Name: Baked Feta Chickpeas with Cherry Tomato Sauce 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 tsp kosher salt; 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 (4″ x 3″) block feta (about 8 oz.); Fresh basil leaves; Toasted bread

If you’re craving a simple but seriously delicious dinner, I have the perfect idea for you. This Baked Feta Chickpeas with Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe hits all the right notes — creamy feta, tender chickpeas, and that bright, tangy tomato sauce all baked until bubbly and irresistible. When I first tried this, I was hooked by how effortlessly it comes together and how much flavor it packs without a ton of fuss. Trust me, once you make this, it’s going to be one of your go-to weeknight meals.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: No fancy grocery runs needed; everything is easy to find and store.
Fast Weeknight Meal: Ready in about 40 minutes without any complicated prep.
Flavor Explosion: Roasted cherry tomatoes and melty feta create an irresistible sauce that makes you want seconds.
Versatile Serving: Great on its own, over toast, or alongside your favorite side dish for a complete meal.

The image shows a white baking dish filled with roasted chickpeas, sautéed red cherry tomatoes that look soft and slightly charred, and thick slices of browned, creamy white cheese on top. The chickpeas are golden and scattered around the dish. Fresh green basil leaves are placed among the tomatoes and chickpeas. A silver spoon is lifting a thick slice of the cheese with a roasted tomato on top, revealing the warm, soft texture of the cheese underneath. The dish is set on a white marbled surface with soft lighting that highlights the vibrant reds, greens, and creamy whites. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Baked Feta Chickpeas with Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe lies in the harmony of fresh, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a role in building flavor and texture, plus they’re super pantry-friendly. Here’s a little rundown to help you pick the best ones:

Cherry tomatoes: Go for ripe, brightly colored tomatoes for the sweetest, juiciest sauce.
Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas are a lifesaver here; just drain and rinse for the best texture.
Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic adds an aromatic punch — finely chop to infuse evenly throughout.
Extra-virgin olive oil: Use good quality for that smooth richness and fruity undertones.
Kosher salt: Balances all the flavors without being too intense.
Crushed red pepper flakes: Just the right hint of heat to keep things interesting.
Black pepper: Freshly ground is best to add a subtle bite.
Feta block: I love using a solid block rather than crumbles to get those beautiful soft, melty planks post-baking.
Fresh basil leaves: Bright and herbaceous — adds freshness when sprinkled on top.
Toasted bread: Essential for scooping up all that luscious tomato-feta 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 Tomato Sauce Recipe is super flexible, which is why I think you’ll love making it your own. Whether you want it spicier, vegan, or jazzed up for company, there are easy swaps to keep things exciting.

Try Different Cheeses: For a twist, swap feta for halloumi or even dollops of fresh goat cheese — each brings a unique creaminess.
Add Veggies: I like tossing in sliced zucchini or bell peppers for some extra color and nutrition.
Make it Vegan: Replace feta with a plant-based cheese and use additional olive oil for richness.
Turn Up the Heat: If you love spice, sprinkle extra red pepper flakes or add a chopped chili before baking.

How to Make Baked Feta Chickpeas with Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Toss the Tomatoes and Chickpeas

Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking dish (I use a 13″ x 9″) with your cherry tomatoes, chickpeas, chopped garlic, olive oil, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes. Season everything generously with freshly ground black pepper — I find this really wakes up the dish. Toss it all together until the tomatoes and chickpeas are evenly coated. This is the base that turns into your irresistible sauce, so don’t rush this part!

Step 2: Roast Until Juicy and Bursting

Pop the pan into the oven and roast for about 15 minutes. You’re looking for the tomatoes to start bursting and releasing their silky juices — that’s where the magic is. This step softens everything so the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 3: Add the Feta Planks

While the tomatoes roast, carefully cut your feta block lengthwise into four thick planks, about 3/4 inch each. Nestle these sturdy pieces on top of your tomato and chickpea mixture and drizzle a little more olive oil over everything. This helps the feta melt just perfectly without drying out.

