Baked Feta Potatoes
These Baked Feta Potatoes are a delightful twist on the viral baked feta pasta trend, making them an irresistible side dish that fits perfectly for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply enjoying a cozy meal at home, these potatoes deliver rich flavors and a crispy texture that everyone will love. The combination of roasted potatoes with creamy baked feta creates a unique and satisfying experience that stands out on any table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Flavor: The creamy feta and fragrant herbs create a deliciously savory taste.
- Easy to Prepare: With minimal prep and straightforward steps, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile Side Dish: These baked feta potatoes complement a wide range of main courses, from grilled meats to vegetarian dishes.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with wholesome ingredients, this recipe offers both nutrition and satisfaction.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfectly crispy potatoes combined with melted feta cheese are sure to impress your guests.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth preparation of your baked feta potatoes.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking dish
- Saucepan
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking dish: Essential for roasting your potatoes evenly while allowing the feta to melt perfectly in the middle.
- Saucepan: Useful for par-boiling the potatoes, which helps achieve that crispy exterior when roasted.
- Knife: A sharp knife is crucial for chopping the potatoes and garlic safely and efficiently.
- Spoon: Ideal for mixing ingredients together without damaging the texture of the potatoes.
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 chili flakes
For Added Flavor
- 1 200g block of feta
- 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 will ensure it’s hot enough to roast the potatoes perfectly.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
Wash and cube your baking potatoes. Then:
1. Add them to a saucepan and cover with water.
2. Bring it to a boil.
3. Par-boil the potatoes for 6-8 minutes (no more than 10).
4. Drain them and let them steam dry for 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Season and Roast
In a baking dish:
1. Add the par-boiled potatoes along with thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, and olive oil.
2. Stir well to coat them evenly.
3. Roast in the oven for 30-40 minutes until golden and crispy but still slightly undercooked.
Step 4: Add Feta and Garlic
Once roasted:
1. Place the block of feta in the center of your potato tray (consider dipping one side in seasonings).
2. Squeeze half of the lemon over it.
Step 5: Bake Again
Remove garlic from the tray:
1. Once cooled, squeeze out the garlic from its skins and mash it lightly with your knife; set aside.
2. Return everything back to bake for another 15 minutes until everything is beautifully golden.
Step 6: Final Touches
After baking:
1. Mix in your mashed garlic along with juice from the remaining lemon half into the potatoes.
2. Gently combine everything using a spoon while adding fresh basil.
Step 7: Drizzle Honey
To finish:
Drizzle honey over your baked feta potatoes and sprinkle with shredded basil before serving.
Step 8: Serve
Serve hot and enjoy this flavorful side dish!
How to Serve Baked Feta Potatoes
These baked feta potatoes are a versatile dish that can be paired with various meals. Whether you want to elevate a casual dinner or impress guests, here are some serving suggestions to make the most of this delightful side.
With Grilled Chicken
- Juicy grilled chicken complements the creamy feta and crispy potatoes perfectly. Season the chicken with lemon and herbs for added flavor.
As Part of a Mediterranean Platter
- Serve the baked feta potatoes alongside hummus, olives, and pita bread for a delicious Mediterranean-inspired spread that’s perfect for sharing.
Topped with Fresh Herbs
- Enhance the dish by adding freshly chopped herbs like parsley or dill right before serving. This adds a burst of freshness and color.
Accompanied by a Green Salad
- A light green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette balances out the richness of the potatoes.
With Roasted Vegetables
- Pair these potatoes with seasonal roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots for a wholesome meal full of flavors.
Drizzled with Tahini Sauce
- Elevate your dish by drizzling tahini sauce over the baked feta potatoes just before serving. This adds a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with feta.
How to Perfect Baked Feta Potatoes
Achieving perfection with baked feta potatoes is all about technique and timing. Follow these tips to ensure your dish turns out wonderfully every time.
- Choose the right potatoes: Opt for starchy potatoes like Russets for fluffy interiors and crispy exteriors.
- Par-boil effectively: Par-boiling helps achieve that perfect texture. Keep an eye on them; overcooking will make them mushy.
