These Baked Feta Potatoes are a delightful twist on the classic baked potato. Inspired by the viral baked feta pasta trend, this dish combines crispy roasted potatoes with creamy baked feta, resulting in a rich and flavorful side that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in, these potatoes make for an impressive and delicious addition to your meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this dish in no time.
- Flavorful Combination: The blend of roasted garlic, herbs, and feta creates an irresistible taste that will impress everyone.
- Versatile Side Dish: Perfect for pairing with grilled meats, salads, or served on its own as a comforting treat.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutrients from fresh potatoes and herbs, this dish is both satisfying and wholesome.
- Visually Stunning: The golden-brown potatoes topped with creamy feta make for a beautiful presentation.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools at hand makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Gather these essential items before you start making your baked feta potatoes.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking dish
- Saucepan
- Foil
- Knife
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking dish: A sturdy baking dish ensures even cooking and allows for easy mixing of ingredients.
- Saucepan: Used for par-boiling the potatoes, which helps achieve that perfect crispy texture.
- Foil: Wrapping garlic in foil helps it roast evenly while keeping moisture in, enhancing its flavor.
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.
Ingredients:
– 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, halved
– 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 ensures that your baked feta potatoes cook evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
Wash and cube your baking potatoes. Add them to a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil. Par-boil the potatoes for about 6–8 minutes (do not exceed 10 minutes), then drain and let them steam dry for about 2–3 minutes.
Step 3: Season the Potatoes
Add the par-boiled potatoes to your baking dish. Sprinkle in the thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper, along with the olive oil. Stir well to coat all pieces evenly.
Step 4: Add Garlic
Drizzle a little olive oil over the garlic, wrap it in foil, and place it in the baking dish alongside the seasoned potatoes.
Step 5: Roast
Roast the potatoes and garlic in the oven for about 30–40 minutes until they are golden brown and nearly cooked through.
Step 6: Incorporate Feta
After roasting, remove the baking dish from the oven. Take out the garlic, then add your block of feta to the center of the tray. Squeeze half of your lemon juice over it.
Step 7: Final Baking
Return the dish to the oven for another 15 minutes until everything is fully cooked and bubbling.
Step 8: Mash Garlic
Once cooled slightly, squeeze out the roasted garlic from its skins onto a cutting board. Mash it using a knife until smooth; set aside.
Step 9: Combine Ingredients
Stir together the mashed garlic, juice from the remaining half of your lemon, and fresh basil. Gently mix this mixture back into the roasted potatoes, ensuring everything is well combined.
Step 10: Finish With Honey & Chili Flakes
Drizzle honey over your baked feta potatoes. Sprinkle on some shredded basil along with red chili flakes for an extra kick.
Step 11: Serve
Your delicious Baked Feta Potatoes are ready! Serve hot and enjoy every bite!
How to Serve Baked Feta Potatoes
Baked feta potatoes are a versatile and delicious side dish that can complement many meals. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.
Pair with Grilled Meats
- Chicken Skewers: Juicy chicken skewers marinated in lemon and herbs pair perfectly with the creamy feta.
- Lamb Chops: The rich flavor of lamb chops contrasts nicely with the lightness of the baked feta potatoes.
Add a Fresh Salad
- Greek Salad: A refreshing Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives enhances the Mediterranean flavors.
- Arugula Salad: Peppery arugula tossed with lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the potatoes.
Serve with Dipping Sauces
- Tzatziki Sauce: This yogurt-based sauce adds a cool touch that balances the warm, savory potatoes.
- Chili Sauce: For those who love heat, a spicy chili sauce will provide an exciting kick.
Enjoy as a Snack
- Feta Potato Bites: Cut leftover baked feta potatoes into smaller pieces for an easy snack topped with extra feta and herbs.
How to Perfect Baked Feta Potatoes
To ensure your baked feta potatoes turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Starchy Potatoes: Choose starchy varieties like Russet or Yukon Gold for a fluffy interior and crispy exterior.