Step 4: Roast and Broil to Perfection

Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until your feta planks soften and the tomatoes get saucy and even more bursting. Right at the end, switch your oven to broil and watch closely for 2-3 minutes until the cheese and tomatoes get those beautiful blistered edges — this step adds a lovely depth of flavor and texture.

Step 5: Finish with Fresh Basil and Serve

Once it’s out of the oven, sprinkle a handful of fresh basil leaves on top for that refreshing herbaceous finish. Serve it straight from the pan with plenty of toasted bread on the side to scoop up that unbelievably tasty sauce. I love this part — it’s hands-on and cozy!

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Pro Tips for Making Baked Feta Chickpeas with Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe

Use Fresh Tomatoes: When tomatoes are ripe and sweet, the sauce is naturally flavorful without needing extra sugar.
Don’t Skip the Broil: That last broil step adds texture and flavor you simply can’t get by just roasting.
Cut Feta Carefully: Using a sharp knife to cut the feta block into planks prevents crumbly edges and makes serving easier.
Avoid Overcrowding: Spread ingredients evenly and don’t cram the pan, so everything roasts and bubbles properly.

How to Serve Baked Feta Chickpeas with Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe

A round white bowl is filled with a vibrant mix of chickpeas, bright roasted cherry tomatoes, and fresh green spinach. On top sits a thick, golden-brown piece of grilled cheese with a slightly crispy texture, showing small specks of seasoning. To the right, torn toasted bread pieces with a warm brown crust rest on a white marbled surface. Above the bowl, a woman's hand holds another piece of toasted bread, dipping it into a white rectangular dish that is also full of chickpeas and roasted cherry tomatoes. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I always add fresh basil leaves at the end because their bright and peppery notes really lift the whole dish. Sometimes I throw on a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of good olive oil for extra richness. A light dusting of cracked black pepper right before serving adds that final punch.

Side Dishes

My favorite way to enjoy this recipe is with thick slices of toasted sourdough or rustic bread for dipping into the saucy tomatoes and melty feta. You can also serve it alongside a fresh green salad or some roasted veggies for a complete meal that doesn’t feel heavy.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I love serving this in individual small ramekins or mini cast iron skillets so everyone gets their own little baked treasure. Garnishing with extra basil and a few edible flowers makes it look fancy but it’s honestly as easy as my regular version. The rustic, vibrant colors really wow guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and usually enjoy them within 2-3 days. The sauce thickens as it chills so it’s even better when you gently reheat it to loosen things up.

Freezing

Since the chickpeas and feta both freeze well, this dish can be frozen in portions. I recommend using a freezer-safe container and thawing overnight in the fridge before reheating. Just note the fresh basil is best added after reheating to keep its vibrant color and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the oven at 350°F to warm through without drying out the feta. Add a splash of olive oil or water if the sauce looks too thick. Fresh basil sprinkled on after reheating brings it back to life.

FAQs

Can I use other types of beans instead of chickpeas?

Absolutely! While chickpeas give a nice hearty texture and mild flavor, you can substitute white beans or Cannellini beans for a creamier result. Just keep in mind that cooking times might change slightly depending on the bean texture.
What can I serve the Baked Feta Chickpeas with Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe alongside?

This dish pairs beautifully with toasted bread for scooping but also works well alongside rice, quinoa, or even roasted vegetables to round out the meal.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! It keeps well in the fridge for a few days and reheats nicely. Just add fresh basil and toast when serving to keep things tasting fresh.
Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, swap out the feta for a plant-based cheese alternative or omit it altogether and add extra olive oil or a dollop of vegan yogurt for creaminess.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Baked Feta Chickpeas with Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe turns out every single time — it’s cozy, comforting, and packed with flavor but still super simple to make. I remember making it on a busy weeknight, and my family went crazy for how rich and tasty it was with almost zero effort. If you’re looking to add a new favorite to your repertoire that’s both nutritious and satisfying, give this one a try. I promise, once you’ve had that tangy, roasted tomato sauce with soft feta and tender chickpeas on toast in your hands, you’ll be hooked just like I am.