Baked Feta Potatoes
Table of Contents
There’s something uniquely comforting about the aroma of potatoes roasting in the oven, isn’t there? It reminds me of those cozy Sunday afternoons spent in the kitchen with my grandmother, who taught me that the simplest ingredients often bring the greatest joy. Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that’s bound to become a staple in your home — Baked Feta Potatoes. Not only is it a delightful medley of flavors and textures, but it also embraces the essence of home-cooked goodness. This dish is perfect for those moments when you crave something both heartwarming and easy to prepare. Imagine the creamy, tangy feta melting perfectly over crispy potatoes, with a hint of lemon and herbs — it’s like a comforting hug on a plate. This recipe is a testament to the power of simplicity, where each bite carries the warmth of a family gathering, making it a beloved choice for both everyday dinners and special occasions.
Why This Recipe Should Be on Your Table
Baked Feta Potatoes bring a unique twist to traditional potato dishes, making them a delightful addition to any meal or a comforting treat for yourself. Here’s why they deserve a spot on your table:
Flavor Harmony: The combination of creamy feta, aromatic herbs, and zesty lemon creates an irresistible flavor profile that elevates simple potatoes to a gourmet experience. The interplay of tangy and savory notes with a hint of spice from the chili flakes makes every bite memorable.
Effortless Elegance: With minimal ingredients, this dish delivers a sophisticated presentation that feels both cozy and elegant. The golden-brown potatoes with crumbled feta nestled among them look as good as they taste, making them perfect for impressing guests without the stress of complicated preparation.
Versatile Appeal: Perfect as a side dish or a main course, these potatoes cater to various dining occasions, from casual weeknight dinners to festive family gatherings. You can serve them alongside grilled meats or fish for a complete meal, or let them stand alone with a simple salad for a lighter option.
Nostalgic Comfort: Reminiscent of home-cooked meals shared with loved ones, this recipe taps into the nostalgia of simpler times, offering a taste of warmth and togetherness. The familiar aroma of roasting potatoes and garlic can evoke fond memories and create new ones around the dinner table.
Kitchen Tools to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy
To whip up these delightful bites, you won’t need much — just a few trusty kitchen tools, much like the ones my grandma used when teaching me the joy of homemade snacks:
Baking Dish: Essential for roasting the potatoes and ensuring even cooking. Choose a dish with adequate depth to allow the potatoes to roast without crowding, ensuring they become beautifully crisp.
Saucepan: Needed for par-boiling the potatoes to achieve the perfect texture. A medium-sized saucepan works best for evenly cooking the potato cubes before they hit the oven.
Foil: Useful for roasting the garlic until it’s soft and caramelized. This step enhances the garlic’s flavor, adding a sweet, mild taste to the dish once mashed and mixed with the potatoes.
Knife: For cubing the potatoes and mincing the garlic after roasting. A sharp knife will ensure clean cuts, which helps the potatoes cook evenly, and makes mincing roasted garlic quick and easy.
Mixing Spoon: Ideal for stirring the herbs and potatoes, ensuring every piece is well-coated. A wooden spoon is perfect for gently mixing without breaking the delicate potatoes after roasting.
How to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy
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 chili flakes
- 1 head of garlic (top cut off)
- 1 lemon, halved
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/4 cup | 20g fresh basil
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 200C | 390F. This ensures a hot cooking environment for the potatoes to turn golden and crisp.
Wash and cube your potatoes. Add them to a saucepan and cover with water, then bring to the boil. Par-boil the potatoes for 6-8 minutes (no more than 10), then drain and steam dry for 2-3 minutes. Par-boiling helps to soften the potatoes’ insides, allowing for a fluffy interior once baked.
Add the potatoes to your baking dish, along with the thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper, and 2 tbsp olive oil, and stir them to coat them evenly. This step ensures that every potato cube is seasoned, adding layers of flavor to each bite.
Drizzle the garlic with a little olive oil, wrap it in foil, and add to the baking dish. Roasting garlic mellows its sharpness, contributing a sweet, umami depth to the dish.
Roast the potatoes and garlic for 30 – 40 minutes until golden and crispy and almost cooked. The timing may vary depending on your oven, so check for a golden-brown color and crispy edges.
Remove the potatoes from the oven and take out the garlic. Add the feta to the middle of the tray (I like to dip one side in the seasonings, then flip it over). Squeeze over half the lemon. The lemon juice will balance the feta’s creaminess with a refreshing zing.
Put the dish back in the oven for another 15 minutes. This final bake allows the feta to soften and meld with the potatoes, infusing them with its tangy richness.
