Imagine a dish that transports you straight to the sun-drenched islands of Greece, where every bite is a symphony of creamy cheeses, tender pasta, and aromatic herbs. This Orzo Baked with Greek Cheeses is not just a recipe – it's a culinary adventure that will transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary Mediterranean feast. Prepare to fall in love with a dish so delicious, it'll make your taste buds dance and your dinner guests beg for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cups spinach, chopped
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook for 7-8 minutes until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent clumping. The pasta should be slightly undercooked as it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Drain the orzo in a colander and rinse briefly with cold water to stop the cooking process. Transfer the pasta to a large mixing bowl.
- Add chopped spinach to the orzo, mixing gently to distribute evenly. The residual heat will slightly wilt the spinach.
- Pour the olive oil over the orzo and spinach mixture. Sprinkle oregano, salt, and pepper, then toss to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Fold in the crumbled feta cheese, ensuring it's well distributed throughout the pasta.
- Transfer the orzo mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese, covering the surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown and the edges are slightly crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set and flavors to meld.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional fresh oregano or parsley if desired.
Tips
- Cook the orzo just shy of al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven. This prevents mushy pasta and ensures the perfect texture.
- Use high-quality feta cheese for the most authentic Greek flavor. Look for authentic Greek feta for the best results.
- Don't skip rinsing the orzo with cold water – this stops the cooking process and helps prevent clumping.
- For extra flavor, consider adding some garlic or red pepper flakes to the olive oil mixture.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the cheeses to set and the flavors to meld together perfectly.
- If you want a golden, crispy top, broil the dish for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking – perfect for meal prep or entertaining!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 50mg
