Baked Feta Potatoes
These baked feta potatoes are a delightful twist on the classic potato side dish. Inspired by the viral baked feta pasta trend, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a rich and flavorful accompaniment perfect for any meal. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy family meal, these potatoes will impress with their crispy texture and creamy feta topping. The combination of herbs, lemon, and honey adds unique flavors that enhance your dining experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare – With straightforward steps, you can enjoy delicious baked feta potatoes without fuss.
- Flavor Explosion – The creamy feta cheese combined with aromatic herbs creates a mouth-watering taste sensation.
- Versatile Side Dish – Perfect for any occasion, these potatoes pair well with meats, salads, or even as a vegetarian main.
- Healthy Ingredients – Packed with wholesome components, this dish offers nutrients while satisfying your cravings.
- Impressive Presentation – The golden-brown roasted potatoes topped with baked feta make for an eye-catching addition to your table.
Tools and Preparation
To make these baked feta potatoes, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools to ensure smooth cooking.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking dish
- Saucepan
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking dish – A sturdy baking dish ensures even roasting of the potatoes and helps mix in flavors effectively.
- Saucepan – Using a saucepan for par-boiling allows you to soften the potatoes before roasting them to perfection.
Ingredients
These baked feta potatoes feature a simple list of fresh ingredients that enhance their flavor.
Potatoes and Feta
- 2 large baking potatoes
- 1 200g block of feta
Seasonings and 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
- 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 your potatoes roast evenly from the start.
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 and let them steam dry for about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Season the Potatoes
Add the par-boiled potatoes to your baking dish along with thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil, stirring well to coat all pieces evenly.
Step 4: Roast the Potatoes
Roast the seasoned potatoes in your preheated oven for 30 – 40 minutes until they are golden brown, crispy, and almost cooked through.
Step 5: Add Feta and Lemon
Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the baking dish. Squeeze half of the quartered lemon over it for added flavor.
Step 6: Roast Garlic
Remove the top of the head of garlic. After cooling slightly, squeeze out the roasted garlic from its skins and mash it using a knife. Set aside for later.
Step 7: Complete Roasting Process
Return the baking dish to the oven for another 15 minutes to allow the feta to soften further.
Step 8: Combine Ingredients
Stir together the mashed garlic mixture with juice from the other half of your squeezed lemon into the roasted potatoes, along with fresh chopped basil. Gently mix everything together.
Step 9: Drizzle Honey
Drizzle honey over your baked feta potatoes before serving. Top with shredded basil for an extra pop of flavor.
Step 10: Serve
Serve warm as a side dish or enjoy them as a standalone meal. Enjoy every bite!
How to Serve Baked Feta Potatoes
Baked feta potatoes are not only delicious but also versatile. You can serve them in various ways to suit different occasions. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
As a Standalone Dish
- Pair with a fresh salad for a light meal.
- Enjoy them as a comforting side dish alongside grilled meats.
With Dips
- Serve with tzatziki for a refreshing flavor contrast.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze for added sweetness and depth.
Garnished with Fresh Herbs
- Top with extra basil or parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
- Sprinkle some chives or dill to enhance the taste profile.
Incorporating Protein
- Add crumbled grilled chicken on top for a complete meal.
- Serve alongside roasted chickpeas for a vegetarian protein option.
How to Perfect Baked Feta Potatoes
To achieve the best baked feta potatoes, consider these helpful tips. By following these suggestions, you can elevate your dish and impress your guests.
- Choose the right potatoes: Opt for starchy varieties like Russets or Yukon Golds, as they become fluffy inside when baked.
- Par-boil wisely: Par-boiling before roasting helps ensure that your potatoes are tender and crisp up nicely in the oven.
- Experiment with seasonings: Feel free to add more spices or herbs based on your taste preferences, such as rosemary or smoked paprika.
- Adjust baking times: Keep an eye on the potatoes; if they’re browning too quickly, lower the oven temperature slightly.