Once the garlic has cooled, squeeze the garlic out of its skins and mash with the flat of your knife. Set aside.
Stir the garlic mixture (you could use the whole head of garlic, or 1-2tsp mashed roasted garlic for a milder taste) and the juice of the other half of the lemon back into the potatoes along with your fresh basil, using a spoon to gently mix the roast potatoes with the baked feta. The basil adds a fresh, aromatic note that lifts the entire dish.
Drizzle over the honey and shredded basil and top the potatoes with the red chili flakes. The honey adds a subtle sweetness that complements the feta and herbs, while the chili flakes provide a gentle heat.
Serve and enjoy! These potatoes can be served directly from the oven, their aromas filling your kitchen and inviting everyone to gather around.
Difficulty: Easy • Cuisine: Mediterranean • Preparation Time: 10 minutes • Cooking Time: 60 minutes • Total Time: 70 minutes • Calories: 320 • Servings: 4
Note: For a spicier kick, increase the chili flakes, or try adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky depth.
Health and Flavor Benefits of Ingredients
These Baked Feta Potatoes not only promise delightful flavors but also come with some surprising benefits:
Feta Cheese: Low in calories and rich in calcium, feta adds a creamy texture and a tangy kick to your dish. Its protein content also makes it a good option for adding some nutritional value to your meal.
Potatoes: A great source of vitamins C and B6, potatoes are also high in fiber, supporting digestive health. They provide a satisfying base for the dish, absorbing the flavors of the herbs and feta.
Olive Oil: Packed with healthy fats, olive oil enhances the dish with its rich, fruity flavor while promoting heart health. It also helps the potatoes achieve a crispy texture when baked.
Garlic: Known for its immune-boosting properties, garlic adds a savory depth and aroma. Its roasted form is milder and sweeter, enhancing the dish without overpowering it.
Lemon: Provides a refreshing acidity and is an excellent source of vitamin C, aiding in the absorption of iron from the potatoes. It brightens the flavors and cuts through the richness of the cheese.
Tasty Pairings to Serve with This Easy Peasy Dish
These Baked Feta Potatoes are versatile companions to various beverages and dishes, making them perfect for any occasion:
Grilled Chicken: The savory and slightly charred flavor of grilled chicken complements the creamy and tangy notes of the potatoes beautifully. The combination makes for a hearty, balanced meal.
Green Salad: A crisp, fresh salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the potatoes, bringing a refreshing contrast. Arugula or spinach with a lemon vinaigrette would be particularly complementary.
White Wine: A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay pairs well, enhancing the dish’s flavors with its fruity and citrus notes. The wine’s acidity matches the lemon’s brightness, creating a harmonious pairing.
Storage Tips and How to Enjoy Leftovers the Easy Peasy Way
If you find yourself with leftover Baked Feta Potatoes (a rare occurrence, I assure you!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven at 180C | 350F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. The flavors deepen overnight, making them even more delicious. For a delightful variation, try tossing the leftovers with some cooked pasta or serving them atop a bed of mixed greens for a hearty salad.
As you savor each bite of these Baked Feta Potatoes, may you be reminded of the simple joys of home cooking — where every meal is crafted with love and every gathering is cherished. May your kitchen be filled with warmth, laughter, and the tantalizing aroma of this easy peasy dish, bringing family and friends together for moments that matter.
Pin this Easy Peasy recipe!
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Baked Feta Potatoes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 200C | 390F.
- Wash and cube your potatoes. Add them to a saucepan and cover with water, then bring to the boil. Par-boil the potatoes for 6-8 minutes (no more than 10), then drain and steam dry for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the potatoes to your baking dish, along with the thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper, and 2 tbsp olive oil, and stir them to coat them evenly.
- Drizzle the garlic with a little olive oil, wrap it in foil, and add to the baking dish.
- Roast the potatoes and garlic for 30 – 40 minutes until golden and crispy and almost cooked.
- Remove the potatoes from the oven and take out the garlic. Add the feta to the middle of the tray (I like to dip one side in the seasonings, then flip it over). Squeeze over half the lemon.
- Put the dish back in the oven for another 15 minutes.
- Once the garlic has cooled, squeeze the garlic out of its skins and mash with the flat of your knife. Set aside.
- Stir the garlic mixture (you could use the whole head of garlic, or 1-2 tsp mashed roasted garlic for a milder taste) and the juice of the other half of the lemon back into the potatoes along with your fresh basil, using a spoon to gently mix the roast potatoes with the baked feta.
- Drizzle over the honey and shredded basil and top the potatoes with the red chili flakes.
- Serve and enjoy!