- Use high-quality feta: A good block of feta will melt beautifully and provide rich flavor. Avoid crumbled varieties for this recipe.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Ensure there’s space between the potatoes in your baking dish. This allows them to roast evenly and become crispy.
- Season generously: Don’t skimp on seasoning! The combination of herbs, salt, and pepper elevates the dish’s flavor profile.
- Let it rest before serving: Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes after baking lets flavors meld together beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for Baked Feta Potatoes
Baked feta potatoes make an excellent side dish, but pairing them with other sides enhances your meal options. Here are some great choices to consider:
- Grilled Lemon Salmon – A zesty salmon fillet grilled with lemon brings brightness that complements the rich flavors of baked feta.
- Roasted Asparagus – Tender asparagus drizzled with olive oil is an easy side that adds crunch and nutrition.
- Greek Tzatziki Dip – A refreshing yogurt-based dip made with cucumbers and garlic enhances Mediterranean flavors.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers – Colorful bell peppers stuffed with quinoa or rice provide a hearty option alongside the potatoes.
- Cucumber Salad – A simple salad made with cucumbers, red onion, and vinegar offers crispness that balances out richness.
- Sautéed Spinach – Quick sautéed spinach seasoned with garlic makes a nutritious side that cooks up in minutes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making baked feta potatoes, avoiding common pitfalls can elevate your dish.
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Overcooking the Potatoes: Par-boiling is essential. If you overcook them, they can become mushy. Aim for 6-8 minutes in boiling water for a perfect texture.
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Ignoring Seasoning: The flavor of your baked feta potatoes heavily relies on seasoning. Make sure to coat the potatoes evenly with olive oil and spices before roasting.
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Using Low-Quality Feta: The type of feta cheese matters! Opt for a good quality block of feta, as it melts beautifully and enhances the overall flavor.
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Not Preheating the Oven: Preheating ensures even cooking. If you skip this step, your potatoes may not roast properly and could end up soggy.
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Skipping Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil adds brightness to the dish. Don’t skip this ingredient! It enhances both flavor and presentation.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Baked feta potatoes can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Baked Feta Potatoes
- Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating Baked Feta Potatoes
- Oven: Preheat to 180C | 350F, then reheat for about 15-20 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about baked feta potatoes, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries:
What can I serve with Baked Feta Potatoes?
Baked feta potatoes pair well with grilled vegetables or a fresh salad. They also complement any protein like chicken or fish.
Can I customize Baked Feta Potatoes?
Absolutely! Feel free to add different herbs or spices based on your taste preferences. You can also experiment with adding olives or sun-dried tomatoes.
How do I know when the potatoes are done?
Look for golden-brown color and crispiness on the outside. A fork should easily pierce through when they are fully cooked.
Are Baked Feta Potatoes healthy?
Yes! This dish offers a balance of carbohydrates from potatoes and protein from feta cheese while being rich in flavor without excessive calories.
Final Thoughts
Baked feta potatoes are an irresistible side dish packed with flavor and texture. Their versatility allows for endless customization, making them suitable for any meal. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try!
Baked Feta Potatoes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Baked Feta Potatoes are a delightful twist on the trending baked feta pasta, offering a unique and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of crispy roasted potatoes and creamy baked feta, infused with fragrant herbs and a touch of honey, creates a mouthwatering experience that will impress your guests or elevate your weeknight meals. This easy recipe features wholesome ingredients and a simple preparation method, making it a go-to choice for home cooks of all skill levels. Enjoy these baked feta potatoes as a versatile accompaniment to grilled meats, fresh salads, or Mediterranean-inspired spreads.
Ingredients
- 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 chili flakes
- 200g block of feta cheese
- 1 head of garlic (top cut off)
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 1 tbsp honey
- 20g fresh basil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200C | 390F.
- Wash and cube the potatoes, then par-boil in salted water for 6-8 minutes. Drain and let them steam dry.
- Toss the par-boiled potatoes with olive oil, thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, and red chili flakes in a baking dish.
- Roast for 30-40 minutes until golden but slightly undercooked.
- Add the feta cheese in the center and squeeze half of the lemon over it.
- Bake again for another 15 minutes until everything is golden.
- Mix in mashed garlic and remaining lemon juice; add fresh basil before serving.
- Drizzle with honey and serve hot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup (160g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
