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A skillet of Mediterranean Baked Feta with Giant Beans in a rich tomato sauce garnished with thyme.

Baked Feta with Giant Beans

This Baked Feta with Giant Beans Recipe is a vibrant, one-pan Mediterranean meal inspired by the traditional Greek Gigantes Plaki. By nesting a whole block of salty Greek feta into a rich, herb-infused tomato sauce with creamy butter beans, you create a satisfying dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes. It’s high in plant-based protein and fiber, making it a perfect heart-healthy dinner or a shared mezze platter.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Mezze, Side Dish
Cuisine: Greek
Calories: 345
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cans 15 oz each Butter beans or cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 block 7–8 oz High-quality Greek Feta cheese
  • 1 can 14 oz Crushed or diced tomatoes
  • 1 small Red onion finely diced
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 3 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp Dried oregano
  • ½ tsp Smoked paprika
  • To taste Salt and cracked black pepper
  • 3 –4 Fresh thyme sprigs
Optional:
  • Drizzle of honey

Method
 

  1. Preheat: Set oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Sauté: In an oven-safe skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil. Sauté red onion (5 mins), then add garlic and spices (1 min).
  3. Simmer: Stir in tomatoes and beans. Simmer for 5 mins.
  4. Nestle: Place the feta block in the center of the beans.
  5. Season: Drizzle remaining oil over the pan. Add black pepper.
  6. Bake: Roast for 15–20 mins.
  7. Broil: Switch to broil for 2–3 mins until the cheese is golden.
  8. Garnish: Top with fresh thyme and optional honey. Serve with bread.

Notes

  • Feta Quality: For the best melting consistency, always use a block of feta rather than crumbles. Feta in brine is preferred; just pat it dry before baking.
  • Bean Substitutions: While butter beans offer the "giant" texture that matches the tradition of this dish, Cannellini beans are an excellent substitute if butter beans are unavailable.
  • Sodium Control: Since feta is naturally salty, rinse your canned beans thoroughly and wait to add extra salt until the sauce has finished simmering.
  • Visual Appeal: Don't skip the final 2-minute broil; it creates the charred, golden edges that make this dish look professional and appetizing.
  • Dietary Note: To make this vegan, use a high-quality plant-based feta alternative.