Baked Feta Potatoes
These Baked Feta Potatoes are a delightful twist on a classic dish, combining crispy roasted potatoes with creamy baked feta cheese. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or as a flavorful side for any meal, they bring an irresistible richness to your plate. The unique combination of flavors and textures makes these potatoes a standout choice that will impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you can whip up these baked feta potatoes effortlessly.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of feta cheese, herbs, and roasted garlic creates a mouthwatering taste experience.
- Versatile Dish: Serve them as a side dish for meats or enjoy them on their own as a comforting vegetarian option.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These potatoes are sure to impress at any gathering or family dinner.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with wholesome ingredients, this dish is not only tasty but also nutritious.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start cooking, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking dish
- Saucepan
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking dish: This is crucial for roasting the potatoes evenly while allowing the flavor of the feta to infuse throughout.
- Saucepan: Used for par-boiling the potatoes, ensuring they’re perfectly tender before roasting.
- Knife: Essential for chopping ingredients and preparing the garlic and lemons.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for food preparation.
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 it reaches the right temperature for roasting your potatoes to perfection.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
Wash and cube your baking potatoes. Add them to a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil and par-boil for 6-8 minutes (no more than 10). Drain them well and let them steam dry for 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Season the Potatoes
Add the par-boiled potatoes to your baking dish. Sprinkle in thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, and drizzle with olive oil. Stir to coat each potato evenly.
Step 4: Roast Until Crispy
Roast the seasoned potatoes in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside but tender inside.
Step 5: Add Feta and Lemon
Place the block of feta right in the center of the baking dish. Optionally dip one side into the seasonings before placing it down. Squeeze over half of the lemon juice.
Step 6: Prepare Garlic
Remove the garlic head from the tray once it’s cooled slightly. Squeeze out each clove from its skin into a bowl and mash with a knife; set aside.
Step 7: Final Roasting
Return the baking dish to the oven for another 15 minutes. This allows flavors to meld beautifully while getting everything nice and warm.
Step 8: Mix in Garlic and Basil
Take out your dish again; add mashed garlic along with juice from the other half of lemon into your potato mixture. Gently stir in fresh basil using a spoon.
Step 9: Drizzle with Honey
Finish off by drizzling honey over everything along with extra shredded basil if desired.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy!
Your delicious baked feta potatoes are ready! Serve immediately while they are hot for maximum flavor enjoyment!
How to Serve Baked Feta Potatoes
Baked feta potatoes can be enjoyed in various ways, making them a versatile side dish. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
With Fresh Salad
- A light green salad can complement the richness of the baked feta. Consider using arugula, spinach, or mixed greens dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing touch.
As a Topping for Grilled Chicken
- Pair these potatoes with grilled chicken for a hearty meal. The creamy feta and crispy potatoes add great flavor to the tender meat.
With Roasted Vegetables
- Serve alongside roasted vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots. This adds color and nutrition to your plate while balancing the flavors of the dish.
Drizzled with Extra Olive Oil
- For an extra kick of flavor, drizzle some high-quality olive oil over the baked feta potatoes just before serving. This enhances their taste and adds a lovely sheen.
Garnished with Additional Herbs
- Fresh herbs like parsley or dill can elevate the dish. Sprinkle them on top just before serving for a burst of freshness.
How to Perfect Baked Feta Potatoes
Achieving the perfect baked feta potatoes is all about technique and attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out delicious every time.
- Use high-quality feta – Opt for block feta instead of crumbled. It melts better and provides a creamier texture.
- Ensure even cooking – Cut your potatoes into uniform pieces. This helps them cook evenly and achieve that desirable crispiness.
- Don’t rush the par-boiling – Par-boil your potatoes until they are just tender but not fully cooked. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy exterior during roasting.
- Experiment with spices – Feel free to add other spices or herbs based on your preference, such as rosemary or paprika, to create unique flavor profiles.
- Serve immediately – Baked feta potatoes are best served fresh from the oven while they’re still warm and crispy.
- Adjust cooking times if needed – Oven temperatures can vary; keep an eye on your potatoes to ensure they don’t overcook or burn.
