Few dishes capture comfort, flavor, and simplicity quite like shakshuka. This Middle Eastern and North African classic is a warm, hearty dish made of eggs gently poached in a rich tomato sauce, often flavored with garlic, onions, and spices like cumin or paprika. Adding creamy, tangy feta cheese takes this traditional meal to a whole new level, creating a perfect balance between savory tomatoes, fragrant spices, and the richness of cheese.
Shakshuka with feta has become a beloved brunch favorite around the world, but it’s more than just a trendy café dish. Its roots go back centuries, originating in North Africa before spreading across the Middle East and Mediterranean. Traditionally, it’s served straight from the skillet, making it ideal for sharing with family or friends. The dish is typically accompanied by crusty bread or warm pita, perfect for scooping up the flavorful sauce and soft eggs.
What makes shakshuka so appealing is its versatility. It can be enjoyed at any time of da, breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and customized with different vegetables or spices. The addition of feta adds creaminess and a salty edge that pairs beautifully with the tomato base. Some variations include peppers, spinach, or even chickpeas, making it easy to adapt to your personal taste or whatever you have on hand.
Beyond its flavor, shakshuka is a visually stunning dish. The vibrant red sauce, golden yolks, and crumbled feta create a colorful presentation that looks as good as it tastes. It’s a perfect example of how simple, wholesome ingredients can come together to make something truly special.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting brunch, shakshuka with feta is a dish that feels both rustic and elegant. It’s hearty enough to satisfy, yet light and nourishing, making it a great choice for any season. Next time you’re looking for a comforting and flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare, consider shakshuka, it’s a timeless recipe that continues to win hearts around the globe.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1 large red bell pepper sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or to taste
- 1 28-ounce can whole peeled tomatoes with juices
- 6 large eggs at room temperature
- 1 cup feta cheese crumbled
- 1/4 cup parsley chopped
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sliced red bell pepper. Cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the canned tomatoes with their juices, breaking them up with a spoon. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Make small wells in the sauce and crack an egg into each well. Cover the skillet and cook until the eggs are just set, about 7-10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese and chopped parsley before serving.
Nutrition
This dish is a game changer! The flavors are incredible. Definitely a keeper!
I totally agree! This shakshuka has become my go-to breakfast. So delicious!
Honestly, I was scared this would be bland. But wow, so much flavor!!! 10/10 will make again.
I don’t get the hype. It’s just tomatoes and eggs… boring!
Yeah, but I guess it’s all about taste. Some peeps like plain stuff. I like it spicy tho! 🌶️
I totally disagree! Shakshuka is so flavorful with the spices and feta. It’s not just tomatoes and eggs! 😍
It was okay. I think the spice levels are too much for me. Maybe less cayenne next time?
I totally get that! The cayenne can be really strong. I’ve had to adjust the spice levels myself. Maybe try just a pinch next time?
I tried this recipe but it didn’t turn out as I expected. The eggs were too runny for my taste. Maybe I cooked them too long?
Simple and delicious! I added some spinach and it was perfect.
Never made anything like this before, but my friends insisted. Tasted pretty darn good!
Wow, I found it a bit salty. Next time, I will skip the extra salt.
Salt is good! You might not be used to it. Add more spices next time.
I totally agree! It can get salty really quick. I usually just add a pinch. Thanks for the tip!
Yum! My family loved it, especially the feta! Will be making again for sure.
So glad to hear! Feta really makes everything better. I’m definitely trying this next week!
Eww, this is not for me! Eggs in sauce? What were you thinking?
I totally get it! Eggs in sauce can sound weird but shakshuka is actually pretty good. You might wanna try it with just the sauce first!
Just made this shakshuka and it was too spicy! My mouth is on fire!
I actually love it spicy, but if it’s too much, just add a bit of sugar or honey to balance it out!
Shakshuka can be spicy, but you can always adjust the cayenne to your taste. Maybe next time, try less or none at all?
Good but not worth the olive oil. Just use butter!!
I am not a cook, but this seemed easy. I followed instructions but forgot the parsley. Still looked good!
Delicious! I added some spinach and it was great! The flavor is awesome!
Thought it’d be better. Lacked flavor, I don’t recommend.
Too spicy for me, I think I put too much cayenne. I would cut back next time.
I followed it pretty closely, but my eggs took longer than 10 minutes to set. Still tasted great though—nice spice balance.
Easiest recipe ever! Can I skip the tomatoes? I like only eggs.
Yummy!! But the eggs were too runny for my taste. 😕
I wasn’t a fan of the cayenne. It was too spicy for me. Maybe just one teaspoon next time.
Too spicy? Nah, that’s what gives it flavor! You just gotta get used to it. 😂
I completely understand! Cayenne can really pack a punch. Maybe try some paprika for flavor without all that heat!
