Name: Mediterranean Beet and Feta Skillet Bake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: ½ cup yellow cherry tomatoes; ½ cup yellow red tomatoes; 2 cloves medium garlic; 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tbsp red wine vinegar; 10 kalamata olives; 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 2 small beets; ½ small onion; Kosher salt and black pepper; 4 oz feta or halloumi cheese

This Mediterranean beet and feta skillet bake combines vibrant flavors and colorful ingredients for a delightful dish. The tangy feta cheese perfectly complements the earthy sweetness of beets, while the cherry tomatoes and kalamata olives add a burst of freshness.

Photos of Mediterranean Beet and Feta Skillet Bake Recipe

While most of the ingredients in this recipe are commonly available, some might require a trip to a well-stocked supermarket. Kalamata olives are a specific type of Greek olive known for their deep purple color and rich flavor. Additionally, halloumi cheese can be a bit harder to find but is worth seeking out for its unique, firm texture that holds up well in this bake.

Ingredients for Mediterranean Beet and Feta Skillet Bake

Yellow cherry tomatoes: These add a sweet and tangy flavor to the dish.

Yellow red tomatoes: Provide a juicy texture and vibrant color.

Garlic: Adds a pungent and savory depth of flavor.

Fresh parsley: Brings a fresh, herbaceous note to the bake.

Dried oregano: Offers a slightly bitter, earthy taste.

Red wine vinegar: Adds acidity and a slight sweetness.

Kalamata olives: Rich and briny, these olives enhance the Mediterranean flavor.

Extra virgin olive oil: Provides a fruity, robust flavor and helps meld the ingredients together.

Beets: Earthy and sweet, these root vegetables are the heart of the dish.

Onion: Adds a mild sweetness and slight crunch.

Kosher salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and complexity.

Feta cheese: Tangy and crumbly, this cheese is a key component of the dish.

Halloumi cheese: An alternative to feta, its firmness makes it ideal for baking.

One reader, Adriano Lipscomb says:

This Mediterranean beet and feta skillet bake is a delightful blend of flavors! The beets and tomatoes pair perfectly with the tangy feta, and the olives add a nice touch. Easy to make and absolutely delicious. A must-try for a healthy, flavorful meal!

Adriano Lipscomb

Key Techniques for Mastering This Mediterranean Beet Recipe

How to prepare beets: Peel and spiralize or thinly slice the beets to create beet noodles. How to chop garlic: Mince the garlic cloves finely. How to halve tomatoes: Cut the yellow and red cherry tomatoes in half. How to chop parsley: Finely chop the fresh parsley for mixing and garnish. How to pit olives: Remove the pits from the kalamata olives if they are not already pitted.

How To Make Mediterranean Beet and Feta Skillet Bake

Enjoy a colorful and flavorful meal with this Mediterranean beet skillet baked with cherry tomatoes and olives, plus feta at the center of the dish.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 20 minutes

Total: 30 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

½cupyellow cherry tomatoes,halved
½cupyellow red tomatoes,halved
2clovesmedium garlic,minced
2tbspfresh parsley,minced, plus 1 tsp for garnish
1tspdried oregano
1tbspred wine vinegar
10Kalamata olives,pitted
1tbspextra virgin olive oil
2small beets,peeled and spiralized
½small onion,peeled and spiralized
kosher salt and black pepper,to taste
4ozfeta or halloumi cheese,half block cut horizontally

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
In a large bowl combine all the ingredients except for the cheese and parsley for garnish.
Place the cheese in the center of a large oven-safe skillet or casserole dish. Top and surround it with the beet noodle mixture.
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, until the beet noodles wilt.
Serve hot garnished with remaining parsley.

Nutrition

Calories: 143.14kcal
Fat: 10.45g
Saturated Fat: 4.85g
Monounsaturated Fat: 4.44g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.66g
Carbohydrates: 8.04g
Fiber: 2.05g
Sugar: 4.72g
Protein: 5.26g
Cholesterol: 25.23mg
Sodium: 346.95mg
Calcium: 169.06mg
Potassium: 253.16mg
Iron: 1.13mg
Vitamin A: 62.98µg
Vitamin C: 10.79mg

Expert Technique Tip for Perfecting Mediterranean Beet and Feta Skillet Bake

To enhance the flavor of the beets, try roasting them first before adding them to the skillet. Simply wrap the beets in foil and roast at 400 degrees F for about 30-40 minutes until tender. This will bring out their natural sweetness and add depth to the dish.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing a Beet and Feta Skillet Bake

Prep ingredients in advance: Chop garlic, onion, and tomatoes the night before to save time.

