The viral baked feta pasta, but upgraded: crispy bacon, jammy shallots, and a smoky spice kick turn this internet classic into full-blown comfort food.
Why This Is the Ultimate Baked Feta Upgrade
Remember the original Baked Feta Pasta that practically broke TikTok? Feta block in the middle, cherry tomatoes around it, all baked until molten, then mashed into creamy, tangy pasta perfection?
Well, this is a grown up, flavor bomb version.
Introducing Version 3.0: where crispy bacon, buttery caramelized shallots, and a touch of smoked paprika transform the sweet-tangy feta base into something deeper, saltier, and entirely next-level. It still has that ultra creamy feta tomato sauce we love but with a savory edge and smoky warmth that makes it irresistible.
Why It Works So Well
- Bacon fat adds salty depth and umami
- Shallots melt into sweetness for balance
- Smoked paprika adds warmth and complexity
- Feta + tomatoes still create that creamy, tangy sauce base
- One baking dish = minimal effort, max flavor
Whether you’re feeding guests or craving something comforting on a Wednesday night, this pasta hits all the right notes and then some.
Timing Summary
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Shallot & bacon prep | 10 minutes |
| Bake time | 30 minutes |
| Pasta cook time (parallel) | 10 minutes |
| Final stir & serve | 5 minutes |
| Total time | ~40–45 minutes |
Ingredients (Serves 4)
Base:
- 1 block (7–8 oz) feta cheese
- 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes
- 3–4 medium shallots, thinly sliced
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Pinch of chili flakes (optional)
Pasta:
- 10 oz short pasta (fusilli, rotini, penne, etc.)
- Salted water for boiling
Finish:
- ¼ cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- Fresh cracked pepper and extra chili flakes to serve
- Optional: grated Parmesan or pecorino
Equipment
- 9×13 baking dish or deep oven-safe skillet
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Skillet (if pre-cooking bacon separately. Optional)
- Tongs or spoon for mixing
Instructions
1. Prep Oven & Base
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a baking dish, add the cherry tomatoes, shallots, chopped raw bacon, olive oil, smoked paprika, black pepper, and chili flakes (if using). Toss gently to coat.
Place the feta block in the center of the dish, nestling it in among the tomatoes and shallots. Drizzle a little oil over the feta.
Note: If you prefer to caramelize shallots and crisp bacon separately for more control, see variation note below.
2. Bake
Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, until tomatoes have burst, bacon is crisp, and feta is soft and starting to brown on top.
For more color, broil for an extra 2–3 minutes at the end, but watch closely.
3. Cook the Pasta
While the feta bakes, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta to al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
4. Mix It All Together
Once out of the oven, mash the feta into the tomatoes, bacon, and shallots using a spoon or spatula. Stir into a creamy sauce.
Add the cooked pasta directly to the pan, tossing gently to coat. Add a splash of pasta water to loosen if needed.
Top with fresh herbs, extra pepper, and grated cheese if desired.
Optional Variations
| Preference | Do This |
|---|---|
| Crispier bacon | Cook bacon separately and stir in at the end for more crunch. |
| Deeper flavor | Caramelize shallots in a skillet with butter before adding to the dish. |
| Spicy | Add harissa or Calabrian chili paste to the tomatoes pre-bake. |
| Creamier | Add a splash of heavy cream when mixing the sauce. |
| Meat-free | Skip bacon, sub with sun-dried tomatoes or olives. |
Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~550 kcal |
| Protein | 20g |
| Carbs | 45g |
| Fat | 32g |
| Sodium | ~700mg |
| Fiber | 3–4g |
May vary depending on pasta type, feta brand, and bacon used.
Final Thoughts
Baked Feta Pasta 3.0 proves that viral recipes don’t have to fade, they can evolve. The addition of smoky bacon and caramelized shallots brings big, bold flavor without adding complexity. It’s still one pan. Still deeply satisfying. But now with richness, depth, and craveability.
Baked Feta Pasta With Smoky Bacon & Caramelized Shallots
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a baking dish, add the cherry tomatoes, shallots, chopped raw bacon, olive oil, smoked paprika, black pepper, and chili flakes (if using). Toss gently to coat.
- Place the feta block in the center of the dish, nestling it in among the tomatoes and shallots. Drizzle a little oil over the feta.
- Note: If you prefer to caramelize shallots and crisp bacon separately for more control, see variation note below.
- Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, until tomatoes have burst, bacon is crisp, and feta is soft and starting to brown on top.
- For more color, broil for an extra 2–3 minutes at the end, but watch closely.
- While the feta bakes, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta to al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Once out of the oven, mash the feta into the tomatoes, bacon, and shallots using a spoon or spatula. Stir into a creamy sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta directly to the pan, tossing gently to coat. Add a splash of pasta water to loosen if needed.
- Top with fresh herbs, extra pepper, and grated cheese if desired.
Nutrition
Notes
- Crispier bacon Cook bacon separately and stir in at the end for more crunch.
- Deeper flavor Caramelize shallots in a skillet with butter before adding to the dish.
- Spicy Add harissa or Calabrian chili paste to the tomatoes pre-bake.
- Creamier Add a splash of heavy cream when mixing the sauce.
- Meat-free Skip bacon, sub with sun-dried tomatoes or olives.
