Baked Feta with Roast Vegetables
Ingredients
1 yellow onion, red or yellow
1 cup chopped bell and/or sweet bell peppers
½ cup halved cherry tomatoes
3 broccolini florets
8 kalamata olives
2 tsp dried oregano
2½ tsp red pepper flakes
4-6 fresh thyme sprigs
Extra virgin olive oil
1 (10-ounce) block of Greek feta cheese, brine packed
Crusty bread
Instructions
Place rack in center of oven. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
Arrange the onion, peppers, tomatoes, broccolini, olives on the bottom of an iron skillet or baking dish. Sprinkle 1tsp of the oregano and pepper flakes, then add some thyme sprigs. Drizzle with about 2 tsp of olive oil.
Place feta on top and season with remaining oregano, chili flakes, and thyme sprigs. Drizzle another 2-3 tsp of olive oil on top. Brush the sides of the feta with more of the oil.
Place the skillet or baking dish on a sheet plan that can hold it and put it in the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese softens and darkens a bit. If you want more color, use the broiler for a minute or two, being careful to avoid burning it.
Serve with crusty bread or pita.
(Optional) Brush sliced bread with olive oil, spread them on a sheet pan and toast it in the oven. Flip halfway through, while the feta is baking and serve with cheese.
Serving size: 4-5 as an appetizer - Prep: 10 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 40 min - 220 Calories | 10g Protein | 15g Total Fat, 2g Saturated | 10g Carbs
Historical Note
Bouyiourdi (μπουγιουρντί) has its roots in Northern Greece, particularly Thessaloniki and the Macedonia region. It's considered a modern mezze dish, but its components—feta, olive oil, tomatoes, and chili peppers—have long been staples of Greek and broader Mediterranean cuisine. The name “bouyiourdi” comes from the Turkish word buyurdi (بویوردی), which referred to an official written order or decree during the Ottoman Empire. In Greek slang, it later came to mean a "warning" or "bill"—often one you don’t want to receive. The playful use of the term for this dish likely alludes to its spicy “kick”—like a sharp warning to your taste buds!
Variations and Substitutions
Kalamata Olives
Substitute with green olives or capers
Can be omitted for a milder flavor
Feta Cheese (brined block)
Substitute with Bulgarian feta, goat cheese, or vegan feta for a dairy-free option
Avoid pre-crumbled feta, which doesn’t bake as well
Fresh Thyme
Substitute with fresh oregano, rosemary, or a pinch of dried thyme
Can be omitted if unavailable
Onion
Substitute with shallots, red onions, or leeks
Omit for low-FODMAP diets
Bell/Sweet Peppers
Substitute with roasted red peppers (jarred) or banana peppers
Add fresh jalapeño or serrano for extra heat
Cherry Tomatoes
Substitute with grape tomatoes, chopped Roma tomatoes, or drained canned diced tomatoes
Broccolini
Substitute with regular broccoli florets, green beans, or asparagus
Can be omitted for a simpler version