Best Side Dishes for Baked Feta Potatoes
Baked feta potatoes pair well with various side dishes that complement their rich flavors. Here are some great options:
- Grilled Asparagus – Lightly seasoned asparagus adds a nice crunch and complements the creaminess of the feta.
- Cucumber Salad – A refreshing cucumber salad with yogurt dressing provides a cool contrast to the warm potatoes.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts – The nutty flavor of Brussels sprouts roasted until crispy pairs wonderfully with baked feta.
- Quinoa Pilaf – A lemony quinoa pilaf offers a healthy grain option that balances out the richness of the dish.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers – Colorful stuffed peppers filled with grains and veggies make for an eye-catching and nutritious side.
- Mediterranean Chickpea Salad – Packed with protein, this salad brings vibrant flavors that work well alongside baked feta potatoes.
- Sautéed Spinach – Simple sautéed spinach with garlic provides a nutrient-dense side that’s quick to prepare.
- Lemon Garlic Shrimp – The zesty shrimp brings an exciting seafood element that pairs beautifully with the potatoes’ flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking feta potatoes can be a delightful experience, but common mistakes can affect the outcome. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.
- Ignoring potato size: If your potato cubes are not uniform in size, they will cook unevenly. Make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces for consistent cooking.
- Overcooking garlic: Roasting garlic too long can make it bitter. Keep an eye on it while baking and remove it before it starts to brown.
- Skipping the par-boil step: Par-boiling helps achieve that crispy texture. Don’t skip this step to ensure your potatoes are perfectly roasted.
- Not seasoning properly: Feta potatoes need flavor! Be generous with herbs and spices to enhance their taste.
- Rushing the cooling process: Allowing the potatoes to steam dry after boiling is essential. Rushing this can lead to sogginess instead of crispiness.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store baked feta potatoes in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Ensure they have cooled completely before sealing to avoid moisture buildup.
Freezing Baked Feta Potatoes
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months.
- Label the container with the date for easy tracking.
Reheating Baked Feta Potatoes
- Oven: Preheat to 180C | 350F and bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even warmth.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Baked Feta Potatoes?
Baked feta potatoes are roasted potatoes tossed with creamy baked feta cheese, herbs, and spices. They make a rich and flavorful side dish.
Can I customize Baked Feta Potatoes?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, swap herbs, or adjust spices according to your taste preferences.
How do I make Baked Feta Potatoes vegan?
To make this dish vegan, substitute feta cheese with a plant-based alternative and use maple syrup instead of honey.
What can I serve with Baked Feta Potatoes?
These potatoes pair well with grilled meats, salads, or as part of a vegetarian meal. Their versatility makes them a great addition!
Final Thoughts
Baked feta potatoes are an irresistible dish that combines crispy textures with creamy flavors. This recipe is perfect for any occasion and can easily be tailored to suit your tastes. Try adding different herbs or vegetables for a unique twist!
Baked Feta Potatoes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Baked Feta Potatoes are a delightful fusion of crispy roasted potatoes and creamy, tangy feta cheese, making them an irresistible side dish perfect for any occasion. This easy recipe takes the classic potato bake to new heights with the addition of roasted garlic, fresh herbs, and a hint of honey, creating a flavor-packed experience. Ideal for family dinners or gatherings with friends, these baked feta potatoes promise to impress your guests while satisfying your taste buds. Enjoy them as a comforting vegetarian option or pair them with grilled meats for a hearty meal.
Ingredients
- 2 large baking potatoes
- 200g block of feta cheese
- 1 head of garlic
- 1 lemon
- 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
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200C (390F).
- Wash and cube the baking potatoes. Par-boil in salted water for 6–8 minutes until just tender. Drain and let steam dry.
- Toss the par-boiled potatoes in a baking dish with olive oil, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Roast for 30–40 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Add the block of feta and quartered lemon to the center of the dish and roast for an additional 15 minutes.
- Squeeze roasted garlic cloves into the potatoes, stir in fresh basil, drizzle with honey, and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
