Baked Feta Potatoes

These Baked Feta Potatoes are a delightful twist on the classic roasted potato dish, combining creamy feta cheese with crispy potatoes for a flavor explosion. Perfect as a side dish for family dinners or gatherings, they offer a unique blend of textures and flavors. The roasted garlic adds an aromatic touch, making these potatoes not just a side but a star on your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of baked feta and roasted garlic creates an irresistible taste that elevates simple potatoes.
• Easy Preparation: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this dish accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
• Versatile Side Dish: These baked feta potatoes pair well with various main courses, from grilled meats to vegetarian dishes.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Bring them to potlucks or serve at family gatherings and watch everyone rave about them.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with wholesome ingredients, this recipe is both nutritious and satisfying.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Baked Feta Potatoes perfectly, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that will help streamline the cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking dish
• Saucepan
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Aluminum foil

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking dish: A sturdy baking dish ensures even cooking and allows for easy mixing of ingredients.
• Saucepan: This is crucial for par-boiling the potatoes, ensuring they are tender before roasting.
• Knife: A sharp knife helps you easily chop potatoes and prepare other ingredients like garlic.
• Aluminum foil: Wrapping garlic in foil helps roast it evenly while keeping it moist.

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 and Garlic

• 1 200g block of feta
• 1 head of garlic (top cut off)
• 1 lemon, halved

For Garnishing

• 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 step is crucial as it prepares the environment for roasting the potatoes until golden and crispy.

Step 2: Par-Boil the Potatoes

Wash and cube your potatoes. Add them to a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil and par-boil for 6-8 minutes (do not exceed 10 minutes). Drain the potatoes and allow them to steam dry for 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Season the Potatoes

In a baking dish, combine your par-boiled potatoes with thyme, oregano, salt, black pepper, and olive oil. Stir well to ensure each piece is coated evenly.

Step 4: Prepare the Garlic

Drizzle olive oil over the head of garlic, wrap it in foil, and place it alongside your seasoned potatoes in the baking dish.

Step 5: Roast the Potatoes

Roast everything in the oven for about 30-40 minutes until golden brown and almost cooked through.

Step 6: Add Feta Cheese

Remove the baking dish from the oven. Take out the garlic (set aside) and place the block of feta cheese in the center of the tray. Squeeze half a lemon over it.

Step 7: Continue Roasting

Return the dish to the oven for another 15 minutes until the feta is soft and slightly golden.

Step 8: Prepare Roasted Garlic

Once cooled, squeeze out roasted garlic from its skins into a bowl. Mash it using your knife’s flat side until smooth; set aside.

Step 9: Combine Ingredients

Mix in your mashed garlic along with juice from the remaining half of lemon back into your roasted potatoes. Gently fold in fresh basil leaves.

Step 10: Final Touches

Drizzle honey over everything then sprinkle red chili flakes on top for an added kick.

Step 11: Serve

Enjoy these delicious Baked Feta Potatoes warm as a delightful side dish!

How to Serve Baked Feta Potatoes

Baked feta potatoes are a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with many other foods. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.

With Grilled Chicken

• Juicy grilled chicken breasts complement the creamy feta and crispy potatoes perfectly. Season the chicken with herbs to match the flavors of the dish.

As a Salad Base

• Serve baked feta potatoes on a bed of mixed greens for a delightful salad. The warm potatoes and feta will add richness to the fresh greens.

Accompanied by Roasted Vegetables

• Pair these potatoes with a selection of roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots for a colorful, healthy side.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Garnish with additional fresh basil or parsley for an aromatic touch. This adds freshness and enhances the overall presentation.

With Lemon Wedges

• Offer lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus flavor. Squeezing fresh lemon juice over the potatoes can elevate their taste even further.

Alongside Hummus

• Serve baked feta potatoes with hummus for a Mediterranean-inspired meal. The creamy texture of hummus complements the crispy potatoes beautifully.

How to Perfect Baked Feta Potatoes

To ensure your baked feta potatoes turn out delicious every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Choose the Right Potatoes: Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for a fluffy interior and crispy exterior.

• Properly Par-Boil: Don’t skip the par-boiling step; it softens the potatoes and helps achieve that perfect crispiness during roasting.

• Use Quality Feta: Opt for high-quality feta cheese. It will melt beautifully and offer rich flavor compared to lower-quality options.

• Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to tweak the seasonings based on your taste preferences. Adding more herbs or spices can create unique flavor profiles.

• Experiment with Veggies: Add diced bell peppers or cherry tomatoes to roast alongside the potatoes for added color and nutrition.

• Let Garlic Cool: Allow roasted garlic to cool slightly before handling; this makes it easier to squeeze out of its skins without burning your fingers.

Best Side Dishes for Baked Feta Potatoes

Baked feta potatoes are a delightful main attraction, but they pair well with various sides. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Grilled Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears tossed in olive oil and grilled until slightly charred make a vibrant complement.

2. Mediterranean Quinoa Salad: A refreshing salad packed with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta brings brightness alongside the rich potatoes.

3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy Brussels sprouts drizzled with balsamic glaze provide a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with soft baked feta potatoes.

4. Creamy Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw offers crunch and acidity, balancing out the richness of the baked dish.

5. Lemon Herb Rice: Fluffy rice flavored with lemon zest and fresh herbs can soak up any sauce from your main dish.

6. Cucumber Tomato Salad: A simple salad of cucumbers and tomatoes dressed in olive oil is light and refreshing next to hearty baked feta potatoes.

7. Sautéed Spinach: Sautéed spinach with garlic adds nutritional value and pairs well for those who love greens.

8. Chickpea Salad: A protein-packed chickpea salad mixed with red onion, parsley, and lemon dressing makes a hearty side option that complements well.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Baked Feta Potatoes, it’s easy to make a few common missteps. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.

• Overcooking the Potatoes: Par-boiling too long makes potatoes mushy. Stick to 6-8 minutes for the best texture.
• Skipping Seasoning: Forgetting to season can lead to bland potatoes. Ensure you coat them well with salt, pepper, and herbs before baking.
• Not Preheating the Oven: Baking in a cold oven affects cooking time and texture. Always preheat your oven for even roasting.
• Using Low-Quality Feta: A poor feta can ruin the dish’s flavor. Choose a good-quality feta for richer taste and creaminess.
• Ignoring Garlic Roasting: Skipping roasted garlic means missing out on rich flavor. Always roast garlic for a sweet, mellow touch.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Baked Feta Potatoes

• Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Baked Feta Potatoes

• Oven: Preheat to 180C | 350F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 1 minute until warm, stirring in between.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about Baked Feta Potatoes that may help you achieve the best results.

How do I make Baked Feta Potatoes crispy?

To get crispy Baked Feta Potatoes, ensure they are well-coated with olive oil and roast at high heat until golden brown.

Can I use other cheeses instead of feta?

Yes, you can experiment with cheeses like goat cheese or ricotta for different flavors. However, feta provides a unique tang that’s hard to replicate.

How can I customize my Baked Feta Potatoes?

You can add vegetables like cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition. Feel free to adjust herbs based on your taste preferences.

What dishes pair well with Baked Feta Potatoes?

These potatoes make an excellent side for grilled chicken, lamb, or alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

Baked Feta Potatoes are not only rich and flavorful but also versatile enough to be served alongside various main dishes. Customize this recipe by adding your favorite herbs or vegetables. This side dish is sure to impress everyone at your table!