Baked Feta Potatoes

These Baked Feta Potatoes are a delightful twist on the popular baked feta pasta trend. This dish combines crispy roasted potatoes with creamy, flavorful feta cheese, making it an excellent side for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy family meal, these potatoes will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful Delight: The combination of herbs and baked feta creates a rich flavor that elevates simple potatoes to gourmet status.
• Easy Preparation: With just a few steps, you can create this stunning dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile Side Dish: Perfect for pairing with grilled meats, salads, or simply enjoyed on their own as comfort food.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with wholesome ingredients like fresh herbs and olive oil, these potatoes offer a nutritious option for any meal.
• Viral Inspiration: Inspired by the viral baked feta pasta trend, this recipe brings creativity and excitement to your dining experience.

Tools and Preparation

For preparing these Baked Feta Potatoes, you’ll need some essential tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking dish: Ensures even cooking and allows plenty of space for the potatoes and feta to roast perfectly.
• Saucepan: Ideal for par-boiling the potatoes before roasting, which helps achieve that crispy texture.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping ingredients quick and easy, reducing prep time significantly.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for cutting ingredients and keeps your workspace organized.

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
• 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
• 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 is essential for getting those potatoes crispy!

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

Wash and cube your potatoes. Add them to a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a 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. Sprinkle with thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, and drizzle with olive oil. Stir them gently to coat evenly.

Step 4: Roast Until Crispy

Roast the seasoned potatoes in the preheated oven for about 30 – 40 minutes until they are golden brown and almost cooked through.

Step 5: Add Feta & Lemon

Place the block of feta in the center of your baking tray (dipping one side in seasonings can enhance flavor). Squeeze over half of the lemon juice.

Step 6: Prepare Garlic

Remove the garlic from the baking dish once cooled. Squeeze out the softened garlic from its skins into a bowl. Mash it lightly with a knife and set aside.

Step 7: Final Roast

Return your baking dish to the oven for another 15 minutes until everything is nicely roasted.

Step 8: Combine Flavors

Stir the mashed garlic mixture along with juice from the remaining half lemon back into the potatoes. Add fresh basil; use a spoon to mix gently with roasted potatoes and feta.

Step 9: Drizzle Honey & Serve

Drizzle honey over your creation along with extra shredded basil if desired.

Step 10: Enjoy!

Serve immediately while warm! These Baked Feta Potatoes are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven.

How to Serve Baked Feta Potatoes

Baked feta potatoes are a versatile side dish that pairs wonderfully with various meals. Their creamy texture and rich flavors make them an excellent addition to any dining experience. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dish.

As a Standalone Dish

• Enjoy them warm straight from the oven for a comforting meal.

With Grilled Meats

• Pair these potatoes with grilled chicken or lamb for a hearty option that complements the flavors of the feta.

On a Salad

• Serve over mixed greens or arugula, adding extra freshness and crunch with cherry tomatoes and cucumbers.

With Tzatziki Sauce

• Drizzle or dip in tzatziki for a refreshing Greek touch that enhances the dish.

As Part of a Mezze Platter

• Include baked feta potatoes on a mezze platter along with hummus, olives, and pita for a delightful appetizer spread.

How to Perfect Baked Feta Potatoes

To ensure your baked feta potatoes turn out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips.

• Choose the right potatoes: Use starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds for the best texture and flavor.
• Par-boil properly: Don’t skip par-boiling; it helps achieve that crispy exterior while keeping the inside fluffy.
• Season generously: Don’t hold back on seasoning. The herbs and spices enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh basil and garlic add vibrant flavors that dried alternatives can’t match.
• Adjust baking time: Keep an eye on your potatoes towards the end to avoid overcooking; they should be golden brown and crispy.
• Experiment with toppings: Feel free to add other toppings like olives, cherry tomatoes, or even crumbled bacon for extra flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Baked Feta Potatoes

Baked feta potatoes pair well with many different dishes, making them an excellent choice for any meal. Consider these side dishes to complement your meal.

1. Greek Salad: A refreshing mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, olives, and feta cheese dressed in olive oil.
2. Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal veggies like bell peppers and zucchini adds color and nutrition.
3. Grilled Shrimp Skewers: Lightly seasoned shrimp grilled to perfection provide a protein-packed option.
4. Stuffed Bell Peppers: These can be filled with quinoa or rice, beans, and spices for an added flavor boost.
5. Spanakopita: This flaky pastry filled with spinach and feta is a great Mediterranean accompaniment.
6. Mediterranean Quinoa Salad: Packed with nutrients, this salad features quinoa tossed with fresh herbs and lemon juice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making baked feta potatoes, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are mistakes to watch for to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.

• Not Par-Boiling Enough: Failing to par-boil the potatoes can lead to uneven cooking. Make sure you don’t exceed 10 minutes of boiling.
• Ignoring Seasoning: Skipping on seasoning can make your dish bland. Always coat your potatoes well with herbs and spices before roasting.
• Overcrowding the Baking Dish: Filling the dish too much prevents proper roasting. Give your potatoes space to crisp up by using a larger dish if needed.
• Skipping the Garlic: Leaving out roasted garlic diminishes flavor depth. Take time to roast it alongside the feta for a delicious boost.
• Not Mixing Ingredients Well: Not mixing the baked feta and garlic back into the potatoes can lead to uneven flavor distribution. Be sure to stir gently but thoroughly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store baked feta potatoes in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Baked Feta Potatoes

• Allow them to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, where they can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating Baked Feta Potatoes

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 180C | 350F and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until hot. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through, which takes about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about baked feta potatoes that can help clarify this delicious recipe.

What are Baked Feta Potatoes?

Baked feta potatoes are a flavorful side dish featuring crispy roasted potatoes tossed with creamy baked feta cheese, herbs, and seasonings.

Can I customize Baked Feta Potatoes?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes or swap out the herbs based on your taste preferences.

How do I make Baked Feta Potatoes spicy?

To add spice, increase the amount of red chili flakes or add fresh chopped chili peppers during preparation.

What should I serve with Baked Feta Potatoes?

These baked feta potatoes pair wonderfully with grilled meats, salads, or as part of a Mediterranean feast.

Final Thoughts

Baked feta potatoes are an irresistible side dish that brings together rich flavors and crispy textures. They are incredibly versatile and can be customized with various herbs and vegetables. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a delightful addition to your meal!