These baked feta potatoes are a delightful twist on traditional potato dishes, combining crispy roasted potatoes with creamy baked feta cheese. Perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to holiday feasts, this dish delivers rich flavors and a unique taste that will impress your guests. The simplicity of preparation also makes it an ideal choice for weeknight meals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious side dish ready in under an hour.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of herbs, garlic, and feta creates an irresistible flavor profile that enhances the humble potato.
- Versatile Side Dish: These baked feta potatoes pair well with a variety of main dishes, making them suitable for any meal.
- Healthy Ingredients: Made with wholesome ingredients like olive oil and fresh herbs, this recipe is both nutritious and satisfying.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is sure to impress friends and family, becoming a favorite at gatherings and parties.
Tools and Preparation
To create these baked feta potatoes, you’ll need some essential tools that will make the cooking process easier and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking dish
- Saucepan
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking dish: Ensures even cooking of the potatoes and allows for easy mixing of ingredients.
- Saucepan: Perfect for par-boiling the potatoes before roasting, ensuring they become crispy on the outside while remaining fluffy inside.
Ingredients
These baked feta potatoes – inspired by the viral baked feta pasta trend – make the perfect rich, flavorful side dish, with crispy roasted potatoes tossed in baked feta cheese.
For the Potatoes
- 2 large baking potatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 tsp red chilli flakes
For the Feta Mixture
- 1 200g block of feta
- 1 head of garlic (top cut off)
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/4 cup | 20g fresh basil
How to Make Baked Feta Potatoes
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 200C | 390F. This ensures that your potatoes roast evenly and become crispy.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
Wash and cube your potatoes. Add them to a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil and par-boil the potatoes for 6-8 minutes; do not exceed 10 minutes. Drain the potatoes and let them steam dry for 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Season the Potatoes
Add the drained potatoes to your baking dish along with dried thyme, oregano, salt, black pepper, and olive oil. Stir well to coat each potato piece evenly with the seasonings.
Step 4: Roast the Potatoes
Roast the seasoned potatoes in the oven for 30 – 40 minutes until they are golden brown and almost cooked through.
Step 5: Add Feta Cheese
Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the tray (you can dip one side into seasonings first). Squeeze over half of the lemon juice.
Step 6: Prepare Garlic
Remove the garlic from the baking dish once it cools. Squeeze out the soft garlic from its skins and mash it with a knife. Set this aside for later use.
Step 7: Continue Roasting
Return the baking dish to the oven for another 15 minutes until everything is properly cooked.
Step 8: Combine Flavors
Stir in your mashed garlic mixture along with the juice from the remaining half of the lemon into the roasted potatoes. Gently mix everything together using a spoon.
Step 9: Finish with Honey
Drizzle honey over your baked feta potatoes and toss in shredded fresh basil for added flavor.
Step 10: Serve & Enjoy!
Serve warm as a delicious side dish or enjoy it as part of a light meal!
How to Serve Baked Feta Potatoes
Baked feta potatoes are versatile and can be served in various delightful ways. Here are some ideas to enhance your dining experience with this rich and flavorful dish.
As a Standalone Dish
- Enjoy the baked feta potatoes on their own for a hearty side that satisfies.
With a Fresh Salad
- Pair with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
As a Topping for Grilled Meats
- Serve these potatoes alongside grilled chicken or steak, allowing the flavors to complement each other beautifully.
With Crusty Bread
- Offer slices of crusty bread to soak up the delicious baked feta juices for an extra treat.
As a Part of a Mediterranean Platter
- Include them in a spread of Mediterranean delights such as olives, hummus, and pita bread for a varied feast.
With Yogurt Sauce
- Drizzle with tzatziki or plain Greek yogurt to add creaminess and balance the flavors perfectly.
How to Perfect Baked Feta Potatoes
To ensure your baked feta potatoes turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Choose the right potatoes: Opt for starchy varieties like Russets or Yukon Golds, which hold up well and become fluffy when baked.
- Don’t skip par-boiling: This step ensures that the potatoes cook evenly and achieve that desired crispy exterior.
- Use quality feta: A good-quality feta will melt beautifully and impart richer flavors into the dish.
- Experiment with herbs: Feel free to mix in different herbs like rosemary or parsley to tailor the flavor profile to your liking.
- Adjust roasting time: Keep an eye on the potatoes; oven temperatures may vary, so adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Garnish creatively: Fresh herbs or chili flakes sprinkled on top just before serving can elevate both presentation and taste.
