Baked Feta Potatoes
These Baked Feta Potatoes offer a delightful blend of rich flavors and crispy textures, making them an ideal side dish for any occasion. Inspired by the viral baked feta pasta trend, this recipe elevates simple potatoes into a gourmet treat. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in, these baked feta potatoes will impress everyone at your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of roasted potatoes and creamy feta creates a mouthwatering dish.
- Versatile Side Dish: Perfect to accompany meats, salads, or serve on their own.
- Easy to Prepare: Simple steps make this recipe accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
- Healthier Option: With wholesome ingredients, this dish is packed with nutrients without sacrificing taste.
- Great for Meal Prep: These potatoes store well, making them ideal for leftovers or meal planning.
Tools and Preparation
To make the process smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking dish
- Saucepan
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking dish: Provides even heat distribution for perfectly roasted potatoes.
- Saucepan: Ideal for par-boiling the potatoes before roasting.
- Knife: Ensures clean cuts for cubing the potatoes and preparing garlic.
- Cutting board: A safe surface for chopping ingredients.
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
Sweet Touches
- 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 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 along with:
– Thyme,
– Oregano,
– Salt,
– Pepper,
– Olive oil.
Stir them well to coat evenly.
Step 4: Roast the Potatoes
Roast the seasoned potatoes in the oven for 30 – 40 minutes until they are golden, crispy, and almost cooked through.
Step 5: Add Feta and Lemon
Once roasted, add the feta cheese to the middle of the tray.
– Squeeze over half of the lemon juice for flavor enhancement.
Step 6: Prepare Garlic
Remove the garlic from the dish after roasting. Once cooled, squeeze out garlic from its skins and mash it gently with a knife. Set aside.
Step 7: Final Roasting
Put your baking dish back in the oven for another 15 minutes to let everything meld together beautifully.
Step 8: Combine Ingredients
Stir in your mashed garlic mixture along with:
– Juice from the other half of lemon,
– Fresh basil into your roasted potato mixture gently using a spoon.
Step 9: Drizzle Honey
Drizzle honey over your baked feta potatoes followed by shredded basil for an aromatic finish.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy!
Your delicious baked feta potatoes are ready! Serve warm as a delightful side dish or a light meal on their own. Enjoy every bite!
How to Serve Baked Feta Potatoes
Baked feta potatoes are a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you serve them as a side or make them the star of your meal, these potatoes bring rich flavors and a satisfying texture.
As a Standalone Dish
- Pair with a fresh salad for a light meal.
- Top with cooked greens like spinach or kale for added nutrition.
With Grilled Meats
- Serve alongside grilled chicken for a hearty dinner.
- Accompany with lamb chops for a flavorful Mediterranean feast.
Topped with Fresh Ingredients
- Add sliced olives to enhance the Greek flavor profile.
- Garnish with extra herbs like parsley or dill for freshness.
Perfect with Dips
- Serve alongside tzatziki for a creamy contrast.
- Pair with hummus to add protein and texture.
In Wraps
- Use as a filling in pita bread for an easy lunch.
- Roll into tortillas with veggies for a quick wrap.
How to Perfect Baked Feta Potatoes
To achieve the best baked feta potatoes, follow these simple tips. They will ensure your dish is flavorful and perfectly cooked every time.
- Choose the right potatoes: Opt for starchy potatoes like Russets for fluffiness.
- Par-boil correctly: Ensure you don’t overcook your potatoes during par-boiling; aim for tender yet firm chunks.
- Use fresh herbs: Incorporating fresh herbs like basil enhances the flavor significantly.
- Monitor roasting time: Keep an eye on your potatoes; adjust roasting time based on your oven’s performance.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving to enhance flavors.
- Experiment with toppings: Consider adding crumbled bacon or sun-dried tomatoes for different flavor profiles.
Best Side Dishes for Baked Feta Potatoes
Baked feta potatoes pair well with many dishes, making them versatile. Here are some excellent side dishes that complement this delicious recipe.
- Greek Salad – A vibrant mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and feta dressed in olive oil.
- Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal veggies tossed in olive oil and herbs, roasted until caramelized.
- Grilled Zucchini – Lightly seasoned zucchini slices grilled to perfection, offering a smoky flavor.
- Tzatziki Sauce – A refreshing yogurt dip made with cucumber and garlic—a perfect match!
- Quinoa Tabouli – A healthy grain salad mixed with parsley, tomatoes, lemon juice, and olive oil.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers – Peppers filled with rice, minced meat, or beans make a hearty side option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making baked feta potatoes, a few common errors can affect the final dish. Here are some mistakes to watch out for.
- Overcooking the Potatoes: If you boil the potatoes for too long, they can become mushy. Aim for 6-8 minutes of par-boiling to keep them firm yet tender.
- Not Seasoning Enough: Skipping or skimping on seasonings can lead to bland potatoes. Use salt, pepper, and herbs generously to enhance flavor.
- Using Cold Feta: Adding feta straight from the fridge may not yield the best results. Allow it to come to room temperature for even melting and flavor infusion.
- Ignoring Oven Temperature: Baking at an incorrect temperature can affect cooking time and texture. Preheat your oven to 200C | 390F as specified for optimal crispiness.
- Forgetting Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil adds a burst of flavor. Don’t skip this step; add it just before serving for maximum freshness.
- Not Monitoring Cooking Time: Every oven is different. Keep an eye on your potatoes, especially in the last minutes of roasting, to achieve that perfect golden color.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store baked feta potatoes in an airtight container.
- They can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Baked Feta Potatoes
- Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight container.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Baked Feta Potatoes
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 180C | 350F and bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts (30 seconds) until warm. Be cautious not to overcook.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about baked feta potatoes.
What are Baked Feta Potatoes?
Baked feta potatoes are crispy roasted potatoes mixed with creamy baked feta cheese, creating a rich and flavorful side dish inspired by popular culinary trends.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes! While feta gives a unique flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses like goat cheese or ricotta if preferred.
How do I make Baked Feta Potatoes vegan?
To make this dish vegan, substitute feta with a plant-based cheese alternative or omit cheese entirely while adding more herbs and spices.
What should I serve with Baked Feta Potatoes?
These potatoes pair well with grilled vegetables, salads, or as a side for roasted meats for a balanced meal experience.
Final Thoughts
Baked feta potatoes are undeniably delicious and versatile. Perfect as a side dish or even on their own, this recipe allows room for customization—feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices. Try it out today!
Baked Feta Potatoes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Baked Feta Potatoes are a deliciously rich and crispy side dish that transforms humble ingredients into a gourmet experience. Inspired by the viral baked feta pasta trend, this recipe features tender potatoes roasted to perfection and topped with creamy feta cheese, fresh herbs, and a hint of lemon.
Ingredients
- 2 large baking potatoes
- 1 (200g) block of feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 1 head of garlic (top cut off)
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ¼ cup fresh basil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200C (390F).
- Wash and cube the potatoes, then par-boil them in water for 6-8 minutes until just tender. Drain and let them steam dry for a few minutes.
- In a baking dish, combine the par-boiled potatoes with olive oil, thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, and red chili flakes; toss to coat.
- Roast in the oven for 30-40 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Add the feta cheese to the center of the baking dish along with half of the lemon juice.
- Roast for an additional 15 minutes.
- Squeeze out roasted garlic from its skins and mash it; mix it into the potatoes along with remaining lemon juice and fresh basil.
- Drizzle honey on top before serving warm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 250g
- Calories: 352
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 806mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
