Are you ready to transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of Greece without leaving your kitchen? Get ready for a culinary adventure that will turn an ordinary pasta dish into a Mediterranean masterpiece! Our Greek Macaroni Sunshine Bake is not just a recipe – it's a vibrant, flavor-packed journey that combines the richness of feta, the brightness of cherry tomatoes, and the bold essence of Greek cuisine in one irresistible dish. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or when you're craving a taste of Mediterranean comfort food that will make your kitchen smell absolutely amazing!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz macaroni
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your Greek Macaroni Sunshine Bake cooks evenly.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the macaroni is cooking, prepare the other ingredients. In a mixing bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced black olives, dried oregano, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure that all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Once the macaroni is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Let it drain thoroughly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained macaroni with the feta cheese mixture. Stir gently to combine, ensuring that the macaroni is well coated with the olive oil and the cheese.
- Transfer the macaroni mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. You can use a 9x13 inch baking dish for this recipe.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the dish set up a bit more.
- Serve warm, garnished with additional olives or fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your Greek Macaroni Sunshine Bake!
Tips
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality feta cheese and ripe cherry tomatoes for the most authentic flavor.
- Al Dente is Key: Don't overcook your macaroni – it should have a slight bite to maintain texture after baking.
- Olive Oil Matters: Use extra virgin olive oil for the best Mediterranean taste and richness.
- Customize Your Bake: Feel free to add some protein like grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a complete meal.
- Let it Rest: Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes after baking to let the flavors meld and the cheese set.
- Herb it Up: Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can add an extra layer of freshness when garnishing.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This dish can be prepared in advance and baked just before serving, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 463kcal
Carbohydrates: 47g
Protein: 14g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 20mg
