These Baked Feta Potatoes are a delightful twist on the classic potato dish, perfect for any gathering. With crispy roasted potatoes enveloped in creamy baked feta cheese, this recipe brings rich flavors that will impress your guests. Ideal as a side dish for family dinners or special occasions, these potatoes are not only delicious but also easy to make. The combination of aromatic herbs and tangy lemon elevates this dish to a new level of culinary delight.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: This recipe requires minimal effort, making it perfect for weeknight meals or last-minute gatherings.
- Flavorful Combination: The pairing of baked feta with roasted potatoes creates a unique taste that is both savory and comforting.
- Versatile Side Dish: These baked feta potatoes complement a variety of main dishes, from grilled meats to vegetarian options.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With their enticing aroma and beautiful presentation, they are sure to impress your guests.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with wholesome ingredients, this recipe offers a nutritious option without sacrificing flavor.
Tools and Preparation
To make these baked feta potatoes, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that will help streamline the cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking dish
- Saucepan
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Foil
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking dish: Ensures even cooking and allows for easy serving.
- Saucepan: Ideal for par-boiling the potatoes to achieve the perfect texture before roasting.
- Knife: A sharp knife makes cubing the potatoes quick and efficient.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping ingredients.
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
- 1 200g block of feta
- 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 Flavor
- 1 head of garlic (top cut off)
- 1 lemon, halved
- 1 tbsp honey
For Garnish
- 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 start cooking immediately when placed inside.
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 and let them steam dry for 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Season the Potatoes
Transfer the par-boiled potatoes into your baking dish. Sprinkle in the thyme, oregano, salt, black pepper, and drizzle with 2 tbsp olive oil. Stir well to coat each potato evenly.
Step 4: Roast with Garlic
Drizzle olive oil over the garlic head, wrap it in foil, and place it in the baking dish alongside the seasoned potatoes.
Step 5: Roast Until Crispy
Roast the potatoes and garlic in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy but are nearly cooked through.
Step 6: Add Feta Cheese
Remove the baking dish from the oven. Take out the garlic head. Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the tray (you can dip one side in seasonings before flipping it). Squeeze half of one lemon over everything.
Step 7: Final Roasting
Return the dish to the oven for an additional 15 minutes until the feta is soft and slightly golden.
Step 8: Prepare Garlic Mixture
Once cool enough to handle, squeeze out the roasted garlic from its skins into a bowl. Mash it using a knife until smooth.
Step 9: Combine Flavors
Stir together your mashed garlic mixture (you can use all or just part) with juice from the other half of lemon back into your roasted potatoes along with fresh basil leaves. Gently mix everything together using a spoon.
Step 10: Drizzle & Serve
Drizzle honey over your baked feta potatoes and sprinkle chili flakes on top for an extra kick.
Step 11: Enjoy!
Serve warm and enjoy this flavorful side dish!
How to Serve Baked Feta Potatoes
Baked feta potatoes are a delightful side dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy meal at home, these potatoes complement many main dishes beautifully.
With Grilled Chicken
- Juicy grilled chicken pairs perfectly with the creamy baked feta and crispy potatoes, creating a balanced plate.
As Part of a Mediterranean Platter
- Serve the baked feta potatoes alongside hummus, olives, and pita bread for a fantastic Mediterranean spread.
Topped with Fresh Herbs
- Garnish the potatoes with extra fresh basil or parsley for an added burst of flavor and color.
Accompanied by a Side Salad
- A light green salad with vinaigrette complements the richness of the baked feta potatoes, making for a refreshing contrast.
With Roasted Vegetables
- Pair these potatoes with seasonal roasted vegetables to enhance the overall meal with healthy options.
As Leftovers in a Wrap
- Use leftover baked feta potatoes in wraps or sandwiches for a quick and tasty lunch option.
How to Perfect Baked Feta Potatoes
To ensure your baked feta potatoes turn out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips.
- Choose the right potatoes: Opt for starchy varieties like Russets or Yukon Golds for the best texture.
- Don’t skip parboiling: Parboiling helps achieve that crispy exterior while keeping the inside fluffy.
- Use quality feta: A good quality feta cheese will melt better and add more flavor to your dish.
- Adjust seasoning: Feel free to tweak herbs and spices according to your taste preferences; garlic and lemon are great additions!
