Baked Feta Potatoes
These Baked Feta Potatoes are a delightful twist on traditional side dishes. Perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to summer barbecues, they offer a rich and flavorful experience. The combination of crispy roasted potatoes with creamy baked feta creates a unique flavor that will impress your guests. This dish is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it a standout choice for those looking to elevate their meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: With simple steps and minimal ingredients, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
- Flavorful Combination: The melding of crispy potatoes and creamy feta creates an irresistible taste that everyone will love.
- Versatile Side Dish: These baked feta potatoes complement a variety of main courses, from grilled meats to vegetarian options.
- Healthier Option: Made with wholesome ingredients, this dish provides a nutritious alternative to heavier sides.
- Impressive Presentation: The vibrant colors and textures make this dish visually appealing for any gathering.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start cooking your baked feta potatoes, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking dish
- Saucepan
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking dish: This is essential for roasting the potatoes evenly while allowing the feta to melt beautifully.
- Saucepan: Used for par-boiling the potatoes, which helps achieve that crispy texture when roasted.
- Knife: A sharp knife is key for easy chopping of ingredients, ensuring even sizes for consistent cooking.
- Spoon: Great for mixing ingredients together without damaging the delicate potatoes or feta.
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.
Potatoes
- 2 large baking potatoes
Feta and Seasonings
- 1 200g block of feta
- 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
Aromatics
- 1 head of garlic (top cut off)
- 1 lemon, quartered
Sweetener and Herbs
- 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 that your baked feta potatoes cook evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
Wash and cube your potatoes. Add them to a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to the boil. Par-boil the potatoes for 6-8 minutes (no more than 10), then drain and steam dry for 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Season the Potatoes
Add the par-boiled potatoes to your baking dish along with the thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Stir them well to coat evenly.
Step 4: Roast the Potatoes
Roast the seasoned potatoes in your preheated oven for about 30–40 minutes until they are golden brown, crispy, and almost fully cooked.
Step 5: Add Feta and Lemon
Place the block of feta in the center of your tray (consider dipping one side into seasonings). Squeeze half of the lemon juice over it.
Step 6: Prepare Garlic
Remove the garlic from the dish once it’s cooled slightly. Squeeze out the softened garlic from its skins and mash it gently with a knife. Set aside.
Step 7: Final Bake
Return the baking dish to the oven for another 15 minutes so that everything melds together beautifully.
Step 8: Combine Ingredients
Stir in the mashed garlic mixture along with juice from the remaining half of lemon into the potatoes. Add fresh basil gently mixing everything together.
Step 9: Drizzle Honey
Finally, drizzle honey over your creation and sprinkle shredded basil on top before serving.
Step 10: Serve
Serve these delicious baked feta potatoes warm as an impressive side dish! Enjoy!
How to Serve Baked Feta Potatoes
Baked feta potatoes are a delicious and versatile side dish that pairs well with various meals. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
As a Standalone Snack
- Enjoy them hot or warm as a delightful snack. The crispy potatoes and creamy feta make for a satisfying treat.
With Grilled Meats
- Serve alongside grilled chicken or steak for a hearty meal. The flavors of the feta beautifully complement the smokiness of grilled meats.
In a Salad Bowl
- Toss the baked feta potatoes into a mixed salad. They add texture and flavor, making your salad more filling and exciting.
With Roasted Vegetables
- Pair these potatoes with seasonal roasted veggies for a balanced plate. The combination of flavors will elevate any mealtime.
Topped with Fresh Herbs
- Garnish with extra fresh basil or parsley before serving. This adds brightness and freshness to your baked feta potatoes.
How to Perfect Baked Feta Potatoes
To achieve the best baked feta potatoes, consider these helpful tips.
- Use high-quality feta: A good quality feta cheese will provide creaminess and flavor that enhances the dish.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking dish: Give each potato enough space for even roasting; overcrowding can lead to sogginess.