Use pre-cooked beets: Purchase pre-cooked beets to skip the peeling and boiling steps.

Opt for crumbled feta: Buy crumbled feta instead of a block to save on cutting time.

One-bowl mixing: Mix all ingredients in the same bowl to reduce cleanup time.

Preheat while prepping: Start preheating the oven as you begin prepping to streamline the process.

Substitute Ingredients For Mediterranean Beet and Feta Skillet Bake Recipe

yellow cherry tomatoes - Substitute with red cherry tomatoes: They have a similar sweetness and texture, making them a suitable replacement.
yellow red tomatoes - Substitute with heirloom tomatoes: Heirloom tomatoes offer a variety of colors and flavors that can add depth to the dish.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, sweeter flavor that can complement the other ingredients well.
fresh parsley - Substitute with fresh cilantro: Cilantro offers a fresh, slightly citrusy flavor that can enhance the Mediterranean profile.
dried oregano - Substitute with dried thyme: Thyme has a similar earthy flavor that can work well in Mediterranean dishes.
red wine vinegar - Substitute with balsamic vinegar: Balsamic vinegar has a rich, slightly sweet flavor that can add complexity to the dish.
kalamata olives - Substitute with green olives: Green olives have a briny, slightly tangy flavor that can serve as a good alternative.
extra virgin olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it a versatile substitute.
beets - Substitute with carrots: Carrots offer a similar sweetness and can be roasted to achieve a comparable texture.
onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks provide a milder, slightly sweet flavor that can complement the other ingredients.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a similar texture and flavor, making it an appropriate substitute.
feta - Substitute with goat cheese: Goat cheese has a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture, making it a good alternative.
halloumi cheese - Substitute with paneer: Paneer has a firm texture and mild flavor that can work well in place of halloumi.

Presentation Tips for a Stunning Beet and Feta Skillet Bake

Serve smaller portion sizes: Arrange the beet noodles in a delicate nest-like shape in the center of a pristine white plate, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
Highlight the cheese: Place a perfectly seared slice of feta or halloumi cheese on top of the beet nest, allowing its golden crust to be the focal point.
Add color contrast: Scatter the yellow cherry tomatoes and yellow red tomatoes around the beet nest, creating a vibrant, colorful border.
Incorporate texture: Sprinkle the kalamata olives and finely chopped onion around the plate, adding a mix of textures and flavors.
Drizzle with dressing: Lightly drizzle a mixture of extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar over the entire dish, enhancing the flavors and adding a glossy finish.
Garnish with herbs: Finish with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and a pinch of dried oregano, adding a touch of green and an aromatic element.
Season to perfection: Just before serving, add a final touch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to elevate the dish's overall taste.

Storage and Freezing Guidelines for Mediterranean Beet and Feta Skillet Bake

This Mediterranean beet and feta skillet bake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through before serving.
If you want to freeze this dish, it's best to do so before baking. Assemble the skillet bake as directed, but instead of placing it in the oven, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Label the dish with the date and contents, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
When ready to enjoy the frozen skillet bake, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, remove the plastic wrap and foil, and bake as directed in the recipe, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
If you have leftovers of the already-baked Mediterranean skillet bake, you can freeze them as well. Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw the leftovers in the refrigerator overnight, then warm in the oven or microwave until heated through.

How to Reheat Leftover Mediterranean Beet and Feta Skillet Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover mediterranean beet and feta skillet bake in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps to retain the moisture and prevent the beets and cheese from drying out.
For a quicker option, you can reheat the skillet bake in the microwave. Transfer a single serving to a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Stir the dish halfway through the reheating process to ensure even heating.
If you prefer a crispy texture, you can reheat the skillet bake in a skillet on the stovetop. Add a small amount of olive oil to the skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add the leftover skillet bake and cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through and slightly crispy on the edges. This method works well if you want to add some extra garlic or herbs to refresh the flavors.
For a more adventurous approach, try transforming your leftover skillet bake into a new dish. Chop up the leftovers and mix them with some beaten eggs and a splash of milk. Pour the mixture into a hot, greased skillet and cook until set, creating a delicious mediterranean-inspired frittata.

