Baked Feta Potatoes

These Baked Feta Potatoes are a delightful twist on traditional roasted potatoes, bringing rich flavors and creamy feta to your plate. Perfect for any occasion, these potatoes can serve as an impressive side dish for gatherings or a comforting addition to your weeknight dinner. With their crispy exterior and savory notes from baked feta, they are sure to become a favorite in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simplicity: With just a few basic ingredients, this recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal prep time.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of roasted garlic, herbs, and feta creates a rich flavor that elevates ordinary potatoes.
• Versatile Dish: These baked feta potatoes complement various main courses, from grilled meats to vegetarian options.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests, everyone will enjoy this hearty dish.
• Healthy Option: Packed with wholesome ingredients, these potatoes provide a satisfying yet nutritious side.

Tools and Preparation

To make the best baked feta potatoes, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment ensures that your cooking experience is smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking dish
• Saucepan
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking dish: Provides even heat distribution for perfect roasting.
• Saucepan: Essential for par-boiling the potatoes before roasting, ensuring they are tender inside.
• Knife: Needed for cutting the potatoes and garlic with precision.
• Cutting board: Offers 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 Seasoning

• 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 chili flakes

Aromatics

• 1 head of garlic (top cut off)
• 1 lemon, quartered

Finishing 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 step is crucial for achieving that crispy texture on your potatoes.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

Wash and cube your potatoes. Add them to a saucepan and cover with water. Bring the water to a boil. Par-boil the potatoes for 6-8 minutes (no more than 10), then drain them. Allow them to steam dry for 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Season the Potatoes

Transfer the par-boiled potatoes into your baking dish. Add dried thyme, oregano, salt, black pepper, and olive oil. Stir well to ensure all the potato pieces are evenly coated with seasoning.

Step 4: Roast Until Crispy

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

Step 5: Add Feta Cheese

Once the potatoes are nearly done, place the block of feta in the center of the tray (you can dip one side in seasonings first). Squeeze half of the lemon over it for added flavor.

Step 6: Roast Garlic

Remove the head of garlic from the dish. Once it has cooled slightly, squeeze out the soft garlic from its skins into a bowl and mash it using a knife’s flat edge. Set aside.

Step 7: Final Roast

Return the baking dish to the oven for another 15 minutes so that everything continues cooking together beautifully.

Step 8: Combine Ingredients

Stir in the mashed garlic mixture along with juice from the other half of your lemon back into the roasted potatoes along with fresh basil. Gently mix using a spoon to combine everything well.

Step 9: Drizzle Honey

Finally, drizzle honey over everything and sprinkle shredded basil on top as an aromatic finishing touch.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve these delicious baked feta potatoes warm as an unforgettable side dish that’s sure to impress!

How to Serve Baked Feta Potatoes

Baked feta potatoes are a delightful side dish that can elevate any meal. Their rich and creamy texture pairs beautifully with various entrees. Here are some creative serving suggestions to complement your baked feta potatoes.

Pair with Grilled Vegetables

• Grilled zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus create a colorful plate that balances the richness of the potatoes.

Serve with Lemon Herb Chicken

• This juicy chicken dish brings out the flavors of the lemon in the potatoes, making for a refreshing combination.

Accompany with a Fresh Salad

• A light mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette adds a crisp contrast to the warm, cheesy potatoes.

Top with Extra Feta

• For feta lovers, crumbling additional feta on top before serving enhances flavor and adds creaminess.

Drizzle with Balsamic Glaze

• A drizzle of balsamic glaze provides sweetness and acidity that perfectly complements the savory baked feta.

Enjoy as a Standalone Dish

• These baked feta potatoes are hearty enough to be enjoyed on their own, making them perfect for a light lunch or dinner.

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How to Perfect Baked Feta Potatoes

Achieving the ideal baked feta potatoes takes attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.

• Choose the right potatoes: Starchy varieties like Russets or Yukon Gold work best for crispy texture.
• Don’t skip par-boiling: Par-boiling helps achieve that fluffy interior while keeping the outside crispy.
• Use fresh herbs: Fresh basil not only enhances flavor but also adds beautiful color to your dish.
• Monitor roasting time: Keep an eye on your potatoes during roasting to avoid overcooking; they should be golden brown.
• Mash garlic thoroughly: Ensure you mash the roasted garlic well for even distribution of flavor throughout the dish.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to add spices like paprika or rosemary for added depth in taste.

Best Side Dishes for Baked Feta Potatoes

Baked feta potatoes pair well with many side dishes, making them versatile for any meal. Here are some great options:

1. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Tender pieces of chicken marinated in herbs and grilled to perfection complement the creamy potatoes.
2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy Brussels sprouts add a nutty flavor that contrasts nicely with the soft texture of baked feta potatoes.
3. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad packed with veggies offers a healthy and filling accompaniment.
4. Mediterranean Couscous: Fluffy couscous mixed with olives and cherry tomatoes brings vibrant flavors that match well.
5. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Colorful peppers stuffed with rice or quinoa provide another hearty option that pairs wonderfully.
6. Creamy Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and balances out the richness of baked feta potatoes.
7. Sautéed Spinach: Lightly sautéed spinach seasoned with garlic is nutritious and complements the overall dish nicely.
8. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a burst of juiciness that rounds out your meal beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making baked feta potatoes, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Not par-boiling potatoes: Skipping this step can lead to potatoes that aren’t crispy enough. Always par-boil for 6-8 minutes for better texture.
• Overcooking the feta: If you leave the feta in too long, it may become too soft. Check it after 15 minutes and adjust as needed.
• Ignoring seasoning: Failing to season your ingredients can make the dish bland. Be sure to use salt and pepper generously, along with herbs.
• Using low-quality feta: Cheap feta can lack flavor. Opt for a good quality block of feta for the best taste.
• Not using fresh herbs: Dried herbs are fine, but fresh basil adds a vibrant flavor. Always finish with fresh herbs for an uplifting taste.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Baked Feta Potatoes

• Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing.
• Place in a freezer-safe container or bag; they can be stored for up to 2 months.

Reheating Baked Feta Potatoes

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 180C | 350F and reheat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals (30 seconds) on medium power until hot, stirring occasionally.
• Stovetop: In a pan over medium heat, add a splash of water or olive oil and cover until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about baked feta potatoes that might help you with your cooking process.

What are Baked Feta Potatoes?

Baked feta potatoes are a flavorful side dish made by roasting cubed potatoes and combining them with baked feta cheese, herbs, and garlic.

Can I customize my Baked Feta Potatoes?

Absolutely! You can add different vegetables like cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrients.

How do I ensure my Baked Feta Potatoes are crispy?

Par-boiling the potatoes before roasting helps achieve that perfect crispy texture. Don’t skip this step!

What types of potatoes work best?

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal due to their starchy texture that crisps well when roasted.

Final Thoughts

Baked feta potatoes are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them with your favorite herbs or additional veggies. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the rich flavors that make it a wonderful addition to any meal!