Save I threw this together on a cold December evening when I had leftover cranberries from holiday baking and a block of feta that had been sitting in my fridge for a week. The idea of roasting them together felt risky, but the moment that baking dish came out of the oven, bubbling and fragrant, I knew I'd stumbled onto something special. The cranberries had burst into jammy pockets of tartness, the feta turned golden and creamy, and the whole kitchen smelled like a cozy celebration. It's become my go-to when I want something impressive without the fuss.
The first time I served this to friends, someone asked if I'd trained at culinary school. I laughed and told them it was just feta, cranberries, and a little faith in the oven. We ate it straight from the baking dish, passing around forks and pouring more wine, and by the end of the night the pan was scraped clean. That's when I realized some recipes don't need to be complicated to bring people together.
Ingredients
- Block feta cheese: The star of the dish, it melts into a creamy, tangy sauce when roasted, so don't skimp on quality here.
- Cherry tomatoes: They roast down into sweet, juicy bursts that balance the sharpness of the feta beautifully.
- Fresh cranberries: These little gems turn jammy and tart in the oven, adding a seasonal twist that makes the whole dish sing.
- Garlic cloves: Smash them with the side of your knife so they release their flavor without burning, becoming sweet and mellow as they roast.
- Short pasta: Penne, fusilli, or rigatoni all work well because their shapes catch the creamy sauce in every bite.
- Extra virgin olive oil: A good drizzle helps everything caramelize and keeps the feta from drying out.
- Dried oregano: It brings a Mediterranean warmth that ties the whole dish together.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Optional, but a pinch adds a gentle heat that plays nicely with the sweet honey.
- Honey: This is the secret ingredient, balancing the tartness of the cranberries and rounding out the flavors.
- Fresh basil: Stir it in at the end for a bright, herbal finish that lifts every forkful.
Instructions
- Get the oven ready:
- Preheat to 200°C (400°F) so it's nice and hot when your dish goes in. This ensures the feta gets that golden crust and the cranberries burst open just right.
- Arrange everything in the dish:
- Place the feta block in the center of your baking dish, then scatter the cherry tomatoes, cranberries, and smashed garlic around it like a little edible wreath. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Roast until golden and bubbling:
- Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the feta has a golden top and the cranberries have burst, releasing their tart juices.
- Cook the pasta:
- While the dish roasts, boil your pasta in salted water until al dente, following the package instructions. Before draining, scoop out half a cup of the starchy pasta water and set it aside.
- Mash and mix the sauce:
- Pull the baking dish from the oven and use a fork to gently mash the feta, tomatoes, and cranberries together right in the dish. It'll turn into a creamy, chunky sauce that clings to everything.
- Toss it all together:
- Add the drained pasta, reserved pasta water, honey, and chopped basil to the dish. Toss everything until the pasta is coated in that luscious, creamy sauce.
- Taste and serve:
- Adjust the seasoning with a pinch more salt or pepper if needed, then serve warm with extra basil scattered on top. It's best enjoyed right away while it's still steaming.
Save One evening I made this after a long day and sat alone at my kitchen table with a bowl and a glass of wine. The sweet-tart cranberries against the creamy feta felt like a hug I didn't know I needed. It reminded me that cooking for yourself can be just as meaningful as cooking for a crowd.
What Makes This Different
The cranberries are what set this apart from the classic baked feta pasta that went viral a few years back. Their tartness and slight bitterness add complexity, and when you drizzle in the honey at the end, the whole dish comes alive with a sweet-savory balance that feels both familiar and new. It's like the original recipe grew up and went to a holiday party.
Ingredient Swaps and Ideas
If fresh cranberries aren't in season, you can use dried ones soaked in hot water for 10 minutes, just cut back on the honey since dried fruit is sweeter. I've also tried this with goat cheese instead of feta when I wanted something a little milder, and it worked beautifully. For a bit of crunch, toss in some toasted walnuts or pecans right before serving.
Serving and Pairing
This dish is rich and satisfying on its own, but I love serving it with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon and olive oil to cut through the creaminess. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir pairs wonderfully, echoing the fruity, tart notes of the cranberries.
- Serve it straight from the baking dish for a cozy, family-style feel.
- Leftovers reheat well with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Garnish with extra fresh basil or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a finishing touch.
Save This recipe has a way of turning a regular weeknight into something that feels special. I hope it brings you the same warmth and joy it's brought to my table.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of pasta works best with baked feta sauce?
Short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni are ideal as they hold the creamy sauce well and add nice texture.
- → Can fresh cranberries be substituted?
Dried cranberries soaked in warm water can be used if fresh are unavailable, but reduce the honey to balance sweetness.
- → How do you achieve the creamy texture in this dish?
Oven roasting the feta and tomatoes softens them, then mashing with cranberries creates a smooth, creamy sauce when combined with pasta and basil.
- → What herbs complement the flavors here?
Fresh basil adds a bright, aromatic note while dried oregano enhances the Mediterranean flavor profile.
- → Is this dish suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, it contains no meat and uses vegetarian-friendly ingredients like feta cheese and fresh produce.