- Mind the baking time: Keep an eye on your potatoes while roasting; they should be golden and crispy but not overcooked.
- Serve immediately: These baked feta potatoes are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven for maximum crispiness.
Best Side Dishes for Baked Feta Potatoes
Baked feta potatoes serve as an excellent side dish, but they can also shine alongside other delicious options. Here are some great side dishes to consider.
- Grilled Asparagus
Lightly seasoned grilled asparagus adds crunch and freshness to your meal. - Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
This colorful salad combines quinoa with veggies and herbs, providing a nutritious balance against rich flavors. - Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Crispy Brussels sprouts offer a nutty flavor that complements the creamy feta in the potatoes. - Stuffed Bell Peppers
Filled with rice, beans, and spices, stuffed bell peppers make for a hearty addition to your meal. - Sautéed Spinach
Quick sautéed spinach with garlic adds vibrant color and health benefits, enhancing your dining experience. - Oven-Baked Zucchini Fries
These crispy zucchini fries are a fun alternative that kids will love, adding variety to your table.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making baked feta potatoes, it’s easy to overlook some key steps that can affect the final taste and texture. Here are common mistakes to watch out for:
- Skipping the par-boil: Not par-boiling the potatoes can lead to uneven cooking. Always par-boil for 6-8 minutes to ensure they cook through and become crispy.
- Using cold feta: Adding cold feta directly from the fridge can prevent it from melting properly. Allow the feta to come to room temperature before baking for a creamier consistency.
- Overcrowding the baking dish: Packing too many potatoes into one dish can cause them to steam instead of roast. Ensure there is enough space between the potatoes for even cooking.
- Ignoring seasoning: Under-seasoning the dish will result in bland flavors. Be generous with herbs, salt, and pepper to enhance the taste of your baked feta potatoes.
- Not monitoring cooking time: Cooking for too long can lead to burnt edges while undercooking can leave potatoes soggy. Keep an eye on them, especially during the last few minutes of roasting.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store baked feta potatoes in an airtight container.
- They can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Baked Feta Potatoes
- Allow baked feta potatoes to cool completely before freezing.
- Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag; they can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Baked Feta Potatoes
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 180C | 350F. Spread the potatoes on a baking sheet and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place a portion on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes or until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. This method helps restore some crispiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make baked feta potatoes vegan?
You can substitute the feta cheese with a plant-based alternative and replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
What are some variations for baked feta potatoes?
Feel free to add vegetables like cherry tomatoes or bell peppers into the baking dish. They will roast beautifully alongside the potatoes and add extra flavor.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, you can try using goat cheese or ricotta as alternatives, but remember that they will yield different flavors and textures compared to traditional feta.
How do I store leftover baked feta potatoes?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for longer storage options.
Can I prepare baked feta potatoes ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep everything up until baking and store it in the fridge. Just bake when you’re ready to serve!
Final Thoughts
Baked feta potatoes are a delightful side dish that combines rich flavors with crispy textures. Their versatility allows you to customize them with various herbs and vegetables based on your preference. Whether served at a dinner party or as part of a weeknight meal, these baked feta potatoes are sure to impress. Give this recipe a try and enjoy discovering your favorite variations!
Baked Feta Potatoes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Baked Feta Potatoes offer a deliciously unique take on classic roasted potatoes, making them an ideal side dish for any occasion. Combining crispy, golden potatoes with creamy baked feta cheese, this dish is elevated by aromatic herbs and a hint of tangy lemon. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, these flavorful potatoes are not only easy to prepare but also visually stunning, making them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the delightful contrast of textures and flavors that will leave your guests raving about this dish long after the meal is over.
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
- 1 tbsp honey
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200C (390F).
- Wash and cube the potatoes, then par-boil them in salted water for 6-8 minutes.
- Drain and let steam dry briefly before transferring to a baking dish.
- Add olive oil, thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, and toss to coat.
- Wrap the garlic head in foil and place it alongside the potatoes.
- Roast for 30-40 minutes until crispy and golden.
- Add the feta cheese and lemon juice; return to oven for another 15 minutes.
- Squeeze roasted garlic into a bowl, mash it up, then mix back into the potatoes with fresh basil.
- Drizzle honey over the top and serve warm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: For added flavor variations, consider incorporating cherry tomatoes or bell peppers into the baking dish. You can also substitute feta with goat cheese or a dairy-free alternative to make it vegan-friendly.