Name: Tomato and Feta Poached Eggs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 onion, sliced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; ¼ tsp red chili flakes; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 ½ lb cherry tomatoes; ⅓ cup water; 2 tbsp chopped fresh oregano, or 2 tsp dried; 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil, or 2 tsp dried; 1 tsp kosher salt; ¼ tsp pepper; ¾ cup crumbled feta cheese; 4 eggs; 4 slices crusty bread; Extra chopped fresh oregano or basil, for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 78 reviews

If you have been on the hunt for a breakfast or brunch dish that bursts with flavor, color, and that irresistible Mediterranean charm, you are going to fall in love with this Tomato and Feta Poached Eggs Recipe. Imagine perfectly poached eggs nestled in a vibrant, savory tomato sauce infused with garlic, fresh herbs, and a touch of spice, all crowned with tangy crumbled feta. It is the kind of recipe that brings warmth and comfort to your table while feeling delightfully fresh and elegant. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or guests, this recipe is guaranteed to light up your mornings with its delicious simplicity and wholesome goodness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large white pan filled with many small, round bright red cherry tomatoes covering almost the whole surface. Among the tomatoes, there are thin slices of white onion and small pieces of orange carrot scattered evenly. The pan is placed on a clean stove top, with a white marbled surface surrounding it. The scene looks fresh and colorful with the glossy texture of the tomatoes standing out photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Tomato and Feta Poached Eggs Recipe shines because of its simple yet essential ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make your meal unforgettable. Fresh produce, herbs, and quality feta cheese are the stars here, while the eggs add the final touch of richness.

1 tbsp olive oil: Adds a fruity, smooth base for sautéing and brings richness to the dish.
1 onion, sliced: Provides sweetness and depth as it softens and caramelizes slightly.
1 red bell pepper, diced: Brings vibrant color and a hint of natural sweetness.
¼ tsp red chili flakes: Offers just the right amount of heat without overpowering the delicate flavors.
2 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the sauce with aromatic, savory goodness.
1 ½ lb cherry tomatoes: The juicy heart of the dish, bursting with freshness and natural acidity.
⅓ cup water: Helps create the perfect consistency for the tomato sauce.
2 tbsp chopped fresh oregano or 2 tsp dried: Adds an earthy, herbal note that complements the tomatoes wonderfully.
2 tbsp chopped fresh basil or 2 tsp dried: Offers bright, fragrant flavor that lifts the whole dish.
1 tsp kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and seasons the sauce perfectly.
¼ tsp pepper: Adds subtle warmth and rounds out the seasoning.
¾ cup crumbled feta cheese: Provides a tangy, creamy contrast that melts slightly into the sauce.
4 eggs: Gently poached in the tomato sauce, their soft yolks enrich each bite.
4 slices crusty bread: Essential for dipping and soaking up all the flavorful sauce.
Extra chopped fresh oregano or basil for garnish: A fresh, pretty finishing touch.

How to Make Tomato and Feta Poached Eggs Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the sliced onions first and sauté them until they begin to soften and smell sweet, about 2 to 3 minutes. Then add the diced red bell pepper, cooking for another few minutes until it’s tender but still vibrant. This step lays down a flavorful, colorful foundation that makes this Tomato and Feta Poached Eggs Recipe so special.

Step 2: Build the Tomato Sauce

Next, sprinkle in the red chili flakes and garlic. Let them sauté briefly for about one minute to release their aroma without burning. Add the cherry tomatoes along with the water and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet and allow the tomatoes to burst and soften. Use a potato masher or wooden spoon to gently crush them and turn the mix into a luscious sauce—this is where the magic happens.

Step 3: Add Herbs, Seasonings, and Feta

Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the fresh or dried oregano and basil, along with the kosher salt and pepper to taste. Crumble the feta cheese over the top, letting its creamy tang melt slightly into the warm tomato base, enriching the texture and flavor in a way that makes this Tomato and Feta Poached Eggs Recipe truly unforgettable.

