Baked Feta Potatoes Recipe

Baked Feta Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food mash-up: creamy roasted potatoes, tangy slabs of feta, aromatic herbs, and a hint of chili all come together in one unbelievably cozy tray bake. Imagine the sharpness of baked feta melting blissfully into golden, oven-crisped potatoes, infused with roasted garlic and a kiss of honey. Topped with fresh basil and a squeeze of lemon, this dish bursts with layers of flavor and texture that keep you coming back for just one more forkful. Whether you’re serving a crowd, planning a memorable vegetarian main, or just craving something extra special, Baked Feta Potatoes are bound to become an instant favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of kitchen staples, Baked Feta Potatoes manage to pack a powerhouse of flavor. Each ingredient is classic on its own, but when combined, they create a rustic, heartwarming dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts. Here’s everything you’ll want ready before you start roasting.

• Large baking potatoes: Starchy potatoes like russets or Maris Piper crisp up perfectly and soak up the flavors.
• Block of feta: Use authentic Greek feta for a tangy, creamy center—avoid pre-crumbled for the best texture.
• Olive oil: Choose extra-virgin for rich, fruity flavor that helps the potatoes roast to golden perfection.
• Dried thyme: Brings earthy, fragrant notes that pair beautifully with feta and potatoes.
• Dried oregano: Adds a Mediterranean warmth and a hint of brightness to the dish.
• Salt: Enhances flavors and ensures the potatoes are perfectly seasoned.
• Black pepper: Freshly ground gives a subtle bite and depth to every bite.
• Red chili flakes: Sprinkle over the top for pops of gentle heat; feel free to adjust to taste.
• Head of garlic: Roasting garlic makes it creamy and sweet—an absolute game changer here.
• Lemon: The juice brightens the finished dish and balances the creaminess with zesty freshness.
• Honey: A drizzle at the end gives the potatoes a beautiful, glossy finish and unexpected sweetness.
• Fresh basil: Torn or sliced, basil adds color and a peppery lift that really wakes up the flavors.

How to Make Baked Feta Potatoes

Step 1: Par-Boil the Potatoes

Begin by preheating your oven to 200C (390F). Wash and cube your potatoes into evenly sized pieces—this helps them cook at the same rate. Pop them into a saucepan, cover with water, and bring to a gentle boil. Let them par-boil for 6 to 8 minutes, just until they start to soften but still hold their shape. Drain well, then leave them for a couple of minutes to steam dry. This quick boil-and-dry gives you crisp edges after roasting, with a pillowy soft interior.

Step 2: Season and Start Roasting

Transfer your steam-dried potatoes into a baking dish and shower them with the dried thyme, oregano, salt, black pepper, and a generous glug of olive oil. Stir everything together so each cube is well coated—every single bite should get a little love! Take your head of garlic, drizzle lightly with olive oil, then wrap it up in foil tight like a little gift. Nestle it alongside your seasoned potatoes in the tray. Roast for 30–40 minutes or until the potatoes turn golden and nearly cooked through.

Step 3: Add the Feta and Lemon

Once your potatoes are a gorgeous golden color, pull out the tray and carefully remove the garlic. Place the whole block of feta smack in the center of your hot potato bed—if you want to get extra flavor, dip one side of the feta in the herby oil before flipping it over. Squeeze half of your lemon right over the top. Slide the pan back into the oven and roast for another 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the feta edges begin to caramelize and go slightly bubbly.

Step 4: Mix the Roasted Garlic and Basil

Give the garlic a few minutes to cool, then squeeze those glorious soft cloves out of their skins and mash them gently with the flat of your knife. Decide how much you want to stir into your potatoes—a couple teaspoons for a gentle flavor or the whole head for maximum punch. Splash in the juice from the remaining lemon half and toss in your freshly chopped basil. Use a spoon to gently swirl and fold it all together, making sure not to break the potatoes too much. Let the flavors mingle while everything is still warm.

Step 5: Finish and Top

Last but not least, drizzle your Baked Feta Potatoes with honey for an eye-catching shine and subtle sweetness, scatter with the red chili flakes for a peppery kick, and garnish generously with extra fresh basil. Serve straight from the oven—you want the feta soft, potatoes crispy, and the whole dish glistening.

How to Serve Baked Feta Potatoes

Garnishes

To really make Baked Feta Potatoes pop, go wild with fresh basil as your crown jewel. A final flourish of lemon zest, a sprinkle of cracked black pepper, and maybe a drizzle of hot honey will make your tray a true showstopper. If you love a little sharpness, slivers of pickled red onion or a dusting of za’atar can offer a fresh twist.

Side Dishes

These potatoes are fantastic flying solo, but you can turn them into a memorable meal by pairing them with vibrant salads, crusty bread for scooping, or some roasted Mediterranean veggies. They’re delicious alongside simple greens with a lemon vinaigrette or served as a decadent side for grilled chicken or fish. Every bite shines, but the whole plate feels wonderfully balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, try portioning Baked Feta Potatoes into individual ramekins for elegant, cheesy starters. Or serve family-style in a big rustic dish at the center of the table, letting everyone scoop their ideal helping. You can even stuff warm pita, add a scoop of the potatoes, and finish with a dollop of yogurt for a playful twist on classic Mediterranean street food.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have leftovers? Store your cooled Baked Feta Potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, and the feta stays surprisingly creamy, so it’s perfect for planning ahead or sneaking out a last-minute potato snack.

Freezing

While potatoes usually don’t love the freezer, these Baked Feta Potatoes hold up fairly well thanks to the protective coating of olive oil and cheese. Freeze tightly covered portions for up to one month. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, let them thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To bring these potatoes back to life, reheat them in a 180C (350F) oven for about 15 minutes, covered lightly with foil to stop the feta from drying out. For a crisper finish, you can remove the foil for the last few minutes. A quick zap in the microwave works too, but you’ll likely lose some of that signature crispness. Always garnish fresh basil after reheating for a burst of flavor.

FAQs

Can I use another type of cheese instead of feta?

If you’re not a fan of feta or just want to experiment, try creamy goat cheese, ricotta salata, or even halloumi. Just note that each cheese melts a little differently, so your Baked Feta Potatoes will have a unique twist.

Is it necessary to par-boil the potatoes?

Par-boiling helps ensure the potatoes are fluffy on the inside but crispy on the outside once baked. If you skip this step, they might take much longer to roast and may not develop the same perfectly golden crust.

Can I prepare Baked Feta Potatoes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can par-boil and season the potatoes earlier in the day, then pick up at the roasting stage just before dinner. The dish holds well, so it’s wonderfully low-stress for entertaining.

How spicy are these potatoes?

The red chili flakes bring a gentle warmth rather than overwhelming heat. If you’re sensitive to spice, cut back to a pinch or skip them. If you like it fiery, feel free to add more or even thinly sliced fresh chilis.

What kind of potatoes work best?

Starchy varieties like russet or Maris Piper yield the best results for Baked Feta Potatoes—think crispy outsides, buttery interiors. Waxy potatoes can work, but they’ll have a firmer bite and won’t soak up the flavors quite as well.

Final Thoughts

Don’t wait another day to treat yourself to the irresistible magic of Baked Feta Potatoes! With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this is one of those recipes you’ll want to return to again and again, whether for a cozy weeknight dinner or to impress friends at your next gathering. Give it a try, and let every bite take you straight to Mediterranean comfort food heaven.

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