If you are craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and effortless elegance, this Baked Shrimp with Tomatoes and Feta Cheese Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a beautiful combination of tender shrimp bathed in a roasted tomato sauce rich with garlic, herbs, and a touch of gentle heat, all topped with tangy, creamy feta cheese. This recipe not only delivers on taste but also on texture and color, promising a delightful experience from the first bite to the last. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy dinner or impressing friends over a casual gathering, this dish is sure to become an instant favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the foundation for the perfect Baked Shrimp with Tomatoes and Feta Cheese Recipe. Each component has a vital role in balancing the taste and bringing a harmonious texture and aroma to the dish, creating a mouthwatering feast that’s both simple and satisfying.
- 4 cups cherry or grape tomatoes: These small tomatoes roast beautifully, releasing sweetness and creating a rich sauce.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Adds smoothness and helps in roasting the tomatoes evenly to enhance their natural flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Gives an earthy, slightly minty note that pairs wonderfully with the tomatoes and shrimp.
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Adds just the right amount of gentle heat to awaken your taste buds.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Elevates all flavors, helping to bring out the sweetness of tomatoes and the savory shrimp.
- 4 cloves garlic (chopped): Lends aromatic depth and subtle pungency to the dish.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Brightens the overall flavor and balances richness with a refreshing zing.
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley (plus more for garnish): Fresh parsley adds a burst of herbaceous freshness and color.
- 1 pound large shrimp (16-20 count) peeled, deveined, tails removed: The star protein of the dish, offering a sweet, succulent bite.
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese: Creamy, salty, and slightly tangy, it melts beautifully over the shrimp for a luscious finish.
- Crusty bread (for serving): Perfect for soaking up every last bit of the flavorful juices.
- Lemon wedges (for serving): Add an extra fresh squeeze to brighten each serving.
How to Make Baked Shrimp with Tomatoes and Feta Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Roast Tomatoes
Begin by preheating your oven to 425 degrees. Toss together the cherry or grape tomatoes, olive oil, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and salt in a baking dish. This simple medley of ingredients will roast into a luscious, bursting sauce as the tomatoes soften and caramelize. Roast them for about 20 to 25 minutes until they’re visibly soft and starting to burst, releasing all that sweet and tangy goodness.
Step 2: Add Garlic, Lemon, Parsley, and Shrimp
Once your tomatoes are perfectly roasted, mix in the chopped garlic, lemon juice, and chopped parsley. This lift of fresh flavors will add brightness and aroma to the dish. Then, nestle your peeled, deveined shrimp right into the tomato mixture, stirring gently to coat them in all those delicious juices. This step sets the stage for a symphony of tastes as the shrimp begin to cook through with the warmth from the tomatoes.
Step 3: Top with Feta Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly over the top of the shrimp and tomato mixture. The feta will melt slightly, creating a creamy, tangy contrast to the roasted tomatoes and tender shrimp. Pop the dish back into the oven for an additional 12 to 13 minutes, or until the shrimp are perfectly cooked through and the cheese is delectably melted and slightly golden.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, garnish with a little extra chopped parsley for freshness and color. Serve immediately with crusty bread to soak up every drop of the savory, juicy sauce. Don’t forget a few lemon wedges on the side for an optional extra squeeze of zest. This final touch seals in the balance of flavors and makes the dish all the more irresistible.
How to Serve Baked Shrimp with Tomatoes and Feta Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic garnish, offering a pop of green color and vibrant herbal notes that enhance the baked shrimp’s flavor. Adding a sprinkle of extra feta or a drizzle of good quality olive oil can also elevate the dish’s appeal. Lemon wedges are essential—they make for a bright and fresh finish that cuts through the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with warm, crusty bread, perfect for sopping up the roasted tomato juices and melted feta. If you want something lighter, a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the shrimp beautifully. For a more substantial meal, garlic butter pasta or fluffy couscous work as cozy, satisfying bases under the flavorful shrimp topping.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching presentation, serve this dish in individual small cast-iron skillets or colorful baking dishes straight from the oven. You can also spoon it over creamy polenta or even toasted baguette slices for a rustic bruschetta-style appetizer. The rich red and white colors from the tomatoes and feta make it a naturally stunning dish that will brighten any table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and keep them refrigerated for up to two days. The flavors actually meld even more after resting, making reheated portions just as delicious.
Freezing
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the baked shrimp with tomatoes and feta cheese in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Keep in mind that the texture of the shrimp may soften slightly after freezing and thawing, so thaw gently in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a low oven or in a skillet over medium heat to prevent overcooking the shrimp. Adding a splash of water or broth can help maintain moisture and keep the sauce from drying out. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for the Baked Shrimp with Tomatoes and Feta Cheese Recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before adding to the dish. This helps them cook evenly and prevents extra moisture from diluting the flavors.
What can I substitute for feta cheese if I don’t like it?
Go for goat cheese or ricotta salata as alternatives—they both bring that creamy tanginess without overpowering the dish. Just adjust the quantity to your taste preference.
Is this recipe spicy? How can I adjust the heat?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth, but you can easily adjust the amount to suit your taste. Omit them entirely for no heat or increase if you prefer a spicier kick.
Can I prepare this recipe for a larger group?
Absolutely! This recipe is easily doubled or tripled. Just use a larger baking dish and increase the cooking times slightly, keeping an eye on the shrimp so they don’t overcook.
What wine pairs well with this dish?
A crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio balances the acidity of the tomatoes and complements the shrimp perfectly. These wines highlight the fresh, bright elements in the Baked Shrimp with Tomatoes and Feta Cheese Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Shrimp with Tomatoes and Feta Cheese Recipe is one of those wonderful dishes that feels special but comes together with ease. Its vibrant flavor profile and gorgeous presentation make it a perfect choice for any dinner occasion, from a relaxed weeknight meal to a casual gathering with friends. Give it a try—you might just find it turning into one of your favorite go-to recipes in no time.
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Baked Shrimp with Tomatoes and Feta Cheese Recipe
This vibrant and flavorful Baked Shrimp with Tomatoes and Feta Cheese is a simple, Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring juicy roasted cherry tomatoes, tender shrimp, and tangy feta cheese. Perfectly balanced with fresh herbs, lemon juice, and a hint of crushed red pepper flakes, this recipe makes a delightful dinner that can be prepared in under 40 minutes. Serve it with crusty bread and lemon wedges for a satisfying meal that’s both elegant and easy to make.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups cherry or grape tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley (plus more for garnish)
- 1 pound large shrimp (16–20 count), peeled, deveined and tails removed
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Crusty bread (for serving)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for roasting the tomatoes.
- Toss Tomatoes: In a mixing bowl, combine the cherry or grape tomatoes with olive oil, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and salt. Stir well to ensure all tomatoes are evenly coated.
- Roast Tomatoes: Spread the tomato mixture on a baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the tomatoes become soft and start to burst, releasing their juices.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and add the chopped garlic, lemon juice, chopped parsley, and peeled shrimp. Gently stir everything together to combine.
- Top with Feta: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly over the shrimp and tomato mixture.
- Bake Shrimp: Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 12 to 13 minutes, or until the shrimp are fully cooked through and the feta cheese is melted.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with additional fresh parsley. Serve warm with crusty bread and lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
- For spicier heat, increase the crushed red pepper flakes to your preference.
- Use fresh shrimp for best results; frozen shrimp should be completely thawed and patted dry before cooking.
- Feel free to substitute fresh oregano for dried if available, adjust quantity accordingly.
- Crusty bread is recommended to soak up the delicious juices from the tomatoes and shrimp.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
