Baked Feta Chickpeas

why make this recipe

Baked Feta Chickpeas is a delicious and easy dish that brings together the earthy flavor of chickpeas with the creamy saltiness of feta cheese. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer. The addition of roasted tomatoes and garlic adds a rich depth of flavor, and serving it with toasted bread makes for a delightful meal. Plus, it’s packed with healthy ingredients, making it a nutritious option for everyone.

how to make Baked Feta Chickpeas

Ingredients:

• 16 oz. cherry tomatoes, stemmed, washed
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• 3/4 tsp. kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 (4 inch x 3 inch) block feta (about 8 oz.)
• Fresh basil leaves, for serving
• Toasted bread, for serving

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Arrange a rack in the center of the oven.
2. In a 13 inch x 9 inch baking dish, toss together the cherry tomatoes, chickpeas, garlic, olive oil, kosher salt, and crushed red pepper flakes. Season with black pepper.
3. Roast in the preheated oven until the tomatoes burst and release their juices, about 15 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, cut the feta block into 4 planks about 3/4 inch thick. Nestle the feta planks into the tomato mixture. Drizzle with additional olive oil.
5. Continue roasting until the feta is soft and the tomatoes are saucy, an additional 10 to 15 minutes.
6. Remove from the oven and turn on the broiler.
7. Broil until the tomatoes and feta are blistered, about 2 to 3 minutes, keeping a close watch.
8. Top with fresh basil leaves and serve with toasted bread.

how to serve Baked Feta Chickpeas

Serve Baked Feta Chickpeas warm, straight from the oven. The dish goes well with toasted bread, which you can use to scoop up the creamy feta and the flavorful chickpeas and tomatoes. You can also enjoy it as a side dish or toss it with a fresh salad for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh basil for a burst of color and flavor!

how to store Baked Feta Chickpeas

To store leftover Baked Feta Chickpeas, let the dish cool completely. Then, place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, you can reheat it in the oven or microwave until warm. Note that the tomatoes may lose some of their texture after refrigerating.

tips to make Baked Feta Chickpeas

• Use fresh, high-quality feta for the best flavor.
• Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes based on your spice preference.
• You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition.
• If you like extra crispy feta, broil it a little longer, but watch carefully to prevent burning.

variation

For a Mediterranean twist, try adding olives or artichoke hearts to the baking dish. You can also substitute different herbs such as oregano or thyme for a different flavor profile.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chickpeas instead of canned?
   Yes, you can use cooked frozen chickpeas. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before using.

2. Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
   Yes, you can replace the feta cheese with a plant-based alternative or omit it altogether for a vegan version.

3. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the chickpea and tomato mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just add the feta and bake when you are ready to serve.