First Step: PREPARE THE BAKING DISH

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is the ideal temperature for baking the eggs, allowing them to cook through while remaining soft and tender.
2. Grease the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a small baking dish (such as a 9×9-inch or individual ramekins) with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. You can also use non-stick cooking spray if you prefer. This step ensures that the eggs and cheese won’t stick to the dish during baking.
3. Layer the Ingredients: Arrange the halved cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese evenly in the prepared baking dish. Make sure the tomatoes are cut-side up, so their sweetness is preserved while baking.

Second Step: SEASON THE DISH

1. Add the Seasonings: Sprinkle the dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper over the tomatoes, olives, and feta. Be careful with the salt, as feta cheese is naturally salty. You can always add more later if needed.
2. Optional Add-ins: If you’re using any optional ingredients, such as capers, red pepper flakes, or spinach, now is the time to add them. Toss everything together lightly so that the flavors begin to meld together.

Third Step: ADD THE EGGS

1. Create Wells for the Eggs: Using the back of a spoon or your fingers, create small wells in the center of the vegetable and feta mixture—one well for each egg. These wells will keep the eggs contained and prevent them from spreading too much while baking.
2. Crack the Eggs: Carefully crack an egg into each well. If you’re using individual ramekins, one egg per ramekin will work perfectly. For a larger baking dish, you can crack two eggs into each well, depending on the size of your dish and the number of servings you want.
3. Drizzle with Olive Oil: Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the eggs and vegetables. This will help to ensure the eggs cook gently and remain tender.

Fourth Step: BAKE THE DISH

1. Bake the Mediterranean Baked Feta Eggs: Place the prepared baking dish in the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the eggs are cooked to your liking. If you prefer runny yolks, start checking around 12–15 minutes. For firmer yolks, let the dish bake for the full 20 minutes.
2. Check the Eggs: The eggs are done when the whites are fully set, and the yolks are cooked to your preference. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overcook, as this can make the eggs tough.

Final Step: GARNISH AND SERVE

1. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Once the dish is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a minute. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, basil, or mint for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
2. Serve: Serve your Mediterranean Baked Feta Eggs immediately while they’re warm. They can be enjoyed on their own, or paired with crusty bread, pita, or a light salad for a more complete meal.