Baked Feta Potatoes

These Baked Feta Potatoes are a delightful twist on a classic dish. Perfect for gatherings or a simple weeknight dinner, they bring together crispy roasted potatoes and creamy baked feta cheese for a rich and flavorful side dish. The combination of herbs and lemon elevates this recipe, making it stand out on any table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This recipe requires minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor. Perfect for both beginner and experienced cooks.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The mix of feta, garlic, and herbs creates a deliciously savory taste that complements any meal.
• Versatile Side Dish: These baked feta potatoes pair wonderfully with grilled meats, salads, or can be enjoyed as a hearty vegetarian option.
• Crispy Texture: Roasting the potatoes ensures they have a satisfying crunch, making each bite enjoyable.
• Crowd-Pleaser: With their rich flavors and appealing presentation, these potatoes are sure to impress family and friends at your next gathering.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your tools to make the cooking process smooth.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking dish
• Saucepan
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking dish: Ensures even cooking of the potatoes and feta while allowing for easy mixing later.
• Saucepan: Ideal for par-boiling the potatoes before roasting, which helps achieve the perfect texture.
• Knife: Essential for chopping the ingredients with precision.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for cutting and preparing your 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
• 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

For Finishing Touches

• 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 to get started on these delicious baked feta potatoes.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

1. Wash and cube your potatoes into bite-sized pieces.
2. Add them to a saucepan and cover with water.
3. Bring to a boil and par-boil for about 6-8 minutes (do not exceed 10 minutes).
4. Drain well and let them steam dry for about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Season the Potatoes

1. Place the par-boiled potatoes into your baking dish.
2. Add dried thyme, oregano, salt, black pepper, and olive oil.
3. Stir until the potatoes are evenly coated with seasonings.

Step 4: Roast the Potatoes

Roast in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes until they are golden brown, crispy on the outside, and tender inside.

Step 5: Add Feta Cheese

1. Take the block of feta cheese and place it in the center of the baking dish.
2. Squeeze half of the lemon juice over it.

Step 6: Prepare Garlic

Remove the head of garlic from the dish after roasting for a while:
1. Allow it to cool slightly before squeezing out its softened cloves into a bowl.
2. Mash with a knife until smooth.

Step 7: Final Roasting

Return your baking dish to the oven for an additional 15 minutes to let everything meld together beautifully.

Step 8: Combine Ingredients

After roasting:
1. Stir in the mashed garlic mixture along with juice from the remaining lemon half into your roasted potatoes gently.
2. Mix well with fresh basil.

Step 9: Drizzle Honey

Finish by drizzling honey over everything along with some shredded basil for an aromatic touch.

Step 10: Serve

Serve warm as an irresistible side dish that’s full of flavor! Enjoy every bite!

How to Serve Baked Feta Potatoes

Baked feta potatoes are a delightful and versatile side dish that pairs well with various meals. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

Pair with Grilled Chicken

• Grilled chicken adds protein and complements the rich, creamy feta flavor. Marinate the chicken in lemon juice and herbs for extra zest.

Serve with a Fresh Salad

• A light salad, such as a Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives, balances the richness of the baked feta potatoes while adding freshness.

Enjoy with Roasted Vegetables

• Roasted seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots create a colorful plate and provide additional nutrients.

Accompany with Tzatziki Sauce

• This cool yogurt-based sauce made with cucumber and garlic enhances the flavors of the baked feta potatoes and offers a refreshing contrast.

Add a Squeeze of Lemon

• A fresh squeeze of lemon juice over the potatoes just before serving brightens up the dish, adding a zesty finish.

Garnish with Extra Herbs

• Chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill can elevate the presentation and add aromatic freshness to each bite.

How to Perfect Baked Feta Potatoes

Perfecting baked feta potatoes requires attention to detail for optimal flavor and texture. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out delicious every time.