- Don’t Skip Par-boiling: Par-boiling helps achieve that perfect crispy texture on the outside while keeping them fluffy inside.
- Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to mix different herbs like rosemary or parsley for added flavor.
- Check for Crispiness: Keep an eye on the potatoes during roasting; you want them golden and crispy without burning.
Best Side Dishes for Baked Feta Potatoes
Baked feta potatoes pair well with various side dishes. Here’s a list of options that can enhance your meal.
- Grilled Vegetables: A medley of zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus, lightly seasoned and grilled until tender.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts drizzled with balsamic glaze for a sweet contrast.
- Quinoa Salad: A protein-rich quinoa salad mixed with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and parsley for freshness.
- Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers stuffed with rice, beans, and spices make for a hearty accompaniment.
- Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw adds crunch and balances the richness of the baked feta potatoes.
- Pita Bread: Warm pita bread or pita chips serve as a great vessel for scooping up any leftover feta goodness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baked feta potatoes are a delightful dish, but there are common pitfalls to watch for. Here are some mistakes and how to avoid them:
- Skipping the par-boil: Not par-boiling your potatoes can lead to uneven cooking. Always par-boil for 6-8 minutes to ensure they cook evenly.
- Overcrowding the baking dish: If the potatoes are too close together, they won’t crisp up. Use a large enough dish to allow space between potatoes.
- Ignoring seasoning: Failing to add enough seasoning can make your baked feta potatoes bland. Be generous with herbs and spices for the best flavor.
- Using low-quality feta: Cheap feta may not melt well or provide the right flavor. Choose a good quality feta cheese for better results.
- Not letting garlic cool: Squeezing hot garlic out of its skin can burn you. Let it cool slightly before handling it.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Duration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Containers: Use an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Freezing Baked Feta Potatoes
- Duration: You can freeze them for up to 2 months.
- Containers: Place in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible.
Reheating Baked Feta Potatoes
- Oven: Preheat to 180C (350F) and bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals, stirring occasionally to avoid uneven heating.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of olive oil if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about baked feta potatoes:
What makes baked feta potatoes so special?
Baked feta potatoes combine crispy roasted potatoes with creamy, tangy feta cheese, creating a rich and flavorful side dish that’s sure to impress.
Can I customize my baked feta potatoes?
Yes! Feel free to add other vegetables like cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
Are baked feta potatoes suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! They store well and can be easily reheated, making them perfect for meal prep.
How do I prevent my potatoes from getting soggy?
Ensure they are evenly spaced on the baking tray and avoid overcrowding, which helps achieve that crispy texture.
Final Thoughts
Baked feta potatoes are an incredible side dish that combines simplicity with rich flavors. Their versatility allows you to customize them with different herbs or vegetables according to your preference. Try this recipe today and enjoy a cozy, comforting meal that everyone will love!
Baked Feta Potatoes
Baked Feta Potatoes are a delicious and innovative take on the classic baked potato, combining the rich creaminess of baked feta with crispy roasted potatoes. Inspired by the viral baked feta pasta trend, this dish is an indulgent side that elevates any meal. With a delightful blend of garlic, herbs, and tangy feta, these potatoes are perfect for dinner parties or cozy nights in. They not only offer impressive flavor but also present beautifully on your table, making them a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately four people
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
- 2 large baking potatoes
- 200g block of feta cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 head of garlic (top cut off)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 tsp red chilli flakes
- 1 lemon (halved)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200C (390F).
- Wash and cube the baking potatoes. Boil in water for 6–8 minutes, drain, and let steam dry.
- Toss par-boiled potatoes in olive oil, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper in a baking dish.
- Drizzle olive oil over garlic, wrap in foil, and add to the dish.
- Roast for 30–40 minutes until golden brown.
- Add feta and squeeze lemon juice over it; return to oven for another 15 minutes.
- Mash roasted garlic and mix with remaining lemon juice and fresh basil; fold into potatoes.
- Drizzle honey on top before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
