Baked Feta Potatoes

If you’re looking for a side dish that brings both comfort and flavor to your table, these Baked Feta Potatoes are just the ticket! Inspired by the viral baked feta pasta trend, this recipe transforms simple baking potatoes into a rich and satisfying dish. The combination of crispy potatoes and creamy, baked feta creates a delightful experience that’s sure to impress your family and friends.

This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something quick yet delicious, or for family gatherings where everyone can dig in and enjoy. Trust me; once you try these baked feta potatoes, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a tasty side dish ready to serve.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Who can resist crispy potatoes with creamy feta? It’s a hit for both kids and adults!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prep the ingredients ahead of time, making dinner stress-free.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of herbs, garlic, and lemon elevates these potatoes to a whole new level.
• Versatile Serving Options: Pair with grilled veggies or your favorite protein for a complete meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these Baked Feta Potatoes, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. Here’s what you’ll gather:

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

• 1 200g block of feta
• 1 head of garlic (top cut off)
• 1 lemon, halved
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1/4 cup | 20g fresh basil

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with different ingredients or flavors. Here are some fun variations to consider:

• Add More Veggies: Toss in some cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.
• Change Up the Cheese: Try using goat cheese or ricotta if you want a different flavor profile.
• Spice It Up: If you like heat, add more red chili flakes or even some diced jalapeños.
• Herb Swap: Use fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley instead of basil for a unique twist.

How to Make Baked Feta Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 200C | 390F. This ensures it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to roast those potatoes!

Step 2: Par-Boil the Potatoes

Wash and cube your baking potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Add them to a saucepan, cover with water, and bring them to boil. Par-boiling for 6-8 minutes helps them cook evenly later on. Drain them well and let them steam dry for about 2-3 minutes. This step makes sure they get super crispy in the oven!

Step 3: Season the Potatoes

In your baking dish, toss the par-boiled potatoes with dried thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Stir well so every piece is coated evenly. This seasoning will infuse wonderful flavors into each bite!

Step 4: Prepare the Garlic

Drizzle some olive oil over the head of garlic you’ve prepared. Wrap it in foil and place it alongside your seasoned potatoes in the baking dish. Roasting garlic brings out its sweetness, which will be delicious mixed into your finished dish!

Step 5: Roast Away!

Pop your baking dish into the oven and roast everything for about 30-40 minutes until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy on the outside but tender inside. Keep an eye on them—this is when they start smelling amazing!

Step 6: Add the Feta

Once those beautiful potatoes are almost cooked through, remove them from the oven. Make space in the middle of your tray for the feta block (dipping one side in seasonings adds extra flavor). Squeeze half of your lemon over everything—it’s going to brighten up those flavors wonderfully!

Step 7: Bake Again

Return everything back into the oven for another 15 minutes. This allows the feta to soften up beautifully while finishing cooking those potatoes.

Step 8: Prepare Roasted Garlic

Once done baking, let that garlic cool down slightly before squeezing it out of its skins into a small bowl—all that sweet roasted goodness! Mash it gently with a knife.

Step 9: Mix It All Together

Stir that mashed garlic back into your crispy potatoes along with juice from the other half of lemon and fresh basil. This step ties all those flavors together—trust me; it makes all the difference!

Step 10: Final Touches

Drizzle honey over top for a touch of sweetness (it pairs so nicely with feta!) then sprinkle on some shredded basil and red chili flakes for a lovely kick.

Step 11: Serve & Enjoy!

And there you have it! Serve these baked feta potatoes warm as an irresistible side dish that everyone will love! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Baked Feta Potatoes

These baked feta potatoes are a crowd-pleaser, and with a few simple tips, you can make them even more delicious!

• Choose the Right Potatoes: Opt for starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds. They become fluffy on the inside while achieving a lovely crisp exterior when roasted.
• Don’t Skip the Par-Boiling: Par-boiling the potatoes before roasting helps to soften them, ensuring they cook evenly and develop that irresistible crispy texture.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil adds vibrant flavor and a touch of color. Feel free to experiment with other herbs like parsley or dill to customize the dish to your taste.
• Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the amount of red chili flakes or omit them altogether. Conversely, if you love heat, don’t hesitate to add extra spice!
• Serve Immediately: For the best texture and flavor, serve your baked feta potatoes fresh out of the oven while they’re still hot and crispy.

How to Serve Baked Feta Potatoes

These baked feta potatoes not only taste amazing but also look beautiful on the plate! Here are some ideas to make your presentation shine.

Garnishes

• Fresh Basil: Chopped fresh basil adds a burst of color and flavor. Sprinkle it over just before serving for a fresh touch.
• Lemon Zest: Grate some lemon zest on top for an extra citrusy aroma that brightens the dish.
• Chili Oil: Drizzle a little chili oil over the top for added spice and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

• Greek Salad: A refreshing Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives complements the richness of the baked feta potatoes perfectly.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots add color and nutrition, making for a well-rounded meal.
• Quinoa Tabbouleh: This light and herbaceous dish made with quinoa, parsley, tomatoes, and a lemon dressing pairs wonderfully with roasted potatoes.
• Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinated chicken skewers offer lean protein that balances out the creamy feta and fluffy potatoes beautifully.

Enjoy your delicious Baked Feta Potatoes alongside these delightful options for a memorable meal everyone will love!

Make Ahead and Storage

These baked feta potatoes are not only delicious but also make for a fantastic meal prep option! You can easily prepare them ahead of time, ensuring that you have a flavorful side dish ready to go.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the baked feta potatoes to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer them to an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Let the potatoes cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, ensuring as much air as possible is removed.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 180C | 350F.
• Spread the leftover potatoes on a baking sheet and cover with foil.
• Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. For extra crispiness, remove the foil for the last few minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Baked Feta Potatoes that might help you out!

Can I use different types of cheese instead of feta in Baked Feta Potatoes?

Absolutely! While feta gives a unique flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses such as goat cheese or even ricotta for a different twist.

How do I make Baked Feta Potatoes gluten-free?

This recipe is already gluten-free! Just ensure that all your ingredients, especially any added seasonings, are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.

Can I customize the spices in my Baked Feta Potatoes?

Definitely! Feel free to adjust the herbs and spices based on your preference. Adding rosemary or Italian seasoning could give it a lovely twist!

What should I serve with Baked Feta Potatoes?

These potatoes pair wonderfully with grilled vegetables, salads, or as a side dish to your favorite protein options like chicken or tofu.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful baked feta potatoes as much as I do! They’re not just easy to prepare but also bursting with flavor that will impress anyone around your dinner table. Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your experience!