This hearty Orzo Baked With Greek Cheeses is a comforting twist on traditional pasta bake. The tiny orzo pasta soaks up a luscious mixture of whipping cream, olive oil, and aromatic fresh dill, creating a rich base. Generous crumbles of salty feta and nutty Kasseri cheese provide authentic Greek flavor and a satisfying texture. As it bakes, the top becomes golden and bubbly while the inside remains creamy and tender. It’s an excellent choice for weeknight dinners that feel special without requiring hours in the kitchen. Serve it as a main course or a substantial side dish alongside a simple green salad. The combination of dairy and pasta makes this a crowd-pleaser that is both easy to prepare and deeply flavorful.
Orzo Baked With Greek Cheeses
Description
This hearty Orzo Baked With Greek Cheeses is a comforting twist on traditional pasta bake. The tiny orzo pasta soaks up a luscious mixture of whipping cream, olive oil, and aromatic fresh dill, creating a rich base. Generous crumbles of salty feta and nutty Kasseri cheese provide authentic Greek flavor and a satisfying texture. As it bakes, the top becomes golden and bubbly while the inside remains creamy and tender. It&# 226;ÂÂs an excellent choice for weeknight dinners that feel special without requiring hours in the kitchen. Serve it as a main course or a substantial side dish alongside a simple green salad. The combination of dairy and pasta makes this a crowd-pleaser that is both easy to prepare and deeply flavorful.Ingredients
Directions
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Preheat oven to 350ðF (175ðC).
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Pour the chicken broth into a large pot and add enough water to almost fill the pot. Add salt and bring to a boil.
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Stir in the orzo pasta and boil until just tender but still firm to the bite (al dente), stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Drain the orzo well and return it to the pot.
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Mix in the whipping cream, olive oil, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh dill.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Transfer the mixture to a 1.5-quart baking dish.
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Sprinkle the grated Kasseri or Romano cheese evenly over the top.
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Bake until heated through and the cheese is bubbly and golden, about 40 minutes.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 866.4kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 43.5g67%
- Saturated Fat 12.0g60%
- Cholesterol 322.6mg108%
- Sodium 297.2mg13%
- Total Carbohydrate 0.0g0%
- Dietary Fiber 0.0g0%
- Sugars 0.0g
- Protein 97.9g196%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Make Ahead: This dish can be prepared up to one day in advance. Cover and refrigerate after mixing the orzo with the cream and feta. Bring to room temperature before baking. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
Substitutions: If you cannot find Kasseri cheese, Romano, Pecorino, or a sharp Parmesan can be used as a substitute for the top layer. For a vegetarian version, ensure the chicken broth is substituted with vegetable broth.
Serving: Serve warm with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh spinach and tomato salad to balance the richness of the cheese and cream.