Best Side Dishes for Baked Feta Potatoes
Baked feta potatoes make an excellent accompaniment to many dishes. Here are some great side dishes that pair well with this recipe.
- Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinated chicken cooked on skewers makes for a tasty protein addition next to the crispy potatoes.
- Garden Salad: A mix of greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers tossed in vinaigrette adds freshness to balance the richness of the baked feta.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies like carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers roasted until caramelized complement the flavors beautifully.
- Tzatziki Sauce: This Greek yogurt-based sauce serves as a cooling dip that contrasts nicely with the warm potatoes.
- Hummus Platter: A selection of hummus varieties served with pita chips or veggies provides an enjoyable textural contrast.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers: These can bring additional flavors and nutrients to your meal while remaining aligned with Mediterranean cuisine.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making baked feta potatoes can be straightforward, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Using unwashed potatoes – Not washing your potatoes can lead to dirt and impurities affecting the final dish. Always wash them thoroughly before cooking.
- Skipping the par-boiling step – Par-boiling helps achieve that crispy texture. If you skip this, your potatoes may end up soggy. Don’t skip this crucial step!
- Overcrowding the baking dish – If the potatoes are too close together, they won’t roast properly. Make sure there’s space for each potato piece to crisp up.
- Not seasoning enough – A lack of seasoning can make the dish bland. Ensure you generously season both the potatoes and feta for maximum flavor.
- Forgetting to use fresh ingredients – Using stale or old herbs can diminish the taste. Always opt for fresh herbs when possible to enhance flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store baked feta potatoes in an airtight container.
- They can last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Baked Feta Potatoes
- Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing.
- Use a freezer-safe container or bag, and label it with the date.
- They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Reheating Baked Feta Potatoes
- Oven – Preheat your oven to 180C | 350F and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave – Place a portion on a microwave-safe plate and cover it. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop – Reheat in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about baked feta potatoes that might help you!
Can I use other cheeses instead of feta?
Yes! While feta gives a unique flavor, you can experiment with goat cheese or ricotta for different tastes.
How do I make baked feta potatoes vegan?
To make this dish vegan, substitute feta with a plant-based cheese alternative and use maple syrup instead of honey.
What can I serve with baked feta potatoes?
Baked feta potatoes pair beautifully with salads, grilled vegetables, or as a side for your favorite protein dishes.
Are baked feta potatoes healthy?
They can be a healthy option when prepared with minimal oil and served alongside nutritious foods. The inclusion of herbs also adds health benefits.
How do I customize my baked feta potatoes?
Feel free to add vegetables like cherry tomatoes or bell peppers before baking for added flavor and nutrition.
Final Thoughts
These baked feta potatoes are not only rich in flavor but also versatile enough to complement various meals. You can easily customize them by adding different herbs or vegetables based on your preference. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a delightful side dish that’s sure to impress!
Baked Feta Potatoes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Baked Feta Potatoes are a delightful and flavorful twist on the classic potato side dish. Inspired by the viral baked feta pasta trend, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into an impressive accompaniment that’s perfect for any meal. The combination of crispy potatoes, creamy feta cheese, and aromatic herbs creates a mouth-watering experience that will wow your guests. Add a touch of lemon and honey to elevate the flavor profile, making these potatoes not just a side dish but a highlight of your dining table. Easy to prepare and versatile enough to pair with various proteins or enjoyed on their own, these baked feta potatoes are destined to become your new favorite comfort food.
Ingredients
- 2 large baking potatoes
- 200g block of feta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 head of garlic (top cut off)
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 1 tbsp honey
- Fresh basil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200C | 390F.
- Wash and cube the potatoes; par-boil in salted water for 6-8 minutes.
- Drain potatoes and let them steam dry for a few minutes.
- Toss potatoes with olive oil, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper in a baking dish.
- Roast for 30-40 minutes until golden brown.
- Add feta cheese and lemon quarters; roast for another 15 minutes.
- Squeeze roasted garlic from skins and mash with remaining lemon juice; mix with potatoes and top with fresh basil and honey.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the dish (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