- Experiment with spices: Feel free to add spices like paprika or cumin for an extra kick in flavor.
- Adjust cooking time: Depending on your oven, you may need to adjust roasting times to get that perfect crispness.
Best Side Dishes for Baked Feta Potatoes
Baked feta potatoes can be complemented by numerous side dishes. Here are some great options to consider:
- Grilled Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears tossed in olive oil and grilled until slightly charred.
- Greek Salad: A classic mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta, dressed in olive oil and lemon.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy Brussels sprouts seasoned with garlic and balsamic vinegar make a tasty pairing.
- Tzatziki Sauce: Creamy yogurt dip with cucumber and garlic, perfect for adding freshness alongside the potatoes.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers filled with rice, herbs, and cheese create a vibrant plate.
- Lemon Herb Quinoa: Fluffy quinoa tossed with lemon juice and fresh herbs provides a light yet flavorful option.
- Sautéed Spinach: Quick-cooked spinach with garlic adds nutrients and pairs nicely with the rich potatoes.
- Chickpea Salad: A refreshing chickpea salad mixed with cucumbers, tomatoes, and herbs adds protein to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing your baked feta potatoes, there are a few common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are some tips to ensure you get it just right.
- Overcooking the Potatoes: Par-boiling for too long can make them mushy. Stick to 6-8 minutes for the best texture.
- Not Seasoning Enough: Feta cheese adds flavor, but don’t forget to season the potatoes well with salt and herbs before roasting for maximum taste.
- Using Cold Ingredients: Room temperature ingredients mix better. Allow your feta and other components to sit at room temperature before cooking.
- Skipping the Garlic: Roasted garlic adds a rich depth of flavor. Make sure to include it in your dish!
- Forgetting to Stir: Mixing everything together after baking helps incorporate all those delicious flavors. Don’t skip this step!
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
- Place cooled potatoes in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Baked Feta Potatoes
- Oven: Preheat oven to 180C | 350F and bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals of 1 minute, stirring occasionally.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about baked feta potatoes, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.
How do I make Baked Feta Potatoes crispy?
To achieve crispy baked feta potatoes, ensure you properly par-boil and then roast them at a high temperature until golden brown.
Can I use different cheeses instead of feta?
Yes! While feta is traditional, feel free to experiment with goat cheese or even cream cheese for a unique twist on baked feta potatoes.
What herbs work best with Baked Feta Potatoes?
Thyme and oregano complement the flavors beautifully, but you can also try rosemary or parsley based on your taste preferences.
Are Baked Feta Potatoes suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! These baked feta potatoes store well and are perfect for meal prep as they reheat beautifully throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
Baked feta potatoes are a delightful side dish that marries comfort and flavor effortlessly. They provide room for customization—try adding different vegetables or spices based on your cravings. Whether served alongside a hearty main course or enjoyed solo, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try and enjoy the warm, cheesy goodness!
Baked Feta Potatoes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Baked Feta Potatoes are a delightful and flavorful side dish that effortlessly combines crispy roasted potatoes with creamy feta cheese. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a summer barbecue. The rich flavors and vibrant presentation are sure to impress your guests while being simple enough for novice cooks. With wholesome ingredients and minimal prep time, these baked feta potatoes can elevate any meal to new heights.
Ingredients
- 2 large baking potatoes
- 200g block of feta cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 head of garlic
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 1 tbsp honey
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200C (390F).
- Wash and cube the potatoes; par-boil in salted water for 6-8 minutes. Drain and let steam dry.
- In a baking dish, toss the par-boiled potatoes with olive oil, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Roast in the oven for about 30-40 minutes until golden brown.
- Add the feta and squeezed lemon juice to the center of the dish.
- Roast for an additional 15 minutes; mash the roasted garlic into a paste.
- Stir in the garlic paste, remaining lemon juice, and fresh basil before drizzling with honey.
- Serve warm as a delicious side dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (210g)
- Calories: 319
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
