Oven Baked Shakshuka: A Warm, Spicy, and Comforting Brunch Favorite

Looking to add some savory flair to your brunch spread? Look no further than Oven Baked Shakshuka! Perfectly cooked eggs mingle with creamy feta in a warm, spicy tomato sauce that’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. With our simplified method, you’ll spend less time at the stove and more time enjoying your meal with loved ones. Let’s dive into this hands-off, easy-to-make recipe that’s bursting with rich North African and Middle Eastern flavors.

What is Shakshuka?

Shakshuka is a traditional dish from North Africa and the Middle East, made with poached eggs simmered in a spiced tomato sauce. Despite its simple ingredients, it’s a dish full of complex and comforting flavors. While classic shakshuka is prepared on the stovetop, our oven-baked version takes the hassle out of cooking by letting your oven do all the work. You’ll still get that signature medley of savory, spicy, and fresh flavors but with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Cherry tomatoes: 2 cups, sliced in half
Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
Canned tomato sauce: 1/4 cup
Small onion: 1, peeled and diced
Roasted red pepper: 3/4 cup, roughly chopped
Jalapeño (optional): 1, diced and seeded
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
Ground cumin: 1 teaspoon
Paprika: 1 teaspoon
Chili powder: 2 teaspoons
Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (or to taste)
Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (or to taste)
Eggs: 4-6, depending on preference
Italian flat-leaf parsley: 1/4 cup, chopped
Feta cheese: 1/2 cup, crumbled

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease an oven-safe baking dish lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

In the prepared baking dish, add the cherry tomatoes, olive oil, tomato sauce, onion, roasted red pepper, and jalapeño (if using). Sprinkle in the garlic, cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything until the ingredients are evenly coated with the seasonings.

Step 3: Bake the Tomato Mixture

Bake the tomato mixture for 30-35 minutes, or until the tomatoes burst and release their juices. Remove the dish from the oven and mash the ingredients together with a fork or potato masher until you achieve a saucy consistency.

Step 4: Add the Eggs

Using the back of a spoon, create small indents in the sauce. Crack the eggs, one at a time, into the indentations, spacing them evenly across the dish. Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 7-10 minutes, or until the egg whites are set and the yolks remain runny. Adjust cooking time if you prefer firmer yolks.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once the eggs are cooked to your liking, remove the dish from the oven. Top with crumbled feta cheese and freshly chopped parsley. Serve the shakshuka hot with warm pita bread, crostini, or toast for dipping.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigerate: Store leftover shakshuka sauce (without the eggs) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the tomato sauce in advance. Follow the recipe up to Step 3, then cool and refrigerate the sauce in an airtight container. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce, add the eggs, and bake as directed.
Reheating: Warm the leftover sauce in the oven or on the stovetop. Add freshly cooked eggs for the best results, as reheating the eggs may overcook them.

Why You’ll Love Oven Baked Shakshuka

Effortless Preparation: The oven does most of the work, giving you a hands-off cooking experience.
Bursting with Flavor: A perfect balance of spicy, savory, and tangy notes makes this dish truly irresistible.
Versatile: Enjoy it for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. Pair it with your favorite sides for a complete meal.
Perfect for Entertaining: This colorful and hearty dish is sure to impress guests at any brunch gathering.

What to Serve with Shakshuka

To create a stunning brunch spread, pair this oven-baked shakshuka with some of these dishes:

Berry Stuffed French Toast: A sweet and creamy make-ahead dish that complements the spiciness of the shakshuka.
Turkish Eggs: Another savory egg-based dish, featuring roasted peppers and a yogurt sauce.
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups: A sweet treat finished in the air fryer for a satisfying crunch.

Oven Baked Shakshuka is a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s as easy to prepare as it is delicious. Whether you’re serving it for brunch with friends or enjoying a quiet breakfast at home, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Try it out and let us know how it turns out in the comments below!