tomato and feta mixture from the oven.
- If using a standard blender: Carefully transfer the mixture to the blender, add the chicken broth, and blend until smooth.
- If using an immersion blender: Transfer the roasted mixture to a medium saucepan, add the chicken broth, and blend until smooth directly in the pot.
- Simmer the Soup:
- Pour the blended soup into a medium saucepan (if it’s not already there) and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Let it cook for 10 minutes to fully develop the flavors.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with the toasted croutons, the remaining crumbled feta cheese, a sprinkle of fresh dill, and a drizzle of olive oil for an elegant presentation.
Notes
- Substitute Ingredients: Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth to make this soup vegetarian-friendly.
- Vegan Option: Use a plant-based feta substitute for a dairy-free version.
- Texture Tip: If you prefer a chunkier soup, blend half the mixture and leave the other half as-is for a rustic consistency.
- Add Protein: For a heartier meal, add shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked shrimp to the finished soup.
- Storage:
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze (without the croutons) for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Baking and Blending
- Cuisine: Mediterranean