Shakshuka? More like shakshuka-n’t cook my eggs right! 🥚
If you follow the recipe, you shouldn’t have issues cooking the eggs! Give it another try! 🥘
It was ok but I feel like it needed more spices. My eggs didn’t set properly too.
I agree! A little more spice could have definitely helped it pop. And yeah, the eggs can be tricky sometimes. Maybe try using fresh eggs next time?
This is a great brunch recipe! I added spinach and some leftover veggies I had. Yum!
I don’t know what went wrong, but my eggs were runny! Still tasty though.
Shakshuka is trendy now, but my mom used to make it and add cheese like this. Aight, still love it!
I made this for my family and they loved it! But I think I put too much cayenne… it was a tad spicy.
I don’t like feta, can I use mozzarella instead? Got confused on the cooking time too.
This was so delicious! I used spicy feta and it took it up another level.
Spicy feta is the way to go! I gotta try this next time. Thanks for the tip!
So easy to make! I added some avocado on top and it was fantastic! 🌟
Very good! This is like my mom used to make but she never used pepper!
Didnt have cumin, so I used curry and it was not very good. Oops! Lesson learned…
Not my cup of tea. I prefer my eggs scrambled, but I can see others liking it. Just not for me.
Looks like a fancy dish but it’s so simple! I’m not much of a cook but I nailed this.
Love this! So easy to make and really filling. My kids love it too, even the picky eater. Highly recommend!
I’m so glad to hear that! It’s always a win when you find something the kids will eat. Shakshuka is such a fun dish!
Really? My kids hate eggs. Maybe I should try it with some bacon instead? But still sounds quick!
This recipe is confusing. You say cover the skillet but don’t explain how. Ugh!
I totally get your frustration! I think they mean to just use a lid, but it’s a bit unclear. Just cover it up like you would with any pan!
Cover the skillet? Just put a plate on top, duh! This is pretty basic stuff, I don’t see what the issue is.
Doesn’t look like the pictures… maybe my eggs not set right?
Looks good, but does it have to be spicy? My grandma makes it without spices. Just saying…
You can totally leave out the spicy stuff! My mom does it that way too. Just add a bit more seasoning like oregano or basil instead!
This is the best shakshuka recipe I have ever tried! The flavors are incredible!
I totally agree! This recipe really hits the spot. I love how vibrant the colors are too!
Yum! I added some olives and it was even more delicious. Will make again!
This shakshuka was amazing! The flavors were spot on, and the feta added a nice touch. Will make again!
Great but a bit salty for my taste 🤷♂️. Next time less salt?
This was absoultly delicious! The feta adds such a great flavor. Will make again!
Feta??? Ugh, why? It ruined the whole dish for me, I basically had to throw it away.
Not a fan. This was more complicated than I expected and the taste was just okay.
I made this for brunch and everyone loved it! Totally a keeper!
Awesome! I’m glad everyone enjoyed it! Shakshuka is one of my favorites too! 😊
I made this for breakfast and everyone loved it! Specially my kids, but they hate veggies usually.
Made this last night—so comforting. The feta at the end is the perfect tang. I added a bit of extra cayenne and it was 🔥.
That sounds amazing—never would’ve thought to crank the cayenne, but I’m intrigued. 🔥 How many eggs did you use?
Shaksuka is life! I love tomatoes and this recipe is perf!
This is basically breakfast-in-a-pan and I’m here for it. Served with toast and it soaked up the sauce perfectly.
GREAT!! I put a lil’ bit of hot sauce on top!
Why do people put eggs in sauce? Just scrambled them instead, makes no sense.
Cumin + paprika + cayenne… wow. Smells amazing while cooking. I also used smoked paprika and it turned out better than expected.
Who needs fancy meals when you can just scramble eggs? Way too much work for eggs and tomatoes!
I tried it but my sauce got too thick because I simmered longer. Maybe I should’ve added more tomato juices or water. Still edible!
Quick question: do you really need 6 eggs? For two people that’s a lot unless you like very eggy shakshuka 😅
How can you cook eggs in sauce?! It sounds weird, but it’s surprisingly good. But I still think eggs should be fried.
I substituted feta with cottage cheese, and it worked! But I don’t think it tastes the same.
Cottage cheese? Really? That sounds… interesting. I’ve never tried that! But yeah, feta has its own unique taste for sure.
This shakshuka is absolutely delicious! I never knew I could make such a tasty dish at home. Definitely a 5-star recipe!
Not sure about the “at room temperature” eggs part—mine were cold and the whites kind of spread out. Tasted fine, but presentation was meh.
Shakshuka is the best! I can’t believe I waited so long to try it. Gonna make it every week.
Flavor is good, but 1 cup feta felt a little too much for me. Next time I’ll use a bit less and add more parsley.
Totally agree—1 cup feta can be *a lot*. I usually do half and it still tastes great. Adding more parsley is a smart move too.
I’m skeptical about adding feta at the end—won’t it just melt weird? But nope, it stayed creamy and salty. Surprised me.