Interesting Trivia About Mediterranean Beet and Feta Skillet Bake

A fun fact about this recipe is that beets are rich in antioxidants and nitrates, which can help improve blood flow and lower blood pressure. Combining them with feta or halloumi cheese adds a delicious salty contrast to the natural sweetness of the beets.

Budget-Friendly: Is Mediterranean Beet and Feta Skillet Bake Cost-Effective?

This Mediterranean beet and feta skillet bake recipe is quite cost-effective. Utilizing beets, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese, it leverages affordable, nutrient-dense ingredients. The inclusion of kalamata olives and extra virgin olive oil adds a touch of luxury without breaking the bank. For a household of 4, the approximate cost is around $12-$15 USD. Overall Verdict: 8/10.

Is This Mediterranean Beet and Feta Dish Healthy?

The Mediterranean beet and feta skillet bake recipe is a nutritious and flavorful dish that incorporates several healthy ingredients. The recipe features a variety of vegetables, including cherry tomatoes, garlic, onion, and beets, which are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Beets, in particular, are known for their high nitrate content, which can help lower blood pressure and improve athletic performance. The use of fresh parsley and dried oregano adds both flavor and additional nutrients to the dish.

The inclusion of kalamata olives and feta or halloumi cheese provides a source of healthy fats and protein. However, it's important to note that these ingredients can also be high in sodium, so individuals watching their salt intake should be mindful of portion sizes.

The recipe calls for a modest amount of extra virgin olive oil, which is a heart-healthy monounsaturated fat known for its anti-inflammatory properties. The use of red wine vinegar adds a tangy flavor and may offer some potential health benefits, such as improved blood sugar control and increased feelings of fullness.

To further enhance the nutritional value of this dish, consider using whole grain bread or crackers as an accompaniment to increase the fiber content.
Adding more leafy greens, such as spinach or kale, to the beet noodle mixture can boost the vitamin and mineral content of the recipe.
Experimenting with different herbs and spices, like rosemary, thyme, or smoked paprika, can provide additional antioxidants and flavor without increasing the calorie or sodium content.
If you're looking to reduce the sodium content, you can opt for reduced-sodium feta cheese or use fewer olives in the recipe.

Editor's Opinion: Mediterranean Beet and Feta Skillet Bake Recipe Review

This Mediterranean beet and feta skillet bake is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The combination of earthy beets, tangy feta, and briny kalamata olives creates a harmonious balance. The red wine vinegar adds a subtle acidity that brightens the dish, while the garlic and oregano provide aromatic depth. Baking the ingredients together allows the flavors to meld beautifully, and the wilted beet noodles add a unique twist. Garnishing with fresh parsley enhances the freshness. This dish is both visually appealing and delicious, making it a perfect choice for a vibrant, healthy meal.

Enhance Your Mediterranean Beet and Feta Skillet Bake Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Garlic Lemon Potatoes: Roasted Garlic Lemon Potatoes: Imagine the crispy edges of potatoes infused with the zesty brightness of lemon and the aromatic allure of roasted garlic. These golden delights will perfectly complement the earthy sweetness of the beets and the creamy tang of feta in your Mediterranean skillet bake.

Grilled Asparagus with Balsamic Glaze: Grilled Asparagus with Balsamic Glaze: Picture tender asparagus spears, charred to perfection on the grill, then drizzled with a rich, sweet balsamic glaze. This side dish adds a touch of elegance and a burst of flavor that pairs beautifully with the vibrant tomatoes and olives in your main course.

Herbed Quinoa Salad: Herbed Quinoa Salad: Envision a light and fluffy quinoa salad, tossed with fresh herbs, cucumbers, and a hint of lemon juice. This refreshing side dish brings a delightful contrast to the rich and savory notes of the skillet bake, making each bite a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

Mediterranean Chickpea Soup: Mediterranean Chickpea Soup: Think of a warm, comforting bowl of chickpea soup, simmered with tomatoes, spinach, and a medley of Mediterranean spices. This hearty soup adds a nourishing element to your meal, enhancing the overall Mediterranean experience with its robust and satisfying flavors.

