Name: Baked Feta Chickpeas with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 16 oz. cherry tomatoes, stemmed, washed; 1 (14.5-oz.) can chickpeas, drained, rinsed; 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped; 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling; 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 (4″ x 3″) block feta (about 8 oz.); Fresh basil leaves, for serving; Toasted bread, for serving

Let me share with you one of my absolute favorite go-to dishes that’s bursting with flavor and texture – Baked Feta Chickpeas with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Recipe. It’s a warm, comforting dish that’s surprisingly simple to whip up, yet so impressive on the table. If you love the creamy tang of feta cheese paired with the sweetness of roasted cherry tomatoes and the earthiness of chickpeas, then this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll find yourself craving it again and again!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless yet Elegant: It comes together super easily but looks and tastes gourmet.
Perfect Flavor Combo: The tangy baked feta melts into sweet roasted tomatoes and hearty chickpeas beautifully.
Versatile Serving: Great as a main, side, or even a vibrant appetizer with crusty bread.
Crowd-Pleaser: My family literally goes crazy for this! It’s a guaranteed hit at any meal.

A white rectangular baking dish filled with roasted chickpeas at the bottom, deep red roasted cherry tomatoes scattered over them, and fresh green basil leaves adding a pop of color. On top, there are two thick, golden-browned blocks of soft white cheese, sprinkled with black pepper and chili flakes. A silver spoon lifts one piece of cheese with some chickpeas and a cherry tomato on the side. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this recipe lies in its simple, fresh ingredients, each bringing something special to the party. When I shop for these, I always go for the freshest cherry tomatoes I can find—they really make a difference when roasted. And don’t skip on good quality olive oil; it elevates the whole dish.

Cherry tomatoes: Choose ripe, firm ones for the best burst of juicy sweetness when roasted.
Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas work perfectly here—just rinse and drain for easy prep.
Garlic cloves: Finely chopped to infuse the oil and add warm aromatic notes.
Extra-virgin olive oil: Use a fruity, high-quality olive oil for best flavor and richness.
Kosher salt: Enhances natural flavors especially in salty feta and sweet tomatoes.
Crushed red pepper flakes: Gives a subtle heat that wakes up the whole dish without overpowering.
Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a gentle bite and rounds out the seasoning.
Feta cheese block: I always go for a good quality, firm block—not crumbled—to bake perfectly.
Fresh basil leaves: To finish and add a refreshing herbal brightness.
Toasted bread: Essential for soaking up all that luscious sauce!

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

This Baked Feta Chickpeas with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Recipe is so adaptable. Over time, I’ve played around with it based on what’s in season or what’s in my pantry, and you can too! Feel free to make it your own and get creative.

Adding olives: I like tossing in some Kalamata olives for a briny punch—my family loves the extra depth of flavor it brings.
Spicy kick: If you want more heat, adding fresh chopped chili or upping the red pepper flakes works beautifully without overpowering the dish.
Veggie boost: Toss in halved zucchini or sliced bell peppers if you want a heartier veg combo.
Vegan twist: Skip the feta and use a plant-based cheese alternative seasoned with a bit of lemon to mimic tang.

How to Make Baked Feta Chickpeas with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Roast the Tomato-Chickpea Base

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and placing the oven rack in the center. In a 13×9-inch baking dish, toss together the cherry tomatoes, chickpeas, chopped garlic, olive oil, kosher salt, crushed red pepper flakes, and freshly ground black pepper. Make sure everything is well coated so the tomatoes release their beautiful juices while roasting. Roast this mixture for about 15 minutes until the tomatoes start bursting and get juicy. You’ll smell that amazing roasted aroma filling your kitchen! Pro tip: keep an eye so they don’t dry out—juicy, saucy tomatoes are the goal.

Step 2: Add the Feta Cheese and Continue Roasting

While the tomatoes roast, slice your feta block lengthwise into four thick planks, about 3/4-inch thick. When the tomatoes and chickpeas are ready, nestle those feta planks gently into the saucy tomato mixture, drizzle a touch more olive oil on top, and roast for another 10 to 15 minutes. At this point, the feta will soften beautifully, almost melting into the sauce. This step is where the magic happens, making the dish creamy and rich.