Best Side Dishes for Baked Feta Potatoes
Baked feta potatoes pair well with numerous side dishes. Consider these options to create a balanced meal.
- Grilled Vegetables: Toss seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus with olive oil and grill until tender.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crisped Brussels sprouts seasoned with balsamic glaze provide an earthy contrast.
- Mediterranean Quinoa Salad: A refreshing blend of quinoa, cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta adds texture and flavor.
- Garlic Bread: Warm garlic bread complements the richness of the baked feta potatoes wonderfully.
- Stuffed Peppers: Colorful peppers filled with rice, beans, or ground meat add variety and nutrition to your plate.
- Spinach Artichoke Dip: Serve this creamy dip as an appetizer alongside your main course for added indulgence.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw brings crunch and brightness that balances the creaminess of the dish.
- Couscous Salad: Fluffy couscous mixed with herbs and lemon makes for a light yet satisfying addition.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking feta potatoes can be simple, but there are a few common errors to watch out for. Here’s how to ensure your dish is perfect every time.
- Ignoring potato size: Using potatoes of different sizes can result in uneven cooking. Stick with similarly sized potatoes for consistent results.
- Overcooking the feta: Baking feta too long can make it crumbly rather than creamy. Keep an eye on it and remove it when it’s soft and slightly golden.
- Skipping seasoning: Feta potatoes need flavor! Don’t forget to season your potatoes adequately before roasting them.
- Not par-boiling properly: Par-boiling is crucial for crispy potatoes. Make sure to boil them just enough before roasting to achieve that perfect texture.
- Neglecting the fresh herbs: Fresh herbs add brightness and flavor. Always use fresh basil or other herbs as a finishing touch for the best taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container: Allow the baked feta potatoes to cool completely before transferring them to a sealed container.
- Use within 3-5 days: For optimal freshness, consume them within this timeframe.
Freezing Baked Feta Potatoes
- Freezing is possible: You can freeze baked feta potatoes, but they may lose some texture.
- Use freezer-safe containers: Ensure you use containers that are suitable for freezing, like heavy-duty plastic bags or rigid containers.
- Label and date the container: This helps keep track of how long they’ve been frozen; aim to use within 2-3 months.
Reheating Baked Feta Potatoes
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 180C | 350F. Spread the potatoes on a baking sheet and heat until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish. Cover and heat for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of olive oil, stirring occasionally until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about baked feta potatoes that many people have.
What are Baked Feta Potatoes?
Baked feta potatoes combine crispy roasted potatoes with creamy baked feta cheese, making a delicious side dish inspired by the viral baked feta pasta trend.
Can I use other cheeses instead of feta?
Yes! While feta gives a distinct flavor, you can experiment with goat cheese or ricotta for a different taste profile.
Are Baked Feta Potatoes vegetarian?
Absolutely! Baked feta potatoes are completely vegetarian-friendly, making them an excellent choice for meatless meals.
How can I customize my Baked Feta Potatoes?
Feel free to add vegetables like cherry tomatoes or bell peppers before roasting. You can also adjust the spices based on your preference!
Final Thoughts
These baked feta potatoes offer rich flavors and delightful textures that will elevate any meal. They are versatile enough for various occasions and easily customizable with different herbs and vegetables. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy creating your own delicious twist!
Baked Feta Potatoes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Baked feta potatoes are a delectable and unique side dish that elevates the classic potato experience. This recipe combines crispy roasted potatoes with creamy, herb-infused baked feta cheese, creating an irresistible flavor fusion. Perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to festive gatherings, these potatoes are easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests. With wholesome ingredients like olive oil and fresh herbs, this dish is as nutritious as it is delicious.
Ingredients
- 2 large baking potatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 tsp red chili flakes
- 200g block of feta cheese
- 1 head of garlic (top cut off)
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 1 tbsp honey
- 20g fresh basil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200C (390F).
- Wash and cube the potatoes. Par-boil in salted water for 6–8 minutes, then drain and let steam dry.
- In a baking dish, toss par-boiled potatoes with olive oil, thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, and chili flakes.
- Roast the seasoned potatoes for 30–40 minutes until golden brown.
- Add the feta cheese and garlic head to the center of the dish; squeeze half a lemon over them.
- Continue roasting for another 15 minutes.
- Mash the roasted garlic and mix it with the remaining lemon juice into the potatoes.
- Drizzle honey over potatoes and garnish with fresh basil before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