• Choose the right potatoes: Use starchy potatoes like Russets for a fluffy interior and crispy exterior after roasting.
• Par-boil for crispiness: Par-boiling the potatoes helps achieve that desired crunch when roasted. Don’t skip this step!
• Season generously: Ensure you coat the potatoes evenly with olive oil and seasonings for maximum flavor. Taste as you go!
• Monitor roasting time: Keep an eye on your potatoes; cooking times can vary based on size. Look for a golden-brown color.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to add other spices like paprika or garlic powder to customize flavor profiles according to your taste.
• Serve immediately: For the best experience, serve your baked feta potatoes hot right out of the oven to enjoy their crispy texture.

Best Side Dishes for Baked Feta Potatoes

Baked feta potatoes make an excellent accompaniment to many main dishes. Here are some great side dishes that complement them well.

1. Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken
   Serve juicy grilled chicken marinated in lemon and herbs alongside baked feta potatoes for a satisfying meal.

2. Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
   A refreshing quinoa salad filled with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, chickpeas, and olives adds a healthy touch that balances out rich flavors.

3. Roasted Asparagus
   Lightly seasoned roasted asparagus brings a crunchy texture and vibrant color to your table, making it an ideal pairing.

4. Garlic Butter Shrimp
   Savory garlic butter shrimp provides a luxurious seafood option that matches beautifully with baked feta potatoes’ creaminess.

5. Stuffed Bell Peppers
   Colorful bell peppers stuffed with rice, beans, or vegetables create an appealing dish that works well together on any plate.

6. Spinach & Feta Salad
   A spinach salad topped with crumbled feta cheese adds freshness while echoing flavors from your baked feta potatoes dish.

7. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
   Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts seasoned with balsamic glaze offer deep flavors that complement the richness of baked feta nicely.

8. Cucumber Yogurt Salad
   A cool yogurt salad made from cucumbers offers a refreshing contrast to warm baked feta potatoes while adding creaminess.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making baked feta potatoes, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the dish’s overall flavor and texture. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Not par-boiling the potatoes: Skipping this step leads to uneven cooking. Always par-boil the potatoes for 6-8 minutes to ensure they cook thoroughly and achieve a crispy finish.

• Using insufficient oil: A lack of oil can result in dry potatoes. Make sure to coat your potatoes evenly with olive oil before roasting for that perfect crispiness.

• Ignoring seasoning: Under-seasoning can make your dish bland. Don’t skip the herbs and spices; they elevate the flavors significantly, so be generous with thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.

• Overcrowding the baking dish: If too many potatoes are crammed together, they won’t roast properly. Spread them out in a single layer for even browning and crispiness.

• Not adjusting lemon juice: Too much or too little lemon juice can affect the overall taste. Squeeze in half a lemon first and adjust according to your preference after the bake.

• Forgetting about garlic: Garlic adds depth to the dish. Remember to roast it alongside your potatoes; its sweetness will enhance the flavor profile beautifully.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the dish to cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing Baked Feta Potatoes

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• For best results, freeze without adding fresh basil or honey; add these when reheating.

Reheating Baked Feta Potatoes

• Oven: Preheat to 180°C | 350°F, then reheat for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes or until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about baked feta potatoes that may help you get the best results.

What is the best type of potato for Baked Feta Potatoes?

Waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes work best as they hold their shape well when roasted and develop a creamy texture inside.

Can I use a different cheese instead of feta?

Yes! While feta adds a unique flavor, other cheeses like goat cheese or ricotta can also work well if you’re looking for alternatives.

How do I make Baked Feta Potatoes vegan?

To make this recipe vegan, substitute feta with a plant-based cheese alternative and replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.

Can I customize my Baked Feta Potatoes?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers or cherry tomatoes before roasting for added color and flavor.

Final Thoughts

These baked feta potatoes are not just delicious but also versatile enough for any meal. You can customize them by adding different herbs or veggies based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try—you might find it becomes your new favorite side dish!