Step 3: Broil for a Perfect Finish

Switch your oven to broil and watch closely as you broil the mixture for 2 to 3 minutes until the cherry tomatoes and feta develop those lovely browned, blistered spots. This step adds a subtle caramelized flavor and that irresistible golden finish. Don’t walk away here—the feta can go from perfect to burnt quickly! Once done, pull it out and sprinkle the fresh basil leaves on top just before serving.

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Pro Tips for Making Baked Feta Chickpeas with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Recipe

Use Fresh, Ripe Tomatoes: They soften nicely and create a natural sauce—avoid underripe or mealy ones.
Slice Feta Precisely: Cutting feta into even planks ensures they soften evenly without crumbling or drying out.
Broil with Care: Keep a close eye during broiling to achieve just the right amount of golden browning without burning.
Don’t Skip the Basil: Fresh basil brightens the richness and adds a fresh herbal note that completes the dish.

How to Serve Baked Feta Chickpeas with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Recipe

A round white bowl filled with three layers: the bottom layer is light brown chickpeas mixed with wilted dark green spinach leaves, the middle layer has bright red roasted cherry tomatoes, and the top layer features a large, golden brown grilled slice of cheese with a slightly crispy texture. Next to the bowl, there are pieces of torn toasted bread with a golden crust. A woman's hand is holding a piece of toasted bread scooping from a white rectangular baking dish filled with the same chickpea, tomato, and cheese mix. All items are placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I always top this dish generously with fresh basil leaves at the end to add a lovely peppery freshness and vibrant color. Sometimes I add a drizzle of good olive oil or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before serving—it gives it a shiny, appetizing finish. A grind of black pepper right on top also never hurts.

Side Dishes

To make it a satisfying meal, I serve this alongside toasted rustic bread to scoop up all the saucy goodness. Sometimes, we add a simple green salad dressed lightly with lemon and olive oil to balance the richness. Roasted veggies or quinoa also pair well for a heartier meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve the Baked Feta Chickpeas with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Recipe in individual shallow ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets—everyone gets their own bubbling portion. Adding some edible flowers or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts can elevate the presentation. It’s such a showstopper and perfect for entertaining!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve got leftovers (which might be tough to have!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I recommend separating the feta to avoid it getting too soggy and storing the sauce and chickpeas separately if possible.

Freezing

I haven’t personally frozen this dish because the texture of baked feta and roasted tomatoes changes after freezing, often becoming watery. For best results, enjoy it fresh or refrigerated within a few days.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the leftovers in a skillet over low heat to preserve the texture, or microwave in short bursts stirring in between. If the feta hardens, adding a splash of olive oil or a few drops of water helps to regain creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use crumbled feta instead of the block feta in this recipe?

While crumbled feta can work, the baking process works best with a solid block of feta sliced into planks so it softens nicely without melting away completely. Crumbled feta may dry out or become grainy when baked, so I recommend the block form for ideal texture.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?

This recipe features feta cheese, which is not vegan. However, you can easily swap feta with a plant-based cheese alternative that melts well, or use a tofu-based feta for a vegan version. Adding some lemon juice can mimic the tanginess.
Can I prepare Baked Feta Chickpeas with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Recipe in advance?

You can chop and mix the tomatoes, chickpeas, and seasonings ahead of time, storing them covered in the fridge for up to a day. Then add the feta just before roasting to keep it fresh and delicious.
What can I serve this dish with?

This dish is fantastic on its own with toasted crusty bread for dipping, but it also pairs beautifully with simple salads, quinoa, roasted veggies, or even grilled meats for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Baked Feta Chickpeas with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Recipe manages to be both simple and show-stopping. It’s one of those dishes that feels indulgent without requiring hours in the kitchen. From the first time I made it, I knew it was a keeper—my family begs for it, and I love how flexible it is to suit whatever I have on hand. Give it a try and see just how comforting and delicious this easy, vibrant dish can be—you really can’t go wrong!