Step 4: Poach the Eggs

Create little wells in the sauce using the back of your spoon, then crack one egg into each well. Lower the heat to keep the sauce at a gentle simmer and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the egg whites are set but the yolks remain runny and luxurious. You can cover the skillet with a lid to help the eggs cook evenly and faster, making this step both easy and satisfying.

Step 5: Prepare the Bread and Plate

While your eggs are poaching, toast the crusty bread slices until golden and crisp. This bread is the perfect vehicle for scooping up the tomato-feta sauce and those soft eggs. Once cooked, garnish the eggs with extra chopped fresh oregano or basil for a pop of color and freshness before serving.

How to Serve Tomato and Feta Poached Eggs Recipe

A metal serving plate holds a piece of toasted bread topped with a cooked red tomato mixture containing small cherry tomatoes and chunks of white cheese. On top of this is a single fried egg with a soft, pale yellow yolk and white edges, garnished with small green herb leaves. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with some green leaves and a golden goblet in the blurred background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like oregano and basil add vibrancy and a burst of bright fragrance that perfectly complement the rich tomato sauce and tangy feta. A drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil can add a luscious finish that brings everything together beautifully. If you enjoy some texture, a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or chili flakes on top can add a delightful crunch or heat.

Side Dishes

This recipe is satisfying on its own with crusty bread, but you can make your meal even more impressive by adding a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a side of roasted potatoes for extra heartiness. Light pickled vegetables or olives work wonderfully as a palate cleanser and add a salty contrast to the creamy eggs and feta.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the poached eggs and tomato-feta sauce in individual shallow bowls or mini cast iron skillets to keep them warm and make presentation extra charming. You can also top with microgreens or sprinkle with smoked paprika to elevate the visual appeal. Try layering the sauce and eggs over sautéed spinach or kale for an added nutritional boost and color contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover tomato and feta sauce separately from the eggs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The sauce holds up beautifully, while the eggs are best enjoyed fresh to maintain their perfect texture.

Freezing

The tomato and feta sauce freezes well, so feel free to make a larger batch ahead of time. Freeze the cooled sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. However, the eggs do not freeze well once cooked, as their texture changes unfavorably after thawing.

Reheating

Gently reheat the tomato and feta sauce on the stovetop over low heat to preserve its fresh flavors and prevent the feta from breaking down too much. If you want to enjoy the full Tomato and Feta Poached Eggs Recipe experience, poach fresh eggs directly in the warmed sauce at serving time.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese besides feta?

Absolutely! While feta gives this Tomato and Feta Poached Eggs Recipe its signature tang and creaminess, you can experiment with goat cheese or ricotta for milder, creamier textures. Just remember that these cheeses may melt differently.

What if I don’t have fresh herbs on hand?

Dried herbs work just as well in this recipe. Use about one-third the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh since dried varieties are more concentrated. They still provide lovely flavor but consider adding them a bit earlier in the cooking process.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

To adapt, you can substitute the eggs with firm tofu or chickpea flour “eggs” and use vegan feta alternatives or omit the cheese entirely. The tomato sauce is naturally vegan and delicious on its own, making this dish easily customizable.

How spicy is the dish with the red chili flakes?

The chili flakes add just a gentle kick that enhances the flavor without overwhelming the dish. If you prefer less heat, simply reduce or omit them, or add a pinch of smoked paprika for flavor without spice.

What type of bread works best?

Crusty bread, such as a baguette or sourdough, is ideal because it holds up well when dipping into the rich tomato and egg sauce. Soft or thin breads tend to soak up the sauce too much and might become soggy quickly.

Final Thoughts

This Tomato and Feta Poached Eggs Recipe is one of those meals that feels both indulgent and wholesome, perfect for impressing friends or treating yourself to something special. The harmony of flavors—the sweetness of tomatoes, the creaminess of feta, the runny eggs, and fresh herbs—makes every bite truly joyful. I hope you dive into making this recipe soon and enjoy all the warmth and comfort it brings to your table. Happy cooking!