Greek Spicy Baked Feta

A classic Greek Spicy Baked Feta, Bouyiourdi is a bubbling dish of baked feta, tomatoes, and peppers, finished with melted kasseri cheese and a touch of heat. It’s rich, savory, and perfect for scooping up with warm, crusty bread.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bouyiourdi is the ultimate shareable appetizer — simple to make yet bursting with Mediterranean flavor. The feta turns creamy in the oven, the peppers and tomatoes soften into a rich sauce, and the chili flakes add a pleasant kick. With only a handful of ingredients, this dish delivers bold taste in under an hour, making it ideal for casual gatherings or as part of a Greek mezze spread.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

200 g feta cheese, crumbled
1 green bull’s horn pepper (130 g), thinly sliced
200 g cherry tomatoes, quartered
½ tsp granulated sugar
½ tsp chili flakes
1 tsp dried oregano
5–6 tbsp olive oil
100 g kasseri cheese, grated
Freshly ground black pepper

To serve:
Toasted bread

Directions

1. Preheat oven: Set to 200°C (390°F), fan setting.

2. Mix veggies & seasonings: In a bowl, combine sugar, chili flakes, oregano, olive oil, tomatoes, and sliced pepper. Season with black pepper and mix well.

3. Assemble in dish: Spread half the tomato-pepper mixture in a 12 cm baking dish. Crumble feta evenly over it, then top with the remaining mixture.

4. First bake: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.

5. Add kasseri & finish baking: Remove foil, sprinkle with grated kasseri, and bake for 10–15 minutes more, or broil for 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden.

6. Serve: Stir gently and serve hot with toasted bread for dipping.

Servings and timing

Servings: 2–4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
Total Time: 50–55 minutes

Variations

• Extra spicy: Add more chili flakes or sliced fresh chili before baking.

• Cheese swap: Replace kasseri with mozzarella, provolone, or gouda.

• Herb twist: Add fresh basil or thyme for a different flavor profile.

• Roasted garlic: Mix in whole roasted garlic cloves for a sweeter, mellow flavor.

• Grilled version: Assemble in a foil packet and cook on the grill for a smoky touch.

Storage/Reheating

Bouyiourdi is best enjoyed fresh, but you can refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the cheese rubbery.

FAQs

What is kasseri cheese?

Kasseri is a semi-hard Greek cheese with a mild, buttery flavor that melts beautifully.

Can I make this ahead?

You can assemble it up to a few hours ahead, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.

Can I use bell peppers instead of bull’s horn peppers?

Yes, though bull’s horn peppers are sweeter and more traditional.

Is this dish very spicy?

It has a gentle heat from the chili flakes, but you can adjust the amount to your taste.

Can I make it without kasseri?

Yes, you can use just feta, but adding a melting cheese creates a creamier texture.

What bread pairs best?

Warm pita, crusty baguette slices, or grilled sourdough are all excellent.

Can I add olives?

Yes, Kalamata olives add a nice briny contrast to the creamy cheese.

Is it served as an appetizer or main?

Traditionally it’s a meze (appetizer), but with bread it can be a light main dish.

Can I use cow’s milk feta?

Yes, though sheep’s milk feta will have a richer, tangier flavor.

Can I grill it instead of baking?

Yes — assemble in a heatproof dish or foil packet and place on the grill until bubbling.

Conclusion

Greek Spicy Baked Feta – Bouyiourdi is a flavorful, comforting dish that’s perfect for sharing. With its creamy, tangy cheese base, sweet peppers and tomatoes, and a hint of chili heat, it’s an easy yet impressive recipe for any occasion — best served with plenty of warm bread to scoop up every bite.

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