Pomegranate and Arugula Salad: Pomegranate and Arugula Salad: Imagine a vibrant salad featuring peppery arugula leaves, juicy pomegranate seeds, and a sprinkle of toasted nuts. This side dish offers a refreshing crunch and a burst of sweetness that beautifully balances the savory and tangy elements of your Mediterranean beet and feta skillet bake.

Similar Recipes to Try If You Love Mediterranean Beet and Feta Skillet Bake

Greek Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken: Imagine tender chicken breasts bursting with a creamy spinach and feta filling, all baked to golden perfection. This dish is a delightful blend of Mediterranean flavors that will make your taste buds dance.

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad: A vibrant and refreshing quinoa salad loaded with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and kalamata olives. Tossed in a zesty lemon and olive oil dressing, it's a perfect side or light main course.

Roasted Red Pepper and Feta Dip: This creamy and smoky dip combines roasted red peppers with tangy feta cheese, garlic, and a hint of lemon juice. Serve with warm pita bread or fresh vegetables for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers: Colorful bell peppers stuffed with a savory mixture of ground lamb, rice, tomatoes, and herbs. Baked until tender and topped with a sprinkle of feta cheese, these peppers are a hearty and satisfying meal.

Lemon Herb Grilled Salmon: Succulent salmon fillets marinated in a blend of lemon juice, garlic, and fresh herbs. Grilled to perfection, this dish is light, healthy, and bursting with flavor.

Appetizer and Dessert Ideas to Complement Your Mediterranean Beet Dish

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mini Bell Peppers: Delight your guests with these vibrant stuffed mini bell peppers. The sweetness of the mini bell peppers pairs beautifully with a creamy herbed cheese filling. Add a touch of crunchy breadcrumbs on top for texture, and finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. These bite-sized treats are not only visually appealing but also burst with flavor, making them a perfect starter for any meal.

Mediterranean Bruschetta: Transform your appetizer game with Mediterranean bruschetta. Start with slices of toasted baguette and top them with a mixture of diced tomatoes, kalamata olives, and crumbled feta. Add a hint of fresh basil and a splash of extra virgin olive oil to elevate the flavors. This simple yet elegant dish captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine and is sure to impress your guests.

Desserts:

Lemon Olive Oil Cake: Imagine a moist, lemon-infused cake with a delicate crumb, elevated by the subtle richness of extra virgin olive oil. This dessert pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest. The citrus notes provide a refreshing contrast to the savory elements of your main course, making it a perfect ending to a Mediterranean meal.

Baklava: Envision layers of crispy phyllo dough, interspersed with a mixture of crushed nuts and spices, all drenched in a sweet honey syrup. This dessert offers a delightful crunch and a rich, sweet flavor that complements the savory notes of your skillet bake. Serve it with a side of Greek yogurt for a creamy contrast.

Why trust this Mediterranean Beet and Feta Skillet Bake Recipe:

This recipe combines the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with the earthy sweetness of beets and the tangy creaminess of feta cheese. The use of fresh ingredients like cherry tomatoes, garlic, and parsley ensures a burst of freshness in every bite. The red wine vinegar and kalamata olives add a delightful depth of flavor, making this dish both nutritious and delicious. Trust this recipe for a wholesome and satisfying meal that is easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion.

Have you tried this Mediterranean Beet and Feta Skillet Bake Recipe? Share your experience and discuss any variations or tips in the Recipe Sharing forum.

FAQ:

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of feta or halloumi?

Absolutely! You can substitute with goat cheese or even mozzarella if you prefer a milder flavor.

Do I need to peel the beets before using them in the recipe?

Yes, it's best to peel the beets before slicing or spiralizing them to ensure a smooth texture.

Can I use regular tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?

Sure thing! Just chop them into smaller pieces so they cook evenly with the other ingredients.

How can I make this dish vegan?

You can replace the cheese with a vegan cheese alternative or simply omit it altogether. The dish will still be delicious with the other ingredients.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the ingredients and store them in the fridge. When you're ready to cook, just assemble and bake as directed.