Baked Feta Potatoes
These Baked Feta Potatoes are a delightful twist on the popular baked feta pasta trend. This rich and flavorful side dish features crispy roasted potatoes combined with creamy, tangy feta cheese. Perfect for any occasion—from casual family dinners to festive gatherings—this dish is sure to impress with its standout flavors and simple preparation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare – With straightforward steps, you can have this delicious side dish ready in under an hour.
- Flavor Packed – The combination of herbs, feta, and roasted garlic creates a burst of flavor in every bite.
- Versatile Pairing – These baked feta potatoes complement a wide variety of main dishes, making them a go-to choice for any meal.
- Impressive Presentation – The vibrant colors and textures make this dish look as good as it tastes, perfect for entertaining guests.
- Healthy Ingredients – Made with wholesome ingredients, these potatoes offer a nutritious side without sacrificing taste.
Tools and Preparation
To make the most of your cooking experience, having the right tools is essential. Here are some key items you will need to prepare your baked feta potatoes.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking dish
- Saucepan
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking dish – Ensures even roasting of the potatoes and allows room for all ingredients.
- Saucepan – Ideal for par-boiling potatoes before roasting, ensuring they cook evenly and achieve that crispy texture.
- Knife – A sharp knife helps with precision when chopping ingredients, especially garlic and potatoes.
- Cutting board – Provides a stable surface for cutting that protects your countertops while making prep easier.
Ingredients
These baked feta potatoes require only a handful of ingredients to create a deliciously satisfying dish.
Potatoes & Feta
- 2 large baking potatoes
- 1 200g block of feta
Seasonings & Extras
- 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
Aromatics & Garnish
- 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 the potatoes start roasting immediately once placed in the oven.
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 (no more than 10). Drain them and let them steam dry for about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Season the Potatoes
Add the par-boiled potatoes to your baking dish. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, oregano, salt, black pepper, and drizzle with olive oil. Stir gently to coat all pieces evenly.
Step 4: Roast the Potatoes
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Roast for about 30-40 minutes until golden brown and crispy on the outside but still tender inside.
Step 5: Add Feta and Lemon
Once the potatoes are nearly cooked through, place the block of feta in the center of the tray. Squeeze juice from half of a lemon over it for added flavor.
Step 6: Prepare Garlic
Remove the garlic from the baking dish after roasting for about 30 minutes. Once cooled slightly, squeeze out the garlic cloves from their skins and mash them with a knife. Set aside.
Step 7: Final Roasting
Return the baking dish to the oven for another 15 minutes or until everything is nicely golden brown.
Step 8: Combine Ingredients
After removing from oven, stir the mashed garlic mixture along with juice from the remaining lemon half back into the roasted potato mix. Gently fold in fresh basil leaves using a spoon.
Step 9: Drizzle Honey & Serve
Finally, drizzle honey over everything and add shredded basil on top before serving. Enjoy your baked feta potatoes hot!
This recipe serves four people, making it an excellent choice for family meals or small gatherings!
How to Serve Baked Feta Potatoes
Baked feta potatoes are a delightful side dish that can complement various meals. Their rich flavor pairs well with many proteins and vegetables, making them a versatile choice for any dinner.
With Grilled Chicken
- Juicy grilled chicken breasts enhance the meal, providing a satisfying protein balance.
As Part of a Mediterranean Platter
- Serve the baked feta potatoes alongside hummus, olives, and pita bread for a flavorful spread.
With Roasted Vegetables
- Combine with seasonal roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers for added color and nutrition.
Topped with Fresh Herbs
- Finish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill to elevate the dish’s presentation and flavor.
Accompanied by Tzatziki Sauce
- A refreshing tzatziki sauce adds a cool contrast to the warm, savory potatoes.
With a Simple Green Salad
- Pairing with a crisp salad offers a light and healthy balance to the meal.
How to Perfect Baked Feta Potatoes
To achieve the best baked feta potatoes, it’s essential to follow some simple tips. These suggestions will help you create an even more delicious dish.
- Use high-quality feta – A good quality feta cheese will melt beautifully and add rich flavor.
- Par-boil the potatoes – This step ensures they cook evenly in the oven and achieve that crispy texture.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan – Give your potatoes enough space in the baking dish for optimal roasting.
- Experiment with spices – Feel free to add other spices like paprika or garlic powder for additional flavor.
- Adjust cooking time – Keep an eye on your potatoes; cooking times may vary based on size.
- Serve immediately – These potatoes are best enjoyed fresh from the oven while they’re warm and crispy.
Best Side Dishes for Baked Feta Potatoes
Baked feta potatoes make an excellent side dish, but pairing them with complementary sides can elevate your meal even further. Here are some great options:
-
Grilled Lemon Herb Salmon
A zesty salmon fillet complements the richness of baked feta potatoes perfectly. -
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Colorful bell peppers stuffed with quinoa or rice create a nutritious and vibrant plate. -
Marinated Olives
A mix of marinated olives adds salty depth that pairs well with the creamy feta. -
Crispy Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts provide a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with soft potatoes. -
Greek Salad
Fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives tossed in olive oil create a light, refreshing side. -
Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Flavorful shrimp skewers bring a touch of elegance and protein to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making baked feta potatoes, small mistakes can lead to less than perfect results. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.
- Skipping the par-boiling: Not par-boiling the potatoes can result in uneven cooking. Always par-boil for 6-8 minutes for a crispy texture.
- Using low-quality feta: Cheap feta may not melt well or provide the rich flavor you want. Choose a good-quality feta for the best taste.
- Overcrowding the baking dish: Packing too many potatoes in one dish can cause steaming instead of roasting. Give them space to crisp up!
- Ignoring seasoning: Forgetting to season your potatoes before roasting can lead to bland results. Don’t skip the salt and herbs for added flavor.
- Not using enough oil: Under-oiling the potatoes can make them dry. Use enough olive oil to coat them evenly for that perfect golden crust.
- Failing to use fresh herbs: Using dried herbs only may lack freshness. Fresh basil enhances flavor and adds a pop of color.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Baked feta potatoes will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Baked Feta Potatoes
- Place cooled potatoes in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Baked Feta Potatoes
- Oven: Preheat to 180C | 350F and heat potatoes for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about baked feta potatoes.
What are Baked Feta Potatoes?
Baked feta potatoes are a delicious side dish made by roasting cubed potatoes with seasoned feta cheese, garlic, and herbs.
Can I customize my Baked Feta Potatoes?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
How do I make Baked Feta Potatoes vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, substitute feta with a plant-based cheese alternative and omit honey.
What should I serve with Baked Feta Potatoes?
These tasty potatoes pair well with grilled meats, salads, or as part of a Mediterranean platter.
Final Thoughts
Baked feta potatoes are an irresistible side dish that brings comfort and flavor to any meal. Their versatility allows you to customize flavors easily, making them perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a delightful experience!
Baked Feta Potatoes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves four people 1x
Description
Baked Feta Potatoes are a deliciously creamy side dish that brings together crispy roasted potatoes and tangy feta cheese, creating an irresistible combination of flavors. This recipe enhances the popular baked feta trend, making it perfect for family dinners or festive gatherings. The rich taste is complemented by herbs and roasted garlic, transforming a simple potato dish into a standout side. With easy preparation and impressive presentation, these baked feta potatoes are sure to impress your guests while being simple enough for weeknight meals.
Ingredients
- 2 large baking potatoes
- 200g block of feta cheese
- 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
- 1 head of garlic
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 1 tbsp honey
- ¼ cup fresh basil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200C (390F).
- Wash and cube the potatoes, then par-boil in water for 6–8 minutes. Drain and let steam dry.
- In a baking dish, combine the par-boiled potatoes with olive oil, thyme, oregano, salt, black pepper, and stir gently.
- Roast in the preheated oven for about 30–40 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Add the feta block and squeeze half a lemon over it; return to the oven for another 15 minutes.
- Squeeze out the roasted garlic cloves, mash them, and fold into the potato mix along with the remaining lemon juice and fresh basil.
- Drizzle